Patience Makwele
The Adventist World Radio (AWR) Namibia and the Namibia North Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church are strengthening the role of AWR-Zambezi as a community information platform aimed at improving access to local news, education, health information and public awareness programmes in the Zambezi region.
Representatives from AWR Namibia and the Namibia North Conference introduced the station’s services to the Office of the Zambezi regional Governor during a courtesy visit on Thursday, highlighting its role in providing locally relevant content and engaging communities on issues affecting their daily lives.
AWR-Zambezi provides programming focused on information sharing, education, development matters and faith-based content, with the aim of reaching communities across the region.
AWR Namibia country director Annette Mabuka said while the organisation’s primary mission is centred on spreading the gospel, the radio platform also seeks to respond to broader community needs.
“While our primary mission is to proclaim the Gospel and prepare people for the second coming of Christ, we are equally committed to addressing the needs and well-being of the communities we serve,” Mabuka said.
She said access to reliable information remains an important part of community development, particularly in areas where residents need timely updates on issues affecting their lives.
Zambezi Governor Dorothy Kabula welcomed the continued presence of AWR-Zambezi, saying community-based media platforms play an important role in ensuring information reaches residents.
“Communities, that’s where they go and they share whatever they want to. So I’m happy to have that also in the region,” Kabula said.
She said the station could complement existing media platforms by providing another avenue for residents to access information and engage on local issues.
“Although we already have NBC and other media outlets, this is our own local community radio. Thank you for coming to share this information with us. It is truly impressive,” she said.
The Governor also commended the Seventh-day Adventist Church for its support to communities during times of need, recalling its assistance to flood victims earlier this year.
“When we experienced the floods, your church came and contributed to assisting the flood victims,” she said.
She further praised the work of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), describing it as a valued partner in humanitarian support and community development.
“I know ADRA under the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They are very caring when it comes to supporting communities,” she said.
For some residents, the value of community radio lies in its ability to provide information while preserving local voices and reaching audiences beyond traditional media platforms.
Nasilele Maswahu, a resident of the Zambezi, said having another radio platform was important but stressed that it should focus on issues affecting ordinary people.
“It is good to have another radio platform in the region but the most important thing is that it must speak about issues affecting ordinary people. We need information about services, health, education and emergencies in languages that communities understand. A community radio station should give people a voice not only broadcast to them,” Maswahu said.
She said Adventist World Radio has already made an impact in many households through its faith-based and educational programmes.
“My parents back home never miss the evening Bible study programmes. The programmes also help children learn without relying only on television. However, one challenge is that these impactful programmes are competing with the rise of mobile phones,” she said.
Maswahu encouraged parents to manage children’s screen time and continue exposing them to educational content available through radio.
“As parents, we need to reduce phone time and allow our children to learn through radio like we did. They have many programmes designed for children,” she said.
The continued focus on community broadcasting comes as the Zambezi region faces challenges requiring effective communication channels, including flooding, public health concerns and awareness of government programmes.
AWR-Zambezi station manager Memory Muketela said the station aims to provide content that responds to community needs while creating opportunities for residents to share their experiences and concerns.
Community radio has increasingly been recognised as an important tool for reaching audiences at local level, particularly in areas where access to timely information can influence how communities respond during emergencies and development initiatives.
AWR-Zambezi forms part of Adventist World Radio’s broader network of radio services, using broadcasting and digital platforms to provide educational, health and community-focused programming.
Stakeholders say collaboration between media organisations, authorities and communities will remain important in ensuring residents have access to accurate, relevant and timely information.
