Online Reporter
The Zimbabwe Mass Media Trust (ZMMT) on Tuesday convened a three-day strategic planning workshop with its entity New Ziana to align its operations with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2), amidst growing pressure on the media sector to innovate, remain financially sustainable, and retain public trust.
ZMMT Vice Board Chairperson Retired Group Captain Patience Gawe stated that the engagement marked a defining moment for both the organisation and the country, as Zimbabwe prepares to transition from the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1), which concludes this year and is currently under review, to NDS 2, which will run from 2026 to 2030.
“Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 places strong emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. As a media organisation, we are a key national institution in informing citizens and supporting responsible communication,” Gawe affirmed.
She noted that the workshop reflected the NDS 2’s call for stakeholder engagement and coordinated action, adding that the ideas generated during the three-day meeting would help craft a forward-looking and commercially viable strategy aligned with national priorities.
Citing the NDS 2 Foreword, Gawe underscored the Government’s call for a whole-of-society approach to development, with the media positioned as a vital connector between institutions and communities.
“Our strategy must ensure that we continue to earn public trust while adapting to a rapidly changing media environment,” she stressed, adding that balance, integrity, and transparency were essential to credible national storytelling.
Gawe highlighted that the policy objectives of NDS 2 spoke directly to the media’s mandate, particularly in areas like innovation, job creation, and national image-building. Through its platforms, the Trust and New Ziana could promote economic activity, investment confidence, and national pride, while fostering informed debate and accountability.
She also drew attention to NDS 2’s focus on social development and inclusion, advocating that media content must be accessible, diverse, and reflective of all communities.
Furthermore, she noted that certain sections of NDS 2 stress the need for the establishment of modern communications infrastructure, quality content, and deliberate national image-building as priorities that reinforce the need for strategic investment and innovation within the media house.
Gawe urged participants to engage openly and constructively, positioning the workshop as an opportunity to “reflect honestly on where we are, identify where we want to go, and agree on a clear and actionable strategy.”
“Your insights will shape a strategy that positions this organisation for relevance, resilience, and growth during the NDS 2 period and beyond,” she concluded.
The workshop brings together Trustees, management, and key stakeholders as ZMMT and New Ziana seek to strengthen their role in national development while navigating a fast-evolving media landscape. – New Ziana
