Story by Vivian Bangamu
THE Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) is embracing sustainability reporting as part of a strategic shift towards greater transparency, accountability and long-term institutional resilience.
The move follows the launch of Zimbabwe’s Sustainability Implementation Roadmap by the Accounting and Auditors Board on 11 April 2026 at the Zimbabwe Accountants Conference.
The roadmap encourages organisations to formally measure, structure and report sustainability-related information, an area that has traditionally received less attention than financial reporting.
Sustainability reporting assesses how organisations manage their environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibilities, while demonstrating their long-term impact and value creation.
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe Technical Manager, Masimba Makunike, said many organisations have long practised elements of sustainability, albeit informally.
“In many cases, sustainability practices were already taking place within organisations, but they were not formally measured, structured or reported. We are pleased to be partnering with ZBC as one of the pioneers in this journey,” he said.
ZBC Chief Finance Officer, Maxwell Judah, said sustainability reporting provides stakeholders with a comprehensive view of an organisation’s environmental, social and financial performance.
“As a public entity funded by citizens, ZBC has a duty to be transparent about how it uses resources, impacts communities and plans for the future,” he said.
He added that the broadcaster’s adoption of sustainability reporting reflects a long-term commitment rather than a passing trend.
Through its partnership with ICAZ, ZBC is strengthening its capacity to implement sustainability initiatives across its operations.
Key environmental measures already undertaken include the installation of solar backup power at ZBC’s Montrose studios in Bulawayo, reducing reliance on diesel generators and lowering fuel costs.
Additional initiatives include the adoption of energy-efficient LED lighting and the implementation of an electronic waste disposal programme for obsolete equipment.
On the social front, ZBC continues to make significant contributions through health awareness campaigns, agricultural programming and multilingual broadcasting in languages including Shona and Ndebele.
These efforts promote inclusivity, public education and stronger community engagement.
By integrating ESG principles into its operations, ZBC aims to enhance governance, manage risks more effectively and create sustainable long-term value.
The initiative is also expected to strengthen public trust, improve accountability and enhance the broadcaster’s attractiveness to donors, development partners and advertisers.
