THE Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) is set to host its highly-anticipated 2025 National Journalism and Media Awards (Njama) in Harare this evening.
The prestigious event aims to honour outstanding achievements across various journalism categories, including investigative reporting, developmental journalism, photojournalism, environmental and data journalism as well as public interest storytelling.
This year’s awards will run under the theme, Impact and Information Integrity: The Power of Truth.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister Jenfan Muswere is expected to headline the event, alongside the Swedish ambassador to Zimbabwe, Per Lindgarde.
Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding is expected to give the keynote address.
In a statement, ZUJ secretary- general Perfect Hlongwane expressed gratitude to sponsors and partners, highlighting ongoing support from both traditional and new partners such as NetOne, Caledonia Mining, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe, Innscor Africa’s Empower Tomorrow, Zimnat Life and the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange.
These companies, together with individual donations from the country’s top executives, were mobilised through the Finx Zimbabwe platform, which has strong media roots.
The union emphasised that backing journalism is a strategic investment rather than charity, crucial for fostering a credible media and a well-functioning democracy.
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“A well-supported media industry is also critical to the transparency, accountability and economic stability that benefit all sectors — including business,” Hlongwane said.
He underscored the importance of a vibrant, ethical and supported media industry to the nation’s democracy and economic growth.
Hlongwane called on other companies and institutions to follow the example of current sponsors and invest in media development, emphasising that a strong media contributes to transparency, accountability and national progress.
Speaking on behalf of the business community, which supported the awards, Bulawayo businessman Morris Mpala said supporting media excellence through partnerships like the Njama was a “strategic investment in our nation’s integrity and economic future”.
“By championing ethical journalism, we promote transparency, build public trust and create a conducive environment for sustainable growth across all sectors,” Mpala said.
“Moreover, fostering a strong rapport with the media enhances collaborative communication, ensures accurate dissemination of information and strengthens the relationship between the business community and the public, ultimately contributing to a more informed and resilient society.”
