Online Reporter
Mathew Masinge
VETERAN broadcaster Reuben Barwe turned religious yesterday and likened himself to the Biblical Israelites saying that after a 40-year struggle he has now emerged from the wilderness.
Barwe, who is marking 40 years in broadcasting, made the comments after receiving his Toyota Land Cruiser VXR at Faramatsi Motors in Harare.
He was gifted the brand new SUV by businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
He also got a US$100 000 cash bonus for his contribution to the local media landscape.
“I am celebrating 40 years in the industry and, just like the children of Israel who took four decades to see their freedom, I am also coming out of my wilderness.
“To Sir Wicknell, thank you so much for this gift, your philanthropic mind has uplifted a lot of Zimbabweans. I have received this after 40 years and others have received it sooner.
“This man has changed our lives and taught us that Zimbabweans can uplift each other,” said Barwe.
He added: “He has been gifting a number of people including artists, religious and business people.
“I will be a better person with this new vehicle, thank you Sir Wicknell from the bottom of my heart.”
He urged journalists to be passionate about their work.
“When Zimbabwe was sanctioned in 2000, I was among the six journalists who were on the list, this gift is a badge of honour for telling the Zimbabwean story.
“I have seen it all, safeguarded the country after it was demonised, covered the wars around Africa and have been truthful to my duties,” he said. The veteran journalist also thanked President Mnangagwa for the new media policy saying it gives journalists a new direction to report about the country.
Mathew Masinge