As the Sixth Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) International Research Conference drew to a close, the spirit of collaboration and knowledge sharing extended beyond the conference halls when the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) engaged with CUT FM to exchange ideas on campus radio broadcasting and community media.
The knowledge exchange initiative saw the National Public Relations Officer Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi for ZPCS tour the university’s campus radio station, CUT FM, to gain practical insights into the operation, programming and management of a community-based broadcasting service. The visit forms part of the Service’s preparations for the launch of The Bridge FM, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service’s radio station established at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.
The engagement reflects the growing partnership between institutions of higher learning and public institutions in advancing innovation, professional development and the sharing of best practices in line with the conference theme, “The Technology–Enterprise Nexus: Partnering for Innovation, Rural Industrialisation and Community Impact.”
During the tour, the ZPCS delegation was hosted by CUT FM Radio Producer and Head of News and Current Affairs, Tawanda Marashwa, who provided an in-depth appreciation of the station’s operations, newsroom management, content production and audience engagement strategies. He emphasised the important role that campus radio stations play in informing, educating and empowering communities while nurturing future broadcasting professionals.
The delegation also interacted with Mukundi Machengeta, popularly known on air as MK The PK, presenter of the well-known Marriage Clinic programme during the Mid-Morning Switch show. He shared practical experiences on programme presentation, audience interaction, content packaging and building listener loyalty, offering valuable lessons that will contribute to the development of impactful broadcasting at The Bridge FM.
The visit comes at an opportune time as preparations for the launch of The Bridge FM gather momentum. Broadcasting equipment has already been installed at Chikurubi Maximum Prison, while members of staff recently underwent specialised broadcasting training conducted by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe, equipping them with the technical and professional competencies required to operate the station.
The Bridge FM is expected to become a unique platform that promotes rehabilitation, education, skills development and positive social transformation by amplifying stories of hope, correction and successful reintegration. The station will also provide educational, developmental and community-centred programming that reflects the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service’s transformation agenda.
The knowledge exchange with CUT FM demonstrated the value of partnerships in strengthening institutional capacity and reaffirmed that innovation thrives when organisations willingly share expertise for the benefit of national development. As the curtains came down on the international research conference, the engagement symbolised yet another milestone in the enduring relationship between Chinhoyi University of Technology and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, united by a shared commitment to innovation, learning and building stronger communities.
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