adminWalter Mswazie in Masvingo
FORMER Herald municipal reporter Michael Chideme is the new Zimbabwe Union of Journalists president after winning a tightly contested election at a congress held at Lake Mutirikwi Shore Lodges in Masvingo. Chideme, who has been ZUJ acting president, narrowly beat Perfect Hlongwane of ZiFM when he polled 20 votes against 19 in a peaceful poll on Monday, which also saw Chronicle news editor Mkhululi Sibanda winning the first vice presidency uncontested while Foster Dongozi retained his post as secretary-general.
Chideme replaces Dumisani Sibanda from Alpha Media Holdings.
Emmanual Mavata of Berina Community Radio in Kadoma came in as the second vice president.
Former ZBC staffer Vince Mugumbate retained the position of treasurer general.
The elections were held after a court order filed by News Day reporter Blessed Mhlanga.
The elected committee members are Godfrey Mtimba of Daily News, Regis Chinga of The Mail, Oliver Karuru of ZBC-Manicaland and Brenna Matendere.
The organising secretary’s position was won by Nduduzo Tshuma of Southern Eye and Stephen Chadaya will be his deputy while the training and welfare desk will be chaired by Senzo Mpofu of StarFM with his deputy being Admore Marambanyika.
All sub-committee members won uncontested.
Speaking after the election, delegates described the process as free and fair.
“I am very happy with the way the elections were held. The process was democratically handled and the conduct was professional,” said Elias Mambo.
Richard Muponde from Southern Eye praised the delegates and candidates for conducting themselves in a manner that demonstrates a high level of maturity saying there was no harsh exchange of words.
“We are expecting the best out of the new office bearers. I am happy with the peaceful environment that was prevailing during the elections,” he said.
Chideme promised that he would work towards getting residential stands for fellow journalists in all the provinces.
“I promise I will together with my team work tirelessly in making sure the plans that I have come to fruition.
“There is the issue of residential stands and National Employment Council (NEC) for journalists,” he said adding, “That needs urgent attention and I promise during my term of office I will do something before handing over to the next person. I also promise that the issue of gender mainstreaming will come to fruition.”
Online Reporter