Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu, Chronicle Reporter
BEFORE he could even settle in his seat, he was back on his feet to collect yet another award.
New Ziana journalist Mr Johnson Siamachira stole the spotlight on Friday night at a local hotel in Bulawayo, walking away with a total of US$5,250 after scooping four awards — three first-place prizes and one second-place honour — at the inaugural Cimas @80 Media Awards Ceremony.
Held under the theme “Celebrating 80 Years of Transforming Lives”, the prestigious awards recognised journalists across print, broadcast, digital media and blogging for outstanding excellence in health reporting. Competitors entered four categories: Health and Wellness, Excellence in Medical Innovation, Public Health Awareness and Healthcare Transformation.
In the Health and Wellness category, Siamachira won first place, taking home US$1,500. Runner-up Wadzanayi Sansole of ZTN received US$750, while the consolation prize went to Thabisani Dube of New Ziana, who received US$200. The Cimas Story Award was won by Munyaradzi Doma of News Space Zim, who also received US$200.
In the Excellence in Medical Innovation category, Moses Mugugunyeki of AMH/Southern Eye won the top award and received US$1,500. Siamachira came second with US$750, while Tonderai Matonho, a freelance journalist, received the US$200 consolation prize. The Cimas Story Award went to Anesu Masamvu of ZiFM Stereo News, who also received US$200.
Under the Public Health Awareness category, Siamachira once again emerged victorious, adding another US$1,500 to his tally. Runner-up Wadzanayi Sansole took home US$750, while the consolation award of US$200 went to Michael Gwarisa of Health Times.
In the Healthcare Transformation category, Siamachira continued his winning streak, taking first place and another US$1,500. Vanessa Gonye received US$750 as the runner-up, while Gerald Macheka took the US$200 consolation award. The Cimas Story Award went to Catherine Murombedzi, who received US$200.
Speaking to Zimpapers after receiving his awards, Siamachira said he was humbled by the recognition, noting that his success reflected the effort he puts into his work.
“I feel very humbled to have won all in the four categories in the CIMAS reporting awards. I think I deserve to win because I put a lot of effort into the stories. There was a lot of research, a lot of analysis,” he said. “And a big word to my colleagues — those who have received special mention or those who lost — I say don’t despair. Continue working hard and you’ll make it. There are truly three first prizes and one second prize, which I feel is great. I just pocketed 5,250 dollars tonight.”
For ZTN journalist Wadzanayi Sansole, her two runner-up awards were a powerful motivation.
“I am so overwhelmed, absolutely excited because I won two awards tonight. One was in Public Health Awareness and the other one was in Health and Wellness. Being runner-up in both stories has validated my work. It has given me this validation that my efforts are being appreciated,” she said.
Cimas’ Chief Legal Officer, Mr Norman Mangena, said the awards recognise the vital role the media plays in promoting public health literacy as the organisation celebrates 80 years of service.
Cimas Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Vulindlela Ndlovu, said the awards complement the organisation’s long-standing support for journalism excellence through partnerships such as the NJAMA Awards.
“No matter how we push our healthcare system, no matter what we achieve, we’re not going to go very far if the public does not understand this healthcare system. That understanding is made possible by you, the media industry, and it is for that that we appreciate you,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu also revealed that among the country’s 770 specialist doctors, Cimas supported the education of five percent, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to strengthening Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector.
