THE Citizens Against Economic Sanctions (CAES) Zimbabwe has welcomed the decision by the European Union (EU) to remove travel bans and asset freezes on Zimbabwe, describing the move as a milestone in the country’s re-engagement efforts.
In a statement, CAES said the development marks “a significant step towards the normalization of relations between Zimbabwe and the EU” and could accelerate economic recovery efforts.
“We commend the Government of Zimbabwe for its continued engagement with the international community and its commitment to creating a conducive environment for investment and sustainable economic growth,” the organisation said.
The EU’s decision follows its latest review of restrictive measures, with the bloc acknowledging progress made in reform implementation and governance.
The removal of travel bans and asset freezes is expected to enhance diplomatic and economic co-operation between Harare and European capitals.
CAES said it had consistently advocated for dialogue over isolation.
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“As CAES, we have always maintained that economic sanctions are not an effective tool for promoting democracy and human rights.
“Constructive engagement and mutual respect are more sustainable pathways to national development.”
Economic commentators said the lifting of the measures could improve investor confidence and unlock broader trade and development opportunities with European partners. CAES urged Zimbabweans to take advantage of the renewed international goodwill.
“We now call upon all Zimbabweans to join hands in embracing the economic renaissance that is unfolding in our country.
“We must work together to build a prosperous and stable Zimbabwe where all citizens can enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms,” the organisation said.
The civic group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting dialogue, peace and stability, adding that it would continue engaging stakeholders to ensure Zimbabwe achieves its full economic potential.
BROADCASTING legend John Masuku (70) breathed last on February 14, on World Radio Day, leaving a huge void in Zimbabwe’s media fraternity.
He was a mobile library of our journalism history, especially on radio, focusing on community development.
I was privileged to work with him for over 16 years and he made broadcasting feel effortless.
I still remember walking into Radio Voice of the People’s offices in 2004 in Harare, shortlisted for a provincial correspondent interview.
He presided over the panel, and his smile gave me the warmth of being part of a robust radio station giving alternative voices in Zimbabwe.
It was my second turn on radio after I had contributed few stories to the late Joseph Panganai Mukaronda’s Nhau Dzematunhu programme in the late 1990s.
A few days later, I was confirmed as the Mashonaland West provincial correspondent — a bold step in a tough era for independent media.
I became part of a hard‑hitting team, giving communities a voice denied by authorities.
At first, it was a chilling experience, but I later enjoyed it, covering the breadth and width of the province — a hotbed of independent journalism.
There were different board chairpersons, including David Masunda, Mathew Takaona, Honourable Fortune Daniel Mguni (Daniel Molokele), among others, supporting us and earning community trust.
Masuku’s mentorship, wit and relentless pursuit of truth shaped a generation of many journalists in Zimbabwe.
He was reconnected to Hurungwe district when he recalled visiting Karoi during the liberation struggle in the late 1970s with the Rhodesia Broadcasting Corporation team, urging me to “pursue broadcasting for outlying rural communities and let their voices be heard”.
It became our greetings phrase — “Nhau mukomana wenhau dzematunhu wekuHurungwe” — and his laughter followed.
Masuku’s signature opened doors for regional and international trainings for me.
These include training at Rhodes University (2007), Radio Netherlands Training Centre (2009), where I had a chance to visit the studios from which Radio Voice of the People’s signal on shortwave was broadcasting.
The training under Broadcasting on Social Conflict and Cohesion made an underlining of how media play a critical role in uniting communities after conflict.
The year 2008 was a bloodbath for Zimbabwe after the run-off between former President Robert Mugabe and MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai (both late).
Ironically, it was also the same time we saw the birth of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Our news style was for communities deprived of recognition, but we gave them a chance to tell their own stories.
As fate has it, a few days into training at Radio Netherlands Training Centre, my father passed away back home, and Masuku comforted me.
He assured me to come over, bury him, and resume my studies.
I got one week off.
It was a tough decision, but it earned me respect at Radio Netherlands Training Centre, where I was recommended as an “asset for an institution due to commitment and professionalism.”
In 2011, I advanced my career at the International Institute of Journalism in Germany for multimedia training through Masuku’s recommendations.
He saw it fit to sign me up for the Media in Exile Conference in the United Kingdom in 2013, where I visited BBC studios and met Zimbabweans like Stanley Kwenda and Farai Mungazi.
The decision to pick me was because I had shown commitment even under challenging circumstances.
This motivated me to do better in my career.
Here was a man who loved his voice on air and wanted to leave a legacy as a mentor.
Sometime in 2021, I was under the weather after the COVID-19 lockdown era, but he called me for a special invitation at a Gender Media Connect book launch at the Old Parliament building.
Together with the late Abigail Gamanya, who literally connected me with her maiden name Bvunzawabaya under Chief Chundu in Hurungwe, they wanted me to be part of the launch.
Both had a passion for uplifting rural communities.
On the same day, Masuku reunited with former classmate Goodluck Kwaramba, who was Parliament’s proportional representative chairperson.
Kwaramba represented Hurungwe in Mashonaland West province.
My gender‑based stories had added value to the invitation.
It was during the book launch that I met veteran broadcaster Maguire Godzongere, groomed by Masuku himself.
Kwaramba, like many of us, was shocked by Masuku’s death, recalling their Highfield school days (1971‑1974).
“Masuku was good at networking with his former classmates. His death is a sad loss,” she said.
Former colleague Dr Millie Phiri, now in South Africa, said: “Masuku was full of life, passionate about radio, and a role model. He will be missed.”
Takaona, former board member and Zimbabwe Union of Journalists president, added that Masuku made an impact with his versatile, hands‑on approach in radio broadcasting.
As executive director of Radio Voice of the People, Masuku was a paymaster for many Harare based journalists, offering competitive rates for the website stories.
He trained countless community radio volunteers and championed community media across Zimbabwe.
His legacy lives on in every newsroom he touched, and his voice will echo in the airwaves forever.
Masuku’s voice became part of my storytelling at home when he could call just to check on me and my family.
We could chat anytime about life, future plans, but above all, he could recommend unity among family members.
To me, he was a friend, brother, mentor, and a professional.
Besides our two‑decade age difference, he never tried to impose respect on me.
It was natural to respect him.
Masuku, now I understand why we meet some people for a reason in this stage called life.
Some help you overcome social and emotional distress.
Under your watch, instead of succumbing to fear, we went on with our lives with confidence during the Radio Voice of the People days.
Besides licence application rejection, he played his role as a broadcaster.
Masuku, you played your role in empowering community voices for the better.
Rest in Peace Mudhara JM!