President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed a new seven-member Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) board to serve a four-year term.
The appointment was confirmed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana.
The newly appointed board members are Tendai Jennifer Mandizvidza, Godfrey Mutobaya, Magna Mudyiwa, Caroline Makoni, Cloud Nyamundanda, Vengai Rushwaya, also known as Chief Serima, and Prime Kufakunesu.
The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe is the statutory regulator responsible for overseeing the country’s broadcasting sector.
Mutobaya is the current Chief Executive Officer of the Lotteries and Gaming Board, while Mudyiwa is a ZANU PF politician and former Deputy Minister.
Mudyiwa previously chaired the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Labour and represented Mudzi West in Parliament.
Kufakunesu is a pastor who previously served as spokesperson for the United Family International Church (UFIC), a Chitungwiza-based church founded by Emmanuel Makandiwa.
The BAZ is responsible for regulating Zimbabwe’s broadcasting sector. Its functions include licensing broadcasting services and broadcasters in accordance with the law, regulating and monitoring broadcasting services to ensure compliance with applicable legislation, and developing and enforcing broadcasting standards and codes of conduct.
The authority also monitors the content and operations of licensed broadcasters, promotes diversity and plurality in broadcasting, and oversees the allocation and use of broadcasting frequencies in coordination with relevant authorities.
The BAZ further advises the Government on matters relating to broadcasting and the development of the broadcasting sector, while ensuring that the public interest is taken into account in the regulation of broadcasting services.
Pindula News/Staff Writer