Former ZBC chief executive officer, Munyaradzi Hwengwere, has expressed strong support for the newly formed Association of Mining Journalists in Zimbabwe (AMJZ). He regards its formation as the realization of a long-held dream. Hwengwere has been appointed the inaugural patron of the association.
In an interview, Hwengwere described the formation of AMJZ as historic. He recounted an important moment from the early 2000s in Langkawi, Malaysia, when he chaired a group of journalists from developing countries. At that time, many heads of state were present for an international dialogue, representing regions such as Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The pressing question during those discussions was how the media in developing nations could better represent their countries’ stories.
Hwengwere reflected on these discussions and the idea of forming an association of like-minded media practitioners. It has taken many years for this vision to come to fruition, but Hwengwere is personally thrilled to see it finally happening. He highlighted Zimbabwe’s unique historical context, noting that it is the only country in the world that was colonized specifically for its presumed mineral wealth. This wealth, found in the Great Dyke and other mineral-rich areas, remains the most significant resource for unlocking potential in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and mining.
Hwengwere, a seasoned media and public relations executive, is expected to bring a wealth of experience and leadership to AMJZ. His career includes founding Ray of Hope, the company behind Midlands regional radio station Ya FM. He has also served as the Chief Executive Officer of ZBC and as the General Manager of Buy Zimbabwe, a campaign promoting local products and services. Recently, he was appointed as a board member of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ).
The formation of AMJZ aligns with Hwengwere’s long-term goals and his commitment to improving media representation in Zimbabwe. This new association aims to empower mining journalists by providing them with a platform to share stories that highlight the country’s rich mineral resources and their impact on the national economy. Hwengwere believes that through such initiatives, journalists can play a crucial role in shaping the narrative around Zimbabwe’s mining sector, bringing attention to both its challenges and opportunities.
