Young Journalists Association (YOJA) President Mlondolozi Ndlovu has called for the government of Zimbabwe to open airwaves for community radio stations in the country ahead of World Press Freedom day to be celebrated on Friday.
In an Interview with Zim Morning Post, Ndlovu said freedom of expression and access to information is the cornerstone of all rights that must be enjoyed by every citizen.
“YOJA regards the freedom of expression and access to information as the cornerstone of all rights that must be enjoyed by every citizen. We urge the government to free the airwaves and move away from pluralism without diversity , we call upon the government to open the airwaves community radio players in the country,” he said.
Community Radio Harare (CORAH FM) Director Givemore Chipere said that there was nothing to celebrate as communities are still being deprived of accessing information through community radio stations.
“There is nothing to celebrate on this day, World Press Freedom Day should be celebrated in a community where people are able to access information but it is unfortunate that our communities are being deprived that right, we call upon the government to free the airwaves,” opined Chipere.
In November 2018 , government hinted that they were plans to issue licences to community radio stations anytime this year.
Zimbabwe has no community radio station operating since independence unlike other Southern Africa countries.
This years theme is Regional and Continental Instruments key to legal Media Reforms.
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