Online Reporter
Harare Bureau
GOVERNMENT is reviewing the salaries of public sector journalists as part of broader efforts to improve their welfare and working conditions, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, has said.
Speaking at the 2024-2025 National Journalism and Media Awards (Njama) in Harare on Thursday night, Dr Muswere said the move was part of the Government’s recognition of the media’s central role in driving national development, economic transformation and democracy.
“We are adjusting the salaries of the media people in the public sector, and if there are any challenges in the private sector, feel free to communicate; maybe we can find ways to go about it. We can improve the working conditions and salaries of journalists,” he said.
Dr Muswere emphasised that the Government valued the contribution of the media as a key pillar in shaping the national discourse, exposing corruption, and highlighting the country’s development milestones.
Journalism, he said, remains vital in advancing Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an empowered upper-middle-income society. The media informs, educates and raises awareness among citizens about national developments.
Dr Muswere commended the progress recorded under the Second Republic, including the supportive legislative environment for media operations through instruments such as the Freedom of Information Act, the Cyber and Data Protection Act, and other key reforms aimed at fostering transparency and accountability.
He reiterated the Government’s open-door policy towards the media and called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the sector to address emerging challenges, particularly in the digital age.
“The Government is transparent, with nothing to hide. This is precisely why we developed the Freedom of Information Act, to support the robustness of the media industry,” he said.
Dr Muswere also underscored the importance of unity and professionalism in journalism, urging practitioners to embrace constructive reporting that contributes to national cohesion and economic growth.
“We must focus on developing constructive journalism that builds our nation rather than divides it.
“This is the only country that we have, and the media must play its role in ensuring that everyone counts and is counted for,” he added.
ZUJ organising secretary Emmanuel Kafe said the awards are critical in advancing the nation’s narrative.
Over 15 Zimpapers journalists scooped the Njama awards.
Zimpapers journalist Langton Nyakwenda was voted the best sports reporter.
He thanked the company and his immediate supervisors for giving him a platform to excel.
Other Zimpapers’ winners were Gibson Mhaka, who landed two awards — best legal and parliamentary reporter and best environmental award — while Nqobile Bhebhe scooped the renewable energy award and Theseus Shambare got the best infrastructure development award.
Veronica Gwaze won the gender-based violence journalist of the year award and Trust Freddy the news journalist of the year award.
