Emmanuel Kafe
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda has hailed three Zimbabwean journalists recognised at the 2026 SADC Media Awards, describing their achievements as a reflection of the country’s growing media talent and professional competence.
The three, Oliver Kazunga of Zimpapers, Monika Abigail Chanda of ZBC Classic 263 and Praise Junika Matinhure of ZBC Television Productions, received Certificates of Recognition from Dr Soda.
Kazunga’s recognition was in Print Journalism, Chanda in the Radio Journalism category, and Matinhure in Television Journalism.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Soda said their achievements demonstrated the ability of Zimbabwean journalists to compete and contribute meaningfully to the regional media landscape.
“Your participation and performance in the SADC Media Awards are a testament to the depth of talent within Zimbabwe’s media fraternity,” he said.
“You have demonstrated that our journalists possess the creativity, professional competence and storytelling capabilities required to contribute meaningfully to the region’s media discourse.”
Dr Soda said Government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for a professional, diverse, vibrant and sustainable media industry.
“As the Ministry responsible for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, we remain committed to strengthening the media landscape through policy development, institutional support, capacity building and the promotion of professionalism across the sector,” he said.
He described the award recipients as ambassadors of Zimbabwe’s media industry, saying their work contributed to shaping the country’s image and narratives about the nation and the region.
Dr Soda urged the journalists to use the recognition as motivation to achieve greater milestones while inspiring young and upcoming media practitioners to pursue excellence.
Speaking after receiving her certificate, Chanda thanked the Ministry and President Mnangagwa for what she described as opening up the media space and providing journalists with platforms to execute their duties.
She also acknowledged the contribution of players across the media industry in advancing journalism.
Kazunga expressed gratitude to Zimpapers for providing him with the platform to practise journalism and deliver stories to the public.
“I want to thank the Zimpapers family for giving us the platform to do our work. I am so overjoyed by this recognition,” he said.
“This achievement is an affirmation of the role that journalism plays in promoting development and accountability at the national and regional levels.”
