Online Reporter
Zimpapers writers
A Zimpapers senior reporter’s on-the-scene video report of a devastating house fire in Bulawayo’s Burnside suburb has unexpectedly gone viral, captivating an audience far beyond the traditional readership. The impromptu footage, chronicling the destructive blaze, has amassed over 80 000 views on the Chronicle Zimbabwe Facebook page, turning Sikhumbuzo Moyo into an online sensation.
Moyo was among the first journalists on the scene on Monday afternoon, where the Bulawayo Fire Brigade, under the command of Chief Fire Officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo, battled to contain a fierce blaze that had engulfed a family home. The inferno reduced household possessions to ash and a vehicle in the garage to a charred shell. The property’s owners, Mr and Mrs Rowlands, were reportedly on holiday in Switzerland at the time of the fire.
“Upon arriving at the burning house, we quickly assessed the scene to determine the extent of the damage. Being a human being first and reporter second, it was just impossible not to feel that inner voice whispering, ‘what if this had befallen any of my relatives or those close to me?’”
The journalist said he was struck by the tragic irony of the situation.
“In my mind, I pictured how the Rowlands must have felt, receiving that call while likely soaking in the breathtaking Alpine scenery and enjoying Swiss hospitality. Shattering! Standing there, the heat from the flames searing my skin and the acrid smoke burning my throat, I felt the weight of the Rowlands’ loss.”
Moyo recounted the raw emotion of the scene, describing neighbours standing frozen in shock, some praying as firefighters worked tirelessly.
“For a moment, my notebook felt heavy, almost out of place. It’s in scenes like this that you realise journalism isn’t just about recording facts; it’s about carrying people’s pain and translating it into words that others can feel. These are not everyday assignments; they linger long after the last ember dies out,” he said.
Recognising the power of visual storytelling, Moyo decided to create a short video report with the help of his colleague, Nomalisa Gumpo. He admitted that it took about four “cut, cut!” moments “before we came up with the final product,” a snippet of unscripted, on-the-ground reporting that has since resonated with tens of thousands of viewers.
“It’s humbling to see the response. At the end of the day, it’s about bringing the story closer to the people, even if it means a few bloopers along the way,” Moyo reflected.
The video’s unexpected popularity was met with a wave of reactions across social media, where users were quick to share their thoughts on the reporter’s performance, appearance, and overall delivery. While many found the content engaging, the candid nature of the footage sparked widespread critique, particularly aimed at the reporter.
A significant number of viewers questioned Moyo’s credentials, expressing disbelief that he held the title of “senior reporter.” Comments likened his performance to that of an intern or someone new to the profession, with users such as Anaph Styles, Susan SC, Edwin Jaulani, Ashely Sibbs, Crispen Moyo, Gwinyai Shoko, and Peter Johns echoing the sentiment. Melusi Moyo remarked, “Senior reporter reporting like an intern,” capturing the general tone of the feedback.
The reporter’s vocal delivery became a focal point of criticism. His frequent stammering, hesitation, and repetitive use of filler phrases like “eh eh” were widely mocked. Sandra Mutambakwero’s succinct comment, “Eh eh hayi cut,” and Naboth Teerah Jnr’s mimicry of his speech pattern highlighted the frustration and amusement felt by many. Trust Maguta and Cavin Mhlanga pointed out his lack of confidence and poor articulation.
Many felt that Moyo’s tone and style were incongruent with the gravity of the story he was covering. Praise Nkala noted the mismatch, saying, “It’s a sad story. But the senior reporter ehh makes it funnyehhh,” and David Kin added that the delivery made the report seem more like a joke than serious journalism.
His attire also came under scrutiny, with viewers deeming it inappropriate for a professional setting. The Day Star commented, “Senior reporter must dress professionally, it’s a Monday not a Sunday,” a view supported by Thabo Ndhlovu and Lucas Dube. Christopher Shanu described the outfit as “ama jaivama dress code,” suggesting it was more suited to a casual gathering than a news report.
Further criticism was directed at Moyo’s accent and language choice. Some viewers found his pronunciation amusing, while others suggested that reporting in a local language such as Ndebele or Shona might have helped him avoid the stammering. Blujay Winston questioned whether all Zimbabweans spoke in such a manner, and Mhlaseli Sibangani Mpofu asked, Angakhuluma ngesintu kungaphela ukugagasa kambe? wondering if switching to a native tongue would improve his fluency.
Finally, doubts were raised about his reporting technique. Some speculated that he might have been reading from a script, with Nkanyezi Frank Vigilant asking, “Was the reporter reading from somewhere yini?” Charles Ndlovu went further, questioning whether Moyo was more of a “Tik-Tok reporter” than a traditional journalist, casting doubt on the professionalism and authenticity of his approach.
While the online debate raged over journalistic standards and performance, the tragic incident itself has prompted a much-needed community discussion about fire safety. In a separate interview, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) spokesperson, Mrs Amkela Sidange, highlighted the ongoing risk, telling Moyo that the country has recorded 419 fire incidents that have destroyed over 116 000 hectares of land since the start of this year’s fire season.
“Although this is lower than what we had recorded during the same period last year, when we had 1 856 fire incidents that went on to destroy over 490 000 hectares of land, it does not mean we need to relax. We need to increase alertness as temperatures pick up, the environment dries up, and also the prevailing windy conditions all call for undivided alertness to fires by everyone” Mrs Sidange said.
