Evidence Chipadza
As part of inclusion measures, AB Communications is set to employ persons with disabilities as it seeks to diversify its employment pool.
This was revealed at a radio engagement meeting organized by AB Communications at Village Lodge in Gweru, to create awareness on the operations of AB Communications and how the media stable is positioned to provide solutions for its membership.
The engagement meeting was attended by various stakeholders including civic society organizations and several government departments.
AB Communications Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Benson Mbewe said plans for employing persons with disabilities are in place even though the 98.4 building was not yet user-friendly.
“We are not discriminating and we are very aware of inclusion issues. Our policy deals with that. In Harare, we have managed to employ persons with albinism. We take issues of disability seriously. At the recent disability expo, we are the only radio station that was broadcasting live for free,” he said.
Precious Mutumwa a Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCOZ) representative with disabilities urged 98.4 to fast track inclusion of persons with disabilities so that the plight of the disabled community is heard.
“We normally work with Central radio because there is Mcebisi Phiri who has a disability and he understands us because we are in the same situation. 98.4 should do the same,” said Mutumwa.
On the other hand, Peter Dube, from Jointed Hands Welfare Organization (JAHWO) who was representing the National Association of Non-Governmental Organization (NANGO) applauded AB Communications for giving back to the community through information provision and partnering with the Midlands community.
“AB Communications has done a lot in terms of giving our community information that is relevant through radio. They have made a huge investment in the community. The radio has given us a platform we can use to reach out to the communities,” said Dube.
