The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every citizen has access to accurate, timely and reliable information as the nation moves from the First National Development Strategy (NDS1) into NDS2. This renewed pledge was highlighted during the National Broadcasters’ Strategic Planning Workshop currently taking place in Mutoko, where the national broadcaster’s leadership is outlining its direction for the next five years.
For the next five days, ZBC board members and senior management will engage in extensive strategic discussions aimed at strengthening the broadcaster’s role in national development.
Speaking at the strategic workshop, ZBC Board Chairperson, Ms Helliate Rushwaya, emphasised that the organisation is determined to build on the progress made under NDS1, where ZBC played a pivotal part in informing the public about key national programmes.
“We are here in Mutoko strategising on how we are placing ourselves as a critical player as the nation transitions from NDS1 to NDS2. We want to make sure we respond to its aspirations by taking information to the people,” she said.
ZBC CEO, Mr Sugar Chagonda, echoed similar sentiments, underscoring that the broadcaster is already preparing its systems and platforms to support the implementation of NDS2.
“As a national broadcaster and a critical player in the broadcasting ecosystem, we are already testing our machinery as we prepare for NDS2 because we don’t want anyone to be starved of what is happening around the country. We should also make sure we support all government programs as the government moves to transform lives under its development agenda,” he said.
The strategic workshop follows the completion of ZBC’s customer satisfaction survey, which offered valuable insight into public expectations. These findings will guide improvements in programming, content delivery and audience engagement.
“We want to ensure we get to every corner of Zimbabwe, bringing quality programming as we leave no one and no place behind,” Ms Rushwaya said.
Mr Chagonda also acknowledged the evolving media landscape, noting that ZBC must remain competitive in an era where multiple news outlets coexist.
“We are seized with coming up with programs that answer the expectations of our people, bearing in mind that gone are the days when ZBC was the only source of news,” he added.
With the government recently gazetting the Broadcasting Amendment Act, the decisions and strategies adopted in Mutoko will play a crucial role in shaping Zimbabwe’s broadcasting future. As the nation enters the NDS2 era, ZBC’s commitment to expanding its reach and strengthening content quality positions it as a central pillar in the country’s information ecosystem.
