Online Reporter
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE media must embrace new technologies to improve storytelling and expand their reach as digital tools are essential for covering Zimbabwe’s fast-evolving mining sector, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the ministry’s Director of Media Services, Mr George Chisoko, at the 12th edition of the Mining Media Awards in Harare on Friday, Dr Muswere said journalists must adapt to modern platforms to remain effective.
“As new technologies transform both the media and mining industries, we must embrace innovation in how we tell these stories,” he said.
“Digital platforms, data journalism and multimedia storytelling now offer fresh ways to reach broader audiences.
“Let us use these tools to showcase Zimbabwe’s mining renaissance to the world — a story rooted in growth, sustainability and opportunity.” Dr Muswere praised mining journalists for their role in fostering transparency, promoting accountability and highlighting opportunities in one of the country’s key economic sectors.
“The media serves as both a mirror and a catalyst — reflecting progress while stimulating dialogue and accountability,” he added.
“It is through balanced and factual reporting that we build investor confidence, promote good governance and encourage transparency in resource management.
“We, therefore, commend journalists who dedicate their craft to covering mining and economic development. Their work demands not only technical understanding but also courage, diligence and ethical responsibility.
“The stories they tell — of growth, sustainability and transformation — help us all to see the bigger picture of Zimbabwe’s journey toward inclusive prosperity.”
Dr Muswere urged the mining industry to continue engaging openly with the media, saying transparency was essential to a responsible and globally competitive sector.
Addressing the same event, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Zhou Ding, outlined how investment from the Asian economic giant in mining was contributing significantly to Zimbabwe’s growth, employment and sustainability. He said more than 1 000 Chinese companies had registered with the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) in the past three years, with mining enterprises accounting for a significant share.
“Chinese investment translates into jobs, tax revenue and human resource development,” he said. “The numbers speak volumes: according to ZIDA, over 1 000 new Chinese companies have registered here in the past three years, a significant portion is in mining.
“Overall, China-Zimbabwe trade and investment supports the livelihoods of over a million Zimbabweans, with more than half of this impact stemming from mining.”
He said investors like Dinson Steel, Huayou and Sinomine each employed thousands locally. “They are actively training employees, transferring technology and introducing advanced extraction and processing solutions,” he added.
“Their partnerships with vocational colleges in both countries are building vital human capital for Zimbabwe’s sustainable mining future.”
Ambassador Zhou highlighted large-scale community and infrastructure projects, including plans by Dinson to develop a new town in Mvuma for 10 000 residents, and investments of more than US$100 million in roads, clinics, boreholes and schools by members of the Chamber of Chinese Enterprises in Zimbabwe.
Ambassador Zhou acknowledged challenges in the mining sector, but warned against misinformation.
“Mining is inherently complex, and balancing extraction with environmental protection and community interests is a global challenge,” he said.
The Chinese Embassy, he said, consistently urges all Chinese companies operating in Zimbabwe to strictly comply with local laws, minimise their environmental footprint and work hand in hand with communities.
“No partnership is perfect,” he said. “In discussing China-Zimbabwe mining cooperation, we should neither offer only praise nor focus solely on shortcomings.
“Certain narratives, based on unverified information, consistently and desperately smear Chinese enterprises.
“As we look into their allegations against Chinese enterprises, we have found that over 80 percent of them are exaggerated or fabricated, designed to incite xenophobia at little cost. “Such tactics harm Zimbabwe’s business climate and discourage investors.”
At the awards, Zimpapers journalists stole the limelight, winning multiple awards.
Nqobile Bhebhe won the Gold Sector Best Reporter Award, while Tawanda Musarurwa took the Small-Scale and Artisanal Miners Best Reporter Award, with Muchaneta Chimuka named runner-up in the same category.
Fungai Lupande won the Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Award, while Nelson Gahadza was the runner-up in the Platinum Sector Best Reporter Award.
Oliver Kazunga was crowned the Overall Mining Sector Reporter of the Year.
