‘Pedestrian Content’: Jacob Mudenda Criticises Star FM And ZTV

National Assembly Speaker Jacob Mudenda has criticised ZTV and Star FM over the quality of their programming, arguing that some broadcasts do little to promote Zimbabwe’s image and cultural heritage.

Mudenda made the remarks in Bulawayo on Thursday, 29 October 2026, while addressing participants at the 2027 Pre-Budget Seminar. He questioned the standard of some radio programmes and called for greater responsibility among broadcasters.

Jacob Mudenda Criticises Star FM And ZTV Content

Mudenda singled out Star FM, saying some of its programmes lacked constructive content.

Reflecting on what he listens to while travelling home, he said:

“You listen to Star FM when I’m driving home, pedestrian content. Not constructive to the image of Zimbabwe, to say the least.”

He also expressed concern about the language used by some presenters. Mudenda argued that broadcasters should understand the responsibility that comes with communicating to a national audience.

“There are certain words you cannot use in the public domain, and you must respect the listeners accordingly,” he said.

Mudenda Calls For Indigenous Languages On Zimbabwean Radio

The Speaker believes national broadcasters should do more to promote Zimbabwe’s cultural identity.

“ZTV and our radio should be used to brand Zimbabwe,” he said, encouraging presenters to embrace the country’s indigenous languages.

Mudenda stressed the importance of language in preserving national identity.

“Language defines our dignity. Language defines our identity,” he said.

He called on the Ministries of Education and Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture to introduce policies encouraging the proper use and promotion of indigenous languages.

Mudenda warned that Zimbabwe could lose an important part of its cultural heritage if nothing changed.

“Otherwise, in the next 50 years we will have no identity at all,” he said.

His remarks have placed the role of public broadcasters and the preservation of indigenous languages at the centre of the discussion about Zimbabwe’s cultural future.