Story by Abigirl Tembo
ZIMBABWE’S media sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by reforms aimed at expanding access to information, strengthening media viability and accelerating digital innovation.
The developments emerged during a belated World Press Freedom Day Symposium held at the University of Zimbabwe on Tuesday, where stakeholders reflected on the future of journalism in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
Held under the theme “Journalism, Peace Building, Digital Transformation and Media Viability in Zimbabwe”, the symposium brought together media practitioners, academics, regulators, and students to examine the sector’s role in national development and social cohesion.
As Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to modernise its media landscape, stakeholders called for a journalism sector that not only informs, but also promotes peace, embraces digital transformation, and contributes meaningfully to national development.
Representing the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana, Director of Media and Information Services, Mr George Chisoko said Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for media freedom through ongoing policy and legislative reforms.
“By the end of this year, Zimbabwe is expected to have 41 licensed community radio stations, one of the highest numbers in the region. This achievement follows the gazetting of 18 additional stations, a move that significantly expands our broadcasting footprint and signals a deliberate shift towards decentralising access to information.
“Already, 22 community radio licences have been issued, with 14 stations currently on air, reaching an estimated two to three million listeners in rural and underserved communities.
“This is not just about numbers; it is about giving a voice to every village, amplifying grassroots perspectives and supporting initiatives in agriculture, health, education and disaster management.
“This expansion aligns directly with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the country’s medium-term economic blueprint for 2026 to 2030, which builds on the foundations laid by NDS1. NDS2 reinforces efforts to develop a highly skilled and adaptable workforce capable of addressing modern challenges through improved communication. Quality writing, editing and strategic messaging contribute significantly to the image-building pillar of NDS2,” said Mr Chisoko.
The symposium also placed strong emphasis on journalism’s role in shaping national discourse and fostering social cohesion.
Zimbabwe Media Commission Executive Secretary, Mr George Phiri said journalists carry a critical responsibility in advancing narratives that promote peace.
“For me, it is really about locating journalism within the broader narrative framework. Which narratives do we deliberately choose to advance in relation to how society relates to itself? What do we choose to highlight, and what do we choose to downplay?
“History is full of examples where journalism has either fuelled conflict or played a positive role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Journalism therefore carries a unique responsibility. What we choose to say often becomes the national narrative, and that places a great responsibility on media practitioners to contribute to peace and social cohesion,” he said.
Development communication specialist, Ms Rumbidzai Mashayahanya underscored the role of media in rebuilding societies and fostering unity, citing Rwanda’s post-conflict transformation as an example.
“In 1994, the media was widely cited as having played a role in one of the most tragic events in Rwanda’s history. I had the opportunity to visit Rwanda and witness the efforts being made to rebuild the nation and its people.
“Today, Rwanda is one of Africa’s leading economies, but that progress did not happen by chance. There was a deliberate decision to change the narrative and use the same communication tools that had previously contributed to division to instead promote healing and development.
“The process began with local radio stations and community engagement. This demonstrates that media is not only about cameras, radio stations or newspapers; it is fundamentally about communication and the conversations we have as a society,” she said.
As Zimbabwe navigates the opportunities and challenges of the digital era, stakeholders emphasised that collaboration between Government, media institutions, academia, and citizens will be central to building a vibrant, sustainable, and responsible media landscape.
