Radio hearings expose Jonathan Moyo - Obert Mpofu turf war

The Radio licence hearings in Bulawayo today were marked with mudslinging in what has been interpreted as a bitter turf war between Zanu PF politburo members Jonathan Moyo and Obert Mpofu.

SkyZ Metro FM, fronted by playwright Cont Mhlanga and Qhubani Moyo were the first to take question from the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) and members of the public.

Mhlanga and Moyo are linked to Prof Moyo who is also Information Media and Broadcasting Services minister.

When members of the public were given a chance to grill (Qhubani) Moyo who was speaking on behalf of the station, Zanu PF youths made personal attacks on Mhlanga.

One of the Zanu PF youths from Bulawayo and linked to Mpofu, Maqhawe Sibanda accused Mhlanga of mismanaging Amakhosi Cultural Centre to a point where the facility was turned into a long distance bus rank.

Amakhosi allowed buses plying the Victoria Falls route to rank in the property following incidents of muggings along the Victoria Falls highway at night.

Another Zanu PF youth said Mhlanag could not be trusted as he abandoned the people of Lupane who had voted him as councillor years back.

Mhlanga did not respond to the allegations but Moyo said they expected the attacks alleging that the youths could have been bought to derail their bid.

The second presenters were Skies FM linked to Mpofu and the Zanu PF youths made contributions in support of the station.

"This is a clear case of rented crowds," said an official. "Those youths tore into Mhlanga like they had received prior instruction to do so. When it came to Mpofu's station, they supported the station despite a number of blunders by its presenters."