NEW: Zimpapers’ George Maponga re-elected Zimbabwe Union of Journalists president

Mkhululi Ncube and Thupeyo Muleya

VETERAN journalist George Maponga of Zimpapers has been re-elected president of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), securing 37 votes against NewsDay’s Jairos Saunyama, who garnered 19 votes.
The elections were held during the ZUJ congress, which also adopted a lean national executive and a new constitution aimed at revitalising the union.
In other results, Mary Taruvinga won the vice presidency, defeating Skies Metro FM’s Sibonginkosi Maphosa, while Emmanuel Kafe was elected organising secretary after edging out The NewsHawks’ Brenner Matendetere in a tightly contested runoff, winning 27 votes to 25.
For committee member, Siphathisiwe Mpofu emerged victorious in a runoff with 25 votes against Miriam Mangwaya’s 19.
Meanwhile, Perfect Hlongwane was re-elected unopposed as secretary-general.
In his acceptance speech, Hlongwane expressed gratitude for the support and pledged to focus on the welfare of journalists.
“I am pleased to be re-elected and will work hard in finding solutions to the issues affecting the lives of journalists,” he said.
Maponga, in his remarks, assured members that ZUJ would continue engaging stakeholders to transform the media sector and address pressing industry concerns.
The congress resolutions, particularly the adoption of a streamlined leadership structure and new constitution, are expected to position ZUJ for stronger advocacy and representation of journalists across Zimbabwe.