Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
Zimpapers Politics Hub
MEDIA plays a critical role in connecting economies through effective messaging, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda has said.
Speaking after touring stands under his Ministry at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), including exhibits by Zimpapers, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and the refurbished Montrose Studios and Zimpapers’ Bulawayo branch (Chronicle House) yesterday, Dr Soda said effective communication remained central to economic growth in line with this year’s theme, “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries.”
He said the media was living up to the national mandate of technological advancement to spur economic growth.
“For people to understand the existence of products and services, they must be informed,” he said.
“In line with this year’s theme, communication is essential for economies to thrive; it allows businesses to grow by informing the public on where to find products and with whom they can do business.”
Dr Soda said what he witnessed during the tour reflected a media sector aligning itself with national development priorities and the ZITF theme.
“What I’ve seen is a clear thrust towards modernisation across all our entities. We are moving away from old technologies in line with the mandate from His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, to modernise all our operations,” he said.
He said the transformation drive was evident across key institutions under the Ministry.
Dr Soda described the 2026 edition of ZITF as a success, underpinned by the strong participation of the media sector.
“This is a progressive and successful ZITF. Beyond informing and entertaining, the media provides a platform for feedback on business performance. However, with the advent of disruptive technologies, the media must also remain a source of truth to ensure the public is not misinformed,” he said.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Nick Mangwana, said the exhibition had successfully captured the Ministry’s full communication ecosystem.
“The Ministry has captured its entire ecosystem perfectly in this exhibition. We superintend over Mr Mangwana said the Ministry’s core mandate is to facilitate inclusive and transparent engagement between Government and citizens.
“Our primary mandate is to facilitate a two-way communication between the Government and its various publics. A great example of this is the ongoing conversation regarding the Governance and Political Engagement Programme Phase 3 (GPE 3) policy. We are providing a platform for open dialogue where no one is shunned,” he said.
He dismissed claims of exclusion in public discourse, citing recent engagements as evidence of inclusivity.
“Despite rumours that Professor Lovemore Madhuku had been assaulted or excluded, his presence here as an invited speaker on a Ministry platform proves otherwise. We have facilitated a direct conversation between him and the Minister responsible for Government business in Parliament. This is what our mandate is all about: fostering transparent, two-way communication between the State and the people,” said Mr Mangwana.
As part of the tour, the delegation made a stop at Chronicle House, where Zimpapers chief executive, Mr William Chikoto, briefed the Minister on the imminent transformation of the historical building.
Mr Chikoto said the Minister’s visit to the company’s Bulawayo operations provided an opportunity to outline ongoing transformation plans at Chronicle House.
“The minister is here for the trade fair, so we took the opportunity to tour Montrose and get a feel of Chronicle House. We briefed him on the transformation that will be taking place here,” said Mr Chikoto.
He said key developments include infrastructure upgrades and commercialisation initiatives.
