Skyz Metro FM in tribal storm

BULAWAYO'S Skyz Metro FM shortlist of 50 prospective workers has caused a social media frenzy with tribal selection claims surfacing.

The radio station released the list at the weekend after interviewed more than 400 people last week.

Their Facebook followers claimed that the selection seemed to have favoured Ndebele speaking people and one Baba Chichi Nyamandi ignited the debate.

He wrote :  "Haaaa moyo to be honest with you apa watora vekwako chete.mashona hapana. this is not balanced. if we keep quite it will be unfair"

He added "8 Shona out of 50 Ndebeles aaaaa Noyo that's not balanced".

Nyamandi's concern prompted Godwin Phiri, one of the station officials to respond saying :  "Nyamandi this was not a census but a talent search exercise conducted among those who came for the Auditions, tribe was not a criteria and the need to do a tribal balance never arose.

"All we saw were young enthusiastic Zimbabweans most of them residing in Bulawayo who turned out to try their luck. Amhlophe to those who made it nd we believe those that did not will confirm that it was a fair exercise.

And guys please note there is no quota system, it's your talent finish and klaar,'.

Nkosi Tshuma added his voice "Bottom factor is that for the first time ever the Ndebele people are getting what they have always deserved but the Mashona who have literally taken over most of Matabeleland have been closing doors on the locals.

He added, "Godwin no matter how you try to close it thina sithabile and look at it that way nxa sebe siqalise."

Leslie Phiri weigned in saying  "Nyamandi  what do u mean when you say its not balanced? And which tribe was left out? Coz looking at that SHORTLIST I see Shona (11 not 8), Ndebele, Kalanga, Sotho and even Venda Surnames so which tribe was left out?."

From the shortlisted, only 16 will be taken on board as DJs, newsreaders, talk hosts and ordinary presenters.

The station could be on air by September.