Story by Vivian Bangamu
HARARE-TWELVE years ago, a young high school student, Anashe Murombedzi, with a passion for journalism stood before an esteemed audience at the National Journalism and Media Awards (NJAMA), having just been named the Sunday Mail Bridge’s Child Reporter of the Year.
It was 2013, and the moment marked the beginning of a journey rooted in ambition and inspired by the presence of a national icon the Honourable Minister of Defence, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.
As a guest of honour, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri delivered a stirring keynote address that evening.
For one teenage awardee, the highlight was not just the accolade or the applause, but the opportunity to meet a woman she had long admired.
The young reporter had been captivated by the Minister’s calm demeanour and eloquent delivery, a dream encounter that would leave a lasting imprint.
Fast-forward to 2025, and that once aspiring journalist has blossomed into a recognised face in Zimbabwean broadcasting, a ZBC sports anchor and reporter with a growing national profile.
Fate would have the two cross paths once again at the prestigious RASA Awards, with the moment nothing short of emotional.
“I could not believe she still remembered me. She gave me the warmest smile and said, ‘Haaa, my baby! I’m very proud of you. Every time I see you on TV, I’ll be saying that’s my baby.’ It was a full-circle moment,” Anashe Murombedzi said.
The reunion was not just touching it served as a poignant reminder of the power of mentorship, recognition, and enduring inspiration.
What began as a single moment of acknowledgement in 2013 has flourished into a lifelong source of motivation.
