Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube and Thupeyo Muleya
ZIMPAPERS veteran journalist George Maponga has been re-elected as president of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), after securing 37 votes against NewsDay journalist Jairos Saunyama, who received 19 votes.
For the vice president position, Skies Metro FM journalist Sibonginkosi Maphosa lost to Mary Taruvinga.
Emmanuel Kafe was elected Organising Secretary, a position previously held by Saunyama, after narrowly defeating Newshawks journalist Brenner Matendetere with 27 votes to 25. Initially, the two candidates were tied at 28 votes each, forcing a runoff.
There was also a tie for the second committee member, which led to another runoff. In the second round, Siphathisiwe Mpofu was elected committee member with 25 votes, while Miriam Mangwaya received 19.
The congress, among other things, adopted a lean national executive and approved a new constitution aimed at revitalising ZUJ.
In his acceptance speech, General Secretary Perfect Hlongwane, who was elected unopposed, expressed gratitude for the support from fellow journalists.
“I am pleased to be re-elected and will work hard to find solutions to the issues affecting the lives of journalists,” said Hlongwane.
ZUJ president George Maponga stated that the union will continue working with relevant stakeholders to transform the media sector and address pressing challenges.
Bongani Ndlovu