Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka gibmhaka@gmailcom
ZIMBABWE’S media footprint continues to grow on the international stage following the election of veteran journalist Mkhululi Chimoio as the president of the African Parliamentary Press Network (APPN).
The South African-based Zimbabwean scribe was elected during a high-level meeting of the network’s Representative Council held between February 19 and 20.
His ascension marks a pivotal shift for the continental body as it transitions into its 2024 Regulatory Framework.
The APPN is an Africa-wide media collective designed to monitor and enhance the visibility of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and various national legislatures.
In his acceptance speech, Chimoio described his election as a “collective mandate” to safeguard the integrity of legislative reporting across the continent.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust you have placed in me to serve as President of the African Parliamentary Press Network.
“This election is not merely a personal milestone; it is a collective mandate to strengthen, protect, and elevate parliamentary journalism across our continent,” he said.
He emphasised that journalists serve as a “vital bridge” between parliaments and the citizens.
“Our task is a noble calling. Our responsibility is great. To inform accurately, report fearlessly, and uphold the highest ethical standards is our duty as parliamentary journalists,” Chimoio added.
The election comes at a time when Chimoio is enjoying a streak of professional excellence.
Recently, he bagged the International Quantum Year science journalism competition organised by Physics World and Physics Magazine.
This follows his 2024 success where he walked away with the Simba Mhere Media Award at the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA).
In a press statement, the APPN’s newly appointed Secretary-General, Gilbert Borketey Boyefio, confirmed the network’s new leadership structure.
“With the establishment of the Continental Executive Committee (CEC) pursuant to Article 10 of the 2024 Regulatory Framework, it is established as the apex organ of the Network,” Boyefio stated.
The new executive includes Thierry Affanoukoe from Togo as Vice President and Botswana’s Tryphinah Dongwana as the Coordinator of the Representative Council.
The CEC, which is limited to 11 members, is tasked with making strategic decisions, supervising country caucus elections, and managing the network’s budget and fundraising initiatives.
Chimoio, who also serves as the Special Communications Advisor to the Prime Minister of the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD), noted that the digital era requires a shift in how journalists operate.
“We need to embrace change, leverage technology, combat misinformation, and provide citizens with credible information about their parliaments.
“I am of the view that we, as parliamentary journalists, can work together to make the APPN a unified and potent voice,” he said.
The APPN remains the primary continental body for journalists and information officers reporting from regional, sub-regional, and national parliaments, including the Pan-African Parliament.
Its core mission is to foster transparency and protect press freedom within the legislative environment.
