On February 1, 2012, the Honorable Minister for Information, Communications and Technology (ICT), Senator Winnie K. Magagula, urged members of staff at the Swaziland Broadcasting and Information Services (SBIS) to avoid temptation at corrupt practises and to entrench the culture of timely arrival to the workplace in order for the radio station to improve. Minister Magagula made the statement when she met  staff and explored the institution’s facilities.

The Minister also got the opportunity see the voices behind the microphone when she visited both the English and Siswati broadcast studios. She toured the station’s library, newsroom and the new recording studio that is still under construction. Magagula, whose Ministry is also responsible for communications infrastructure and licensing also viewed the premises of the Regulatory Unit. The Communications Bill which will give birth to an independent regulator for the communications sector is presently at Parliament.The Minister further urged SBIS to ensure that content is always fresh, entertaining, and relevant. Making reference to Government’s overall vision and to the present economic challenges, Minister Magagula noted that while the station had a social responsibility, government also expected it to generate revenue.

Warning broadly against corrupt practices, she also warned staff that this not only meant the theft of large amounts of money or equipment, but also the abuse of resources.   In response, News Editor Gcinangaye Tsabedze said the Minister’s visit made them feel appreciated and special. She drew the Minister’s attention to some of challenges they faced, including the lack of transport, tools and adequate staff. She highlighted that the lack of transport, for example led to the late arrival to assignments, which impacted the image of the station as well as the quality of content. She pleaded for the Ministry’s urgent attention so the station’s overall performance would improve.

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