ROSELINE MUTARE
Masvingo – The Zimbabwe Journalism Educators Network (ZIJEN) was officially launched at Great Zimbabwe University’s Hebert Chitepo Law School on June 14, 2024.
The event marked a significant milestone in advancing journalism education in the country.
Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, who was the guest of honor, officially launched ZIJEN, which is a product of a collaborative effort between Fojo Media Institute, GZU media studies department, the National University of Science and Technology, and Harare Polytechnic. The initiative is part of Fojo’s Journalism Education Programme, funded by Swedish Development Agency.
In his remarks, Mangwana emphasized the importance of a well-trained journalism profession in promoting a free and informed society.
“The launch of ZIJEN marks a significant step forward in promoting excellence in journalism education and practice in Zimbabwe, the network is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of journalism in the country,” said Mangwana.
Golden Maunganidze, a media lecturer at GZU and Media Institute of Southern Africa regional chairman was elected inaugural ZIJEN president, with Linda Mujuru serving as the vice president.
The event brought together representatives from various media outlets, universities offering journalism and media studies programs, government ministries, and members of the donor community.
The event was attended by stakeholders from the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ), Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ), and the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC), among others.
Maunganidze expressed his gratitude to the partners and stakeholders for their support, promising that ZIJEN would work tirelessly to enhance journalism education and practice in Zimbabwe.
