ALPHA Media Holdings (AMH) chairman Trevor Ncube says the appointment of technology expert Takura Mapfumo at the helm of the group marks a deliberate strategic pivot to leverage technology in the face of a structurally declining print industry.
Mapfumo assumed office as general manager on March 1, following the resignation of group chief executive officer Kenias Mafukidze.
In a letter to stakeholders, Ncube said although print was in structural decline globally — including in Zimbabwe — independent, quality journalism remained vital to a functioning society.
“By placing a technology leader at the helm, AMH is making a clear statement: the competencies that will define our survival and success are digital fluency, systems thinking and the capacity to innovate,” he said.
“This transition is [not only] about continuity of purpose — independent, credible journalism — but a fundamental evolution in how we deliver it.”
Ncube noted that traditional publishing economics have been under sustained pressure for two decades as the internet disrupted distribution, social media fragmented audience attention and advertising revenues migrated online.
However, he warned that an even greater disruption is underway.
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping how information is gathered, produced, distributed and consumed, at a pace and scale that dwarfs anything that came before.”
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He stressed that AMH’s transformation strategy is not about cost containment.
“It is about rebuilding AMH from the inside out — embedding technology at the core of our operations, leveraging data intelligently, developing digital revenue streams that reduce our dependence on print advertising and building platforms that extend well beyond the printed page,” Ncube said.
The group is investing in newsroom tools, strengthening investigative capacity and diversifying income streams to protect editorial independence, he added.
Ncube acknowledged recent salary delays affecting employees, saying the issue “weighs heavily” on him.
“Salaries are not abstract numbers. They are school fees and rent paid, groceries purchased, medical bills settled — and, above all, dignity preserved,” he said.
Ncube attributed the cash flow constraints to significant outstanding debts owed by the government and other clients.
“While the context explains the strain, our obligation to our staff is unconditional,” he said.
Management and shareholders are pursuing recovery of outstanding receivables and strengthening financial controls to prevent a recurrence, Ncube added.
“To our employees: you are the heartbeat of this organisation. Your professionalism through this period has been humbling. You have my personal gratitude and my sincere apology,” he said.
Ncube also addressed concerns arising from a recent The Zimbabwe Independent report relating to the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation licensing fees.
“Trust, once questioned, demands deliberate action to restore. Editorial credibility is the only currency we have. Without it, we are nothing,” he said.
AMH’s Independent Editorial Advisory Board, chaired by Muchadeyi Masunda, has convened a three-member panel to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter.
“This is not a cosmetic exercise, but a substantive examination of what transpired, where process failed and what safeguards must be put in place,” Ncube said.
“Independent journalism demands not only courage, but rigour. We owe our audiences both.”
Despite the challenges, he said AMH’s publications continue to operate and its journalists remain at work.
“We do not deny our missteps. We confront them, learn from them and build systems that make us better.
“To our shareholders: your investment is anchored in an institution committed to renewal and long-term sustainability.
“To our advertisers and partners: we value your confidence and are working to ensure your association with AMH continues to deliver credibility and impact.
“To our readers: we are accountable to you. We will earn your trust — every edition, every article, everyday.”
Ncube said organisations
revealed their character in moments of strain.
“Ours will be defined by responsibility, transparency and the courage to change,” he said.
“We are steady. We are reflective. And we are resolute.”
