Source: US$10 million set aside for content creation – herald
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
A staggering US$10 million has been allocated for content creation as part of efforts to expand the national broadcaster’s television and radio stations, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere has announced.
Dr Muswere revealed this whilst officiating at a ZBC stakeholder engagement workshop currently taking place in Harare.
He stated that the availability of enabling legislative and policy frameworks now places the responsibility on producers to create a sustainable media industry rooted in ethics, ethos, and honest content.
The Minister mentioned that the workshop aims to gather ideas that will contribute to a framework for content creators within the broadcasting ecosystem, enabling them to further heritage-based broadcasting.
Dr Muswere also noted that all local content producers are set to benefit from the fund. Additionally, plans are underway to hold pre-budget seminars aimed at establishing content hubs in all of the country’s 10 provinces, which will be utilised by filmmakers, musicians, and other stakeholders in the media industry.
He added that a Film Policy is in the pipeline, alongside a National Language Policy, which is expected to be presented to Cabinet in the first quarter of this year.
“The National Arts Council has a database of 3 500 registered players, and it is now upon the Council, independent producers, and many others to generate content that we can all be proud of.
“In broadcasting, viewership follows content. For us to succeed in creating a new and viable film industry, the foundation lies in the capacitation of the public broadcaster. I can confidently assure you all that part of the public broadcaster’s budget for 2026 includes an equivalent of US$10 million for content producers.
“We cannot have all citizens of Zimbabwe contributing to the public broadcaster if we do not have Zimbabwean players, producers, musicians, and filmmakers benefiting from these funds.
“This aligns with the aspirations outlined last year in ZBC’s strategic plan, and it is now up to all filmmakers and content producers to entertain, educate, and inform the people of Zimbabwe as well as the international community about what we have achieved as we journey towards becoming an upper-middle-income society,” he said.
ZBC chief executive Mr Sugar Chagonda said the public broadcaster is ready to collaborate with all stakeholders.
“The public broadcaster is ready to work with everyone. We want to hear from you, we want to work and grow with you. Let us all tell Zimbabwe’s story together,” he said.
COMMENTS