Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
THE Christian College of Southern Africa (CCOSA) has produced more than 60 percent of Zimbabwe’s media practitioners over the past five decades, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Dr Omphile Marupi said on Saturday.
Dr Marupi made the remarks as CCOSA celebrated 50 years of training journalists, leaders and public servants under the theme, “Celebrating 50 Years of Training Leaders in Journalism”.
He said Government has consistently relied on CCOSA graduates to serve in the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), Government institutions and diplomatic missions because the college produces competent, work-ready professionals.
“I am delighted to highlight that at least 60 percent of all media practitioners in Zimbabwe have passed through,” he said.
“CCOSA is a 50-year-old, strong brand of journalism that has produced not only journalists but leaders in mass media houses, ZBC, Government institutions, and even ambassadors.”
He cited alumni such as ZBC director of Radio Services, Albert Chekayi and Zimbabwe union of Journalists (ZUJ) Secretary General Mr Perfect Hlongwane as proof of that pipeline.
In this regard, Deputy Minister Marupi said that the presence of COSSA and the embrace of Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn training have kept graduates current.
In her sentiment, Christian College of Southern Africa executive director Mrs Margaret Mbizvo said the institution treats students as nation-builders and gives opportunities to those sidelined by war.
“We are affirming a tradition where each milestone attained becomes the foundation upon which futures, institutions and indeed nations are built,” she said.
“This institution is not simply a place of learning. It is a beacon, a pioneer, a sanctuary of intellectual vigor and moral clarity.”
Bongani Ndlovu