-set to revive press club
MILLICENT HUNGWE
Prominent freelance journalist, Sukuoluhle Ndlovu has made history by being elected as the first female chairperson of MISA Masvingo Advocacy Committee.
Suu, as she popularly referred to by fellow journalists was unanimously elected as the Masvingo Advocacy chairperson at the belated World Press Freedom Day commemorations hosted by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) at Charles Austin Theatre recently.
The elections which were presided over by MISA Board of Trustees chairperson and veteran international journalist Chris Chinaka also saw Champion Mudavanhu being elected secretary, Tavita Black Pepper Mpala, Courage Dutiro, and Beverly Bizeki as committee members.
The elections marked a significant moment for media practitioners in the province, reinforcing MISA’s ongoing commitment to defending media freedom, promoting ethical media practices, and empowering journalists.
Suu is taking over from TellZim News publisher Passmore Kuzipa who was recently elected MISA national chairperson taking over from media trainer Golden Maunganidze.
Suu, who previously served as a committee member in Masvingo, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her by fellow journalists.
“I am happy for being elected the chairperson, it’s my first time serving in this capacity, and I’m honored to be part of the MISA Zimbabwe leadership, this shows my colleagues have confidence in me,” she said.
She emphasized that while she does not view her tenure as a time for sweeping changes, her goal is to maintain and strengthen the core mission and values of MISA in the province.
“I wouldn’t call them changes, per se, but I will continue making sure the organization’s mission and values do not deteriorate during my tenure.
“We’ll keep pushing for an independent media that upholds transparency and accountability, this will involve continued engagement with key stakeholders and reinforcing the media’s role in the ever evolving society.”
Suu also highlighted several key focus areas for her term, including addressing sexual harassment in newsrooms, enhancing the relationship between journalists and stakeholders, equipping media professionals to embrace and benefit from new media technologies as well as reviving the defunct press club.
“We need to build capacity, carry out community outreaches, and recruit more members from all newsrooms in Masvingo, end polarisation and the big brother mentality which is killing the media in Masvingo, where others think they are more superior than others or they don’t want associate with others. Our goal is to create a safe and inclusive environment where every journalist feels supported,” she said.
The new executive committee will serve for a three-year term.
“As the Masvingo Advocacy Committee chair, I am mandated to lead in collaboration with my committee members, uphold media ethics, engage with stakeholders, and advocate for access to information, we’ll also ensure journalists receive training on issues affecting media freedom, artificial intelligence which is topical issue now and how best these can be addressed,” Suu added.
Tawanda Homba, The Midweek Watch publisher expressed confidence in Suu’s leadership qualities as she has been in the trenches for sometime.
“The fact that Suu has been in the outgoing committee is an added advantage and there is no doubt that she will do very well in her new role, we wish her the best as she leads the Advocacy Committee for Masvingo,” said Homba.
Hevoi FM manager, Works Gezani said he was excited with Suu’s elevation from a committee member to chairing the Advocacy Committee in Masvingo and her experience is of much added advantage.
“This is a milestone achievement for female journalists in the province, at The Mirror we have Ellen Mlambo as an editor and now Suu has been elected chairperson of the Advocacy Committee. It shows we are leading the way as Masvingo Province in terms of gender equality based on Beijing Action Plan of 1995,” said Gezani.
Media trainer Dr. Last Alfandika said Suu’s election is a powerful statement on female journalists empowerment.
“As a media trainer, I warmly congratulate Suu on her election as Chairperson of the MISA Zimbabwe Masvingo Advocacy Committee. Her appointment is a powerful statement on gender inclusion and youth leadership in media advocacy coming at a time when we need more young, dynamic voices in key media positions. As a young female journalist and an experienced stringer, Suu has consistently demonstrated courage, integrity, and a deep commitment to media freedom. Her track record speaks for itself, and I am confident she will take Masvingo to new heights,” said Dr. Alfandika.
