Emmanuel Kafe
THREE local journalists have received national recognition following their achievements at the 2026 SADC Media Awards, with Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda commending their contribution to Zimbabwe’s media industry.
The journalists, Oliver Kazunga of The Herald, Monika Abigail Chanda of ZBC Classic 263 and Praise Junika Matinhure of ZBC Television Productions, received Certificates of Recognition at a ceremony presided over by Minister Soda in Harare yesterday.
Kazunga was recognised in the in Print Journalism, Chanda Radio Journalism category and Matinhure in Television Journalism.
Minister Soda said their recognition demonstrated the talent and professional capabilities of local journalists and their ability to contribute to regional media development.
“Your participation and performance in the SADC Media Awards are a testament to the depth of talent within Zimbabwe’s media fraternity.
“You have demonstrated that our journalists possess the creativity, professional competence and storytelling capabilities required to contribute meaningfully to the region’s media discourse,” he said.
Minister Soda said Government remained committed to strengthening the media industry through policies and initiatives that promote professionalism, diversity and sustainability.
“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.
Minister Soda described the three journalists as ambassadors of Zimbabwe’s media industry, saying their work helped shape the country’s image and contribute to regional discourse.
He encouraged them to build on the recognition and use their achievements to inspire young and aspiring journalists.
Kazunga expressed gratitude to Zimpapers for providing him with a platform to practise journalism and contribute to informing the public.
“I want to thank the Zimpapers family for giving us the platform to do our work. I am overjoyed by this recognition.
“This achievement is an affirmation of the role that journalism plays in promoting development and accountability at national and regional levels,” he said.
Chanda thanked the Ministry and President Mnangagwa for what she described as efforts to open up the media space and provide journalists with platforms to execute their duties.
She also acknowledged the contribution of various stakeholders to the development of the country’s media industry.
