Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Union of Journalists is gearing up for its highly anticipated 2025 National Journalism and Media Awards, scheduled for this evening in Harare.
The annual awards event is a prestigious platform designed to recognise excellence in various journalism fields.
Categories for submission and honour include investigative, developmental, photojournalism, environmental, data journalism and public interest storytelling.
This year’s awards run under the theme, “Impact and information integrity: The power of truth”.
The event is expected to be headlined by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere and Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe Per Lindgarde.
The keynote address will be delivered by Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding.
ZUJ secretary general Perfect Hlongwane expressed gratitude to the sponsors and partners for making the event possible, specifically highlighting new partners such as NetOne, Caledonia Mining, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe, Innscor Africa’s Empower Tomorrow, Zimnat Life and the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, alongside ongoing support from traditional partners.
These companies, together with significant individual donations from the country’s top executives, were mobilised through the Finx Zimbabwe platform, which has strong media roots.
ZUJ emphasised that backing journalism is a strategic investment rather than charity, crucial for fostering credible media and a well-functioning democracy.
“A well-supported media industry is critical to the transparency, accountability, and economic stability that benefit all sectors — including business,” Hlongwane said.
He underscored the importance of a vibrant, ethical, and a supported media industry for the nation’s democracy and economic growth.
Hlongwane called on more companies and institutions to consider sponsoring and/ or investing in media development, emphasising that a strong media contributes to transparency, accountability, and national progress.
Speaking on behalf of the business community which supported the awards, Bulawayo businessman Mr Morris Mpala said backing media excellence through partnerships is a strategic investment in the country’s integrity and economic future.
“By championing ethical journalism, we promote transparency, build public trust, and create a conducive environment for sustainable growth across all sectors. Moreover, fostering a strong rapport with the media enhances collaborative communication, ensures accurate dissemination of information, and strengthens the relationship between the business community and the public, ultimately contributing to a more informed and resilient society,” he said.
Entries for this year’s awards were drawn from all accredited media platforms; print, online and broadcast.
