Online Reporter
Locadia Mavhudzi
THE Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), through its Midlands provincial chapter, last Friday honoured outstanding journalists for work produced between January and December 2025, in an event that underscored the growing importance of collaboration between the media and the business community.
The inaugural Provincial Journalism and Media Awards (PJAMA), held at Village Lodges in Gweru, drew strong support from mining companies, corporates and local enterprises, reflecting increasing recognition of journalism as a key partner in economic development.
Chenxi-Chengetai Investments, Mimosa Mine and the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority were the major sponsors, with additional support coming from a wide range of organisations, including River Valley Properties, Birthday Mines, TelOne, Redcliff Municipality, Old Mutual, Sino Zimbabwe, Gweru City Park, Midlands State University, Milan Restaurant, Moonlight Assurance, Maisukume Medical Village, Bata, Delta Beverages, The Village Lodges and Novic.
Running under the theme “Impact and Information Integrity: The Power of Truthful Journalism,” the awards celebrated excellence across 12 categories, with 15 journalists receiving certificates and cash prizes.
Categories included Political and Governance Reporter of the Year, Business Reporter of the Year, Health, Sports, Mining, Energy and Arts and Entertainment reporting, as well as accolades for Best Innovative Media House, Overall Reporter of the Year and Best Young and Upcoming Reporter.
Beyond newsroom achievements, the awards also recognised institutions and individuals contributing to the media ecosystem. Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, received the Pillar of the Press Award, while the Midlands police were honoured with the Press Catalyst Award. River Valley Properties was named Media Benefactor of the Year.
Veteran media practitioners Ramington Jarijari and Flata Kavinga were also acknowledged for their long service to the industry.
ZUJ Midlands provincial secretary Johnsias Mutonhori emphasised the importance of a professional and constructive relationship between journalists and the business sector, describing it as essential for national growth.
“The media is not an enemy of business, corporates, mining companies, or Government,” he said.
“A strong professional relationship stimulates development and growth. When journalists ask questions, they are seeking the truth and bringing issues to light on behalf of the public.”
He added that through consistent reporting, the media enhances business visibility, builds trust through transparency and contributes to a more secure investment climate. He also noted that journalism plays a role in influencing Government policies and shaping conditions necessary for economic progress.
ZUJ national general secretary Mr Perfect Hlongwane echoed these sentiments, calling for a shift away from adversarial perceptions.
“We must move beyond the ‘us versus them’ narrative,” he said.
“The media, Government and private sector are partners in development and nation-building. When we embrace collaboration over confrontation, we unlock the true potential of our country.”
Mr Hlongwane also expressed appreciation to corporate partners, stressing that supporting journalism is not merely philanthropic but a strategic investment in credibility, relationships and platforms that amplify shared national stories.
Guest speaker and businessman Mr Michael Phiri, a former Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce vice president, highlighted the indispensable role of media in business success.
“A business cannot thrive in darkness,” he said.
“We rely on the media for insight into policy environments, consumer trends and supply chains. More importantly, the media holds up a mirror to our practices.”
He noted that investigative journalism, while sometimes uncomfortable for business leaders, drives accountability and sustainability.
“When companies pollute or exploit labour, it is the media that forces reform. This may create discomfort in boardrooms, but it ultimately builds a better and more sustainable nation,” he said.
Mr Phiri added that media narratives significantly influence investment flows, noting that how a region is portrayed can determine its economic prospects.
“If the Midlands is seen as declining, capital will go elsewhere. But if the media highlights innovation and growth opportunities, it becomes a magnet for investment,” he said.
The event marked the beginning of what organisers intend to establish as an annual awards platform, with several corporates already committing to partner future editions, further cementing the link between journalism, business and national development.
