Dumisani Madhlome
In a significant step towards enhancing the field of journalism in Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Journalism Educators Network (ZJEN) was officially launched at Great Zimbabwe University’s Herbert Chitepo School of Law in Masvingo on the 15th of June 2024. The landmark event brought together esteemed educators, media professionals, and journalists for a historical development for journalism training from across the country.
The launch of the Zimbabwe Journalism Educators Network signifies a new chapter in journalism education in the country. With its commitment to excellence, collaboration, and the advancement of the profession, ZJEN is poised to make a lasting impact on the future of journalism in Zimbabwe.
The groundbreaking event, which was graced by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana, the Vice Chancellor of Great Zimbabwe University, Professor Rungano Zvobgo, and representatives from diplomatic missions, media stakeholders and various media training institutions, gave birth to a vital resource for aiding journalism education in the country.
The inclusion of renowned journalists, editors, and media executives who shared their insights and experiences with the audience, stressing the need for continuous professional development and the importance of ethical reporting in today’s fast-paced media landscape marked the participatory democracy in journalism’s public sphare.
In his remarks guest of honour, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Nicky Mangwana, emphasisised the importance of journalism education. He applauded Mr Maunganidze for spearheading this important initiative.
“Grounded media training in line with Education 5.0 principles is essential to producing well equipped graduates with the skills and knowledge for the media industry.
“There is need to educate journalists to curb rampant circulation of misinformation and disinformation which erode the quality and integrity of professional Journalism across the world. Media is power in the world which maintain peace and tranquility, so we must enhance quality journalism education criteria to overrule new media industry,” said Permanent Secretary.
Vice Chancellor for Great Zimbabwe University, Professor Rungano Zvobgo said that it was an honour and a privilege for Great Zimbabwe University to host the launch of ZIJEN. He said GZU has pioneered innovative approaches to journalism education such as launching the first-ever campus radio station in the country.
He stressed the importance of practical training for journalists.
“Journalism need much practice for journalists to gain more experience for professional development in new journalism industry where Artificial intelligence and citizen journalism become vigorous, disrupting journalistic values and norms. As the University we educate students practical modules and give them an opportunity to expreince themselves on attachment for the whole year on campus radio station”, said Prof Zvodgo.
“The launch of ZJEN marks a new era of collaboration and support among journalism educators in Zimbabwe,” he added.
As part of its mission, ZJEN aims to provide a platform for educators to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collaborate on research projects. The network will also facilitate training programs, workshops, and conferences to improve the quality of journalism education in Zimbabwe.
A brainchild of GZU Campus Radio Director and Media Lecturer, Mr Golden Maunganidze, who is the President of ZIJEN, expressed his excitement at the launch of ZIJEN saying the presence of such an institution was long overdue in Zimbabwe.
“ZIJEN aims to usher in a new era of excellence in media training. The formation of the network will help shape the media environment in the country,” said Maunganidze.
“Journalism plays a crucial role in any society, and it is essential that we equip aspiring journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their careers,” stated Maunganidze.
Linda Mujuru, Vice President of ZIJEN and a lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, shared her joy at the launch of the organization and her vision to ensure a safer working environment for female journalists.
“I am so happy seeing Woman being included in democratic process of Journalism where female journalists are given a safer working environment in both public and vertical spheres of Journalism”, she said.
The event also featured mesages of solidarity from key media stakeholders, strategic partners, media scholars and diplomatic missions.
The launch of ZJEN in Masvingo marks the beginning of a nationwide initiative to strengthen journalism education in Zimbabwe.
Aspiring journalists attending the launch event expressed their excitement about the opportunities that ZJEN will bring.
“Having a network of journalism educators will not only enhance our learning experience but also provide us with mentorship and guidance as we start our careers.
“I am confident that ZJEN will play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of journalists in Zimbabwe,” said Tapiwa Moyo, a final-year Media and Cultural Studies student at the Great Zimbabwe University.
