THE Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC)’s new radio station, Luzibo FM is set to deliver educational programming in line with the heritage-based education curriculum.
The station, located at ZBC’s Montrose studios in Bulawayo, is the product of a collaborative effort between ZBC, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and UNICEF. It will primarily broadcast radio lessons and edutainment content targeting learners across Zimbabwe.
“This one is an educational radio station. Anything to do with education involves the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education as a stakeholder, and our partners, UNICEF, as well. This channel will be educational-based. Once we talk of education, remember we are referring to the heritage-based curriculum, and that is what we are focusing on,” ZBC Director of Radio Services, Mr Albert Chekayi said.
The name “Luzibo”, which means “knowledge”, was chosen for its representation of Zimbabwe’s cultural and linguistic diversity.
It resonates across multiple local languages, including Kalanga, Nambya, Tonga, Shona, Venda, and Sotho.
“Zimbabwe is a rich country in cultural diversity, and Luzibo simply means knowledge. And it is Luzibo in Kalanga, Nambya, Tonga, it is Ruzivo in Shona, and our payoff line is ‘Amasiko, Imfundo, Ulwazi,’ which is our culture, education, and knowledge. You can also go to Venda and Sotho, they’ve almost the same way of pronouncing Luzibo, and just on its own, it covers seven languages, just one name, that’s why we came up with that name,” Mr Chekayi said.
Luzibo FM will be accessible on FM radio and Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), enhancing its reach beyond traditional platforms.
The launch of Luzibo FM comes as part of ZBC’s broader efforts to diversify content offerings.
It adds to the Corporation’s growing portfolio, which includes national stations: Classic 263, Power FM, Radio Zimbabwe, and National FM, as well as community stations like Khulumani FM in Bulawayo and Central Radio in Gweru.
