Zimbabwe today bids farewell to veteran broadcaster John Masuku, a pioneering media practitioner whose voice, leadership and mentorship helped shape the country’s broadcasting landscape for more than five decades.
Masuku, who passed away on February 13 at his home in Mabelreign, after suffering cardiac arrest, will be buried this afternoon at Glen Forest Memorial Park in Harare.
Fittingly, his death occurred on World Radio Day — a medium to which he devoted his life.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister Zhemu Soda described Masuku as a fountain of wisdom who played a pivotal role in shaping Zimbabwe’s media industry, especially the broadcasting sector.
“As evidenced by the heartfelt tributes pouring in across social media, Mr Masuku was deeply passionate about mentoring young journalists and shaping informed public discourse,” Soda said.
“His guidance nurtured a generation of media practitioners who continue to uphold the values he championed.
“Mr Masuku will also be fondly remembered for establishing the journalism and media studies college in Bulawayo — the Bulawayo Evening School (BES) — which has played a significant role in training media professionals.
“His commitment to informing and educating the nation leaves a lasting legacy within the journalism fraternity and beyond.”
The minister said Masuku will be remembered not only for his remarkable professional achievements, but also for his humility, wisdom, and steadfast belief in the power of the media to drive development and strengthen democracy.
Several people described Masuku as a professional of rare integrity, whose contribution to radio and media development in Zimbabwe will remain part of the country’s national heritage.
A memorial service was held yesterday at a local funeral parlour in Harare, followed by an evening vigil at the Masuku family home in Mabelreign.
Hundreds of mourners attended the memorial service, including senior government officials, members of the media fraternity, family, friends and former colleagues whose lives he touched throughout his illustrious career.
Today, a Requiem Mass will be held early in the morning at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Mabelreign.
Thereafter, the body will depart for burial at Glen Forest Memorial Park, with interment scheduled for 2pm.
Family members said they were comforted by the overwhelming support from across the political and media divide, describing Masuku as a unifier whose life’s work transcended generations.
Born in Harare, then Salisbury, Masuku began his broadcasting career in 1974 at the then-Rhodesia Broadcasting Corporation, which later became the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).
He started as a radio announcer and producer at Mbare Studios at a time when few black broadcasters occupied prominent roles in the industry.
Through dedication, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Masuku rose steadily through the ranks.
During his 28-year tenure at ZBC, he eventually became general manager (controller) of Radio Services, overseeing four national radio stations until his departure in 2002.
His expertise was sharpened through advanced training in radio broadcasting and management at internationally acclaimed institutions, including the BBC in London and Deutsche Welle in Cologne, Germany.
Academically, Masuku was equally accomplished, holding a BSc Honours degree in Politics and Administration from the University of Zimbabwe and a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Journalism from Stellenbosch University in South Africa.
After leaving ZBC, Masuku continued to influence Zimbabwe’s media sector as executive director of Radio Voice of the People (VOP), where he played a key role in promoting diverse and independent voices.
Beyond the newsroom, he became a respected media trainer and consultant, mentoring generations of journalists and broadcasters across the country.
In 2023, his contribution to global broadcasting was recognised when he served as Unesco international campaign coordinator for World Radio Day.
He also authored his memoirs, JM Archives: Memoirs of A Cross Generational Zimbabwean Broadcaster, chronicling the evolution of Zimbabwean broadcasting from the colonial era through independence and into the modern age.
Affectionately known as “Ndwandwe” in some circles, Masuku was widely admired for his calm demeanour, integrity, commitment to press freedom and deep love for radio.
He is survived by his wife Agnes Dziruni, three daughters, one son and eight grandchildren.