Govt Demands Results, Sets Focus on Digital Broadcasting

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda has called for measurable results in Government communication as his Ministry reviews its strategic priorities and accelerates broadcasting digitisation.

Officially opening the Ministry’s Strategic Plan Review Workshop in Gweru, Dr Soda urged officials to assess their readiness to deliver in an increasingly digital and competitive information environment.

“As we prepare for the 2027 strategic review, we must ask ourselves: are we equipped to fulfil our mandate in an increasingly digital, fast-moving and competitive information environment?” he said.

“Our answer must be evident in measurable results, not simply in the plans we produce.”

The workshop seeks to assess the Ministry’s performance, identify emerging challenges and agree on its strategic direction for 2027 and beyond.

Dr Soda said communication was central to governance, development and nation-building, enabling citizens to access information and understand programmes intended to improve their lives.

“The Ministry connects Government policy with citizens, national aspirations with local experience, and Zimbabwe with the international community,” he said.

He said the Ministry’s vision of disseminating Zimbabwean information globally in real time must guide its programmes, platforms, publications, broadcasts and engagements in support of Vision 2030.

“We are called to contribute to nation-building through communication that is accurate, timely, credible and focused on development,” Dr Soda said.

Providing an overview of the Ministry’s priorities, Permanent Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana said the digitisation project had entered an accelerated phase, with more transmitters being rolled out.

He said the Ministry aims to increase broadcasting coverage to 56 percent by the end of 2027 and complete digitisation in 2028, targeting coverage across the country.

On radio, Mr Mangwana said national coverage was expected to reach 80 percent by the end of this year and 90 percent in the first quarter of 2027.

He said the Ministry hoped to achieve 100 percent radio coverage by the end of 2028.