Thirteen years later, he is still around

Curtworth Masango and Laura Maposa

AS we mark our 13th anniversary this month as the country’s favourite tabloid, we also celebrate one of the founders of this publication.

Content Coordinator, Trust Khosa, has been there from day one.

Other founders have either been transferred to other departments within Zimpapers or left to pursue other ventures.

Khosa, who has been in the media trenches for 18 years, encountered a number of incidents, some of which were life-threatening, during the course of his journey with H-Metro.

Khosa’s input to H-Metro is worth mentioning since he preserves the paper’s DNA under the leadership of the Editor, Robson Sharuko.

“H-Metro was part of Zimpapers’ expansion initiative.

“By the way, H-Metro is the country’s first ever social tabloid, which made an impact at a time when other newspaper owners were not convinced by the power of such tabloids,” said Khosa.

He said H-Metro was a game-changer in the media market.

“The paper is a must-read for people who want juicy stories.

“H-Metro has had a massive impact in society by exposing a number of vices.

“Many people now look over their shoulders because they know that they will be exposed when caught offside.”

Khosa said constant rebranding has helped H-Metro remain relevant.

“We have managed to evolve with time. Social media doesn’t threaten us as we have quite a huge following on social media.

“Innovation, embracing Day 2 journalism and creativity have been our strengths, which are keeping us in the game.”

Khosa, who on two occasions was almost shot with a gun while on duty, said he was still willing to learn.

“Men grow wiser every day and in my line of work, I’m never scared to face new challenges.

“However, it has not been easy over the years as I was intimidated and assaulted along the way.

“On two occasions, I was almost shot with a gun while covering stories.

“In 2009, I was almost shot by a city lawyer whose alleged girlfriend died under mysterious conditions.

“The other incident involved a senior cop in Bikita who wanted to shoot me, together with photographer Lee Maidza, after we interviewed him over accusations of bedding junior officers’ wives in 2010.

“I was also manhandled by Tongai Moyo’s bouncers, when I sought an interview with him at his Msasa home in Kwekwe, when he was unwell,” he said.

Khosa, who is a household name in showbiz, believes he is a versatile writer.

He said he covered different beats but feels he made an impact on the entertainment desk.

“It’s unfortunate that people think I have been reporting entertainment from day one.

“I am versatile, I started off as a court reporter and went through all the beats.

“I think I made an impact as an entertainment reporter and that made many believe that my strength lies there.”

Like any other person, Khosa is never shy to share some of the challenges he faced in life.

“I’m a depression survivor, who is ready to assist those going through depression.

“I accepted the condition and went for therapy, which helped me.

“Therapy has helped me restore my confidence and well-being.

“As journalists, we also go through a lot, but I am glad I have workmates and bosses who support me.

“I am honoured to have been part of H-Metro from day one to date.

“I’m ready to continue helping mentor students and cub reporters who are still learning the ropes,” he added.