Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda in MASVINGO
MEDIA plays a significant role in society and also provides a critical link between local government and its stakeholders, an official from the City of Masvingo has said.
The municipality has partnered media giant Zimpapers in an effort to nurture responsible journalists within council owned schools in Masvingo.
Zimpapers launched six Junior Media Clubs at Rujeko Secondary yesterday.
Another one was also launched at Rufaro High in Chatsworth on Wednesday.
The launch in Masvingo was attended by hundreds of learners from six council owned primary schools including Dikwindi, Francis Aphiri, Runyararo, Vurombo, Rujeko and Shakashe.
“It’s very important to start these programmes when people are still of a young age.
“If these kids are cultured at an early age, I am sure we can produce special journalists from our schools,” City of Masvingo Senior Area Superintendent, Mr Roberto Murimoga said.
“Most of our schools are primary schools and we are starting with secondary schools now.
“Media is important for us as council because that’s the communication bridge between us and our stakeholders.
“They give updates to our stakeholders about the development issues, the services delivery and all breakdowns in services.
“When there are breakdowns in services, the media becomes very important because they communicate with our stakeholders.
“So I can say the media is the link between us and our stakeholders,” added Mr Murimoga.
Environment protectors, Friends of the Environment (Fote), also believe the media play a critical role.
“The media is very, very fundamental,” said Mr Josephat Jekera, a representative of Fote.
According to Jekera, his association has a target of planting almost 500 million trees by end of 2026.
“So we want the media to ferry that message to people around so that people will be aware of the importance of planting trees or re-greening.
“It’s very important that we work together.
“That’s why I’m here and I’m very happy to partner with Zimpapers so that we work together and move around together in school and various areas and portray this message to the people and students.”
Zimpapers Corporate Communications and Sustainability Manager, Mrs Pauline Matanda, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to youths empowerment.
“Today marks a proud and significant milestone as we officially launch the Zimpapers Junior Media Club in seven schools across Masvingo.
“This initiative reflects Zimpapers’ commitment to empowering young people beyond publishing news, by investing in future storytellers, leaders, and informed citizens through Corporate Social Responsibility,” said Mrs Matanda.
She added: “In partnership with the City of Masvingo, the club promotes sustainability in its broadest sense—encouraging environmental protection, ethical communication, and the use of media as a force for positive change.
“It aims to give young people a platform to express themselves, strengthen communities through local storytelling, and build essential media literacy skills.
“In partnership with Nyaradzo Friends of the Environment, the programme also includes planting fruit trees and establishing orchards in participating schools, reinforcing environmental sustainability while supporting health and nutrition.
“Ultimately, this club is more than an activity—it is a movement to nurture responsible, creative, and impactful voices that will help shape a sustainable future for Masvingo and the nation.”
