21 Mar 2017

The Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) and Voice of America (VOA) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) enabling VOA to continue broadcasting its content to its targeted audience around Africa, from Selebi Phikwe.

The VOA station will continue transmitting with analogue and digital technology that include satellite and multiple high speed internet provided by local service providers.

Speaking at an occasion to celebrate the renewal of the agreement, United States of America Ambassador in Botswana, Mr Earl Miller said the MoA signified strong and enduring partnership between the two countries.

He said Botswana granted the US government rights to broadcast from Botswana roughly 12km from Selebi Phikwe in 1992.

He said VOA has been serving the world with messages of truth, hope and inspiration since 1942. He said VOA was a dynamic broadcast international multimedia broadcast servicing more than 40 languages with an estimated weekly global audience of almost 237 million.

VOA provides news and information and cultural programming through the internet, global social media, radio and television and it is funded by the US government through the broadcasting board of governors.

Mr Miller also stated that since its inception in 1942, VOA had been a powerful tool that the USA used to combat Nazi propaganda with accurate, unbiased news and information.

He commended the establishment of the VOA facility, adding that the station represents freedom of information and best democratic principles and ideals.

For his part, DBS deputy permanent secretary, Mr Bome Matshaba acknowledged the signing of the agreement. Mr Matshaba said Botswana and the USA government first entered into the MoA in 1985.

“The agreement was for the construction and maintenance of radio transmitting facility in Botswana. Through the agreement VOA transmits to its audience in Southern Africa and Central Africa through medium wave and short wave transmitters,” he said.

He expressed belief that the station benefitted its targeted audience in terms of getting vital information so that they could uplift their livelihood and to enlighten themselves.

He said for Botswana it has brought benefits not only in terms of rental, but also in terms of training engineers at the Department of Broadcasting Services on issues of broadcasting operations and maintenance of radio transmitters.

He said the latest renewal of MoA affirmed strong ties that existed between Botswana and USA governments.

“For the Botswana government and broadcasting services in particular, it is our hope the training of engineers will continue,” he said.

Selebi Phikwe mayor, Mr Amogelang Mojuta appreciated VOA for setting up in Botswana and precisely near Selebi Phikwe.

MrMojuta said VOA can play a role in revitalising the economy of Selebi Phikwe after the BCL Mine closure. ENDS