Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
Masvingo – The Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe recently held its 2024 Summer School from the 24th at Lees Inn in Masvingo.
The Summer School was held with the support of Freidrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) with fourth year students drawn from the Midlands State University, Great Zimbabwe University, National University of Science and Technology and University of Zimbabwe.
Guest speakers at the Summer School included the VMCZ director, Loughty Dube, MSU Lecturer, Dr Beauty Muromo, media personality Zandile Ndlovu, Internews Advisor Bridget Mananavire, Herald editor, Victoria Ruzvidzo and TellZim Editor, Passmore Kuzipa.
In a side interview with some of the students, they stated that the workshop really helped them and was an eye opener.
Arnold Tarwirei from MSU stated that
“The Summer School is critical as it is not just an ordinary workshop but a workshop to make connections with those who are already in the media industry and open up opportunities.
“Now l will not go in the field without knowledge of what the media industry looks like, I am better equipped.
“The media industry is not just limited to journalism but there are a lot one can do in the media industry as more avenues are being opened,” he said.
Meshia Mambo, a student from UZ stated that.
“It is a great privilege to be part of the workshop and have a chance to interact with the media gurus in the country. It was a chance to exchange ideas with those who are already in the media industry. Now l can start from somewhere and will use what l learnt during the 2 days to my advantage,” she said.
Ruzvidzo touched on business and financial reporting and she stated that one can have one beat to focus on, but this should not hinder one from having knowledge on how to report on other subjects. She also outlined the pros and cons of focusing on one beat as a journalist.
Mananavire focused on investigative journalism where she talked of the qualities and skills of investigative journalism which are persistence, curiosity, research skills, attention to detail, analytical, ethical conduct, and courage.
“The power of networking, your network is your net worth,” said Mananavire.
Kuzipa focused on skills in the media and stated that as the students are about to graduate, they should work on their communication skills and how to write a proper professional CV. He said that they should also know how to write an email in a professional manner.
Zandile Ndlovu made a presentation on personal branding and how to run a media business.
“Command your voice, let it grow as your voice has power so leave a mark wherever you go. Create a powerful name and reputation. One should be consistent about what you do as clients work with reputation. When running a business always work on a budget – do not overspend and lastly be visible and be well branded” Ndlovu stated.
Dube told the students that they should be observant, make relations, have a good CV, be sociable, create networks and lastly one should be willing to volunteer.
Dr Muromo stressed on how to foster relations through journalism and how one should polish their skills and keep on learning.
The Summer School was held in a bid to orient the students into the world of Journalism.
