George Maponga Re-elected ZUJ President with 37 to 19 Victory

George Maponga has been re-elected President of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (image source)

Masvingo‐based journalist George Maponga has retained his position as President of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) after securing 37 votes against 19 for his challenger, Jairos Maponga, at the union’s national congress held in Harare on Friday. The electoral process, conducted under Section 8 of the ZUJ Constitution, also ushered in key leadership changes and confirmations for the 2025–2029 term.

Mary Mhlanga, a senior reporter at NewZimbabwe.com, was elected Vice President after a keenly contested race among three candidates. She pledged to strengthen mentorship programmes for young and rural journalists, promising “equal support for newsrooms across all provinces.”

Perfect Hlongwane, who has served as Secretary-General since 2021, was overwhelmingly retained by delegates. He thanked members for their confidence and vowed to streamline the union’s accreditation appeals process under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

In a fresh appointment, Emmanuel Kafe of The Sunday Mail was elected Organising Secretary. He emphasised the need to broaden union membership beyond urban centres, saying: “Our organising drive must reach every district so that no journalist is left without representation or legal aid.”

Two new committee members—Siphathisiwe Mpofu from Star FM and Leopold Munhende of NewZimbabwe.com—were confirmed. Both highlighted press freedom and digital training as top priorities for the committee, which advises on policy direction and member welfare. More than 180 delegates from the union’s 15 provincial and sector branches attended the three-day congress at Harare Polytechnic’s media studies hall. The agenda included annual reports, financial audits, and a review of the Gender Mainstreaming Committee, which has increased female representation in leadership roles from 18 to 27 percent since 2021.

Achievements and Challenges Ahead

Maponga, who first assumed the presidency in 2021, pointed to several achievements during his first term. He successfully negotiated a 30 percent cut in accreditation renewal fees and secured government recognition of journalists as essential workers during the COVID-19 lockdown, ensuring uninterrupted coverage of the public health response.

“As we embark on a new term, our challenges remain significant,” Maponga told delegates. “From legal threats against investigative reporters to digital misinformation campaigns, our union must adapt swiftly. We will expand our legal aid fund and roll out mobile‐reporting workshops in every province.”

Some delegates called for more inclusive engagement of freelance and regional journalists. “We must decentralise our services,” urged Ithabeleng Moyo of Zvishavane, “so that newsrooms in Chiredzi or Karoi benefit as much as those in Harare.” The congress concluded with the election of the full National Executive Council, comprising nine office‐bearers and seven committee members. Ray Bande of Manicaland continues as First Vice-President, and Marsha Sengwe of Bulawayo remains Second Vice-President. Despite his defeat in the presidential ballot, Jairos Maponga won a seat on the council as Media Liaison Officer.

Looking to 2029

The ZUJ will host its next national congress in Masvingo, Maponga’s home province, in 2029. The union’s new strategic plan prioritises:

• partnerships with the Media Institute of Southern Africa,

• enhanced data‐journalism training, and

• stronger transparency advocacy from state and private entities.

As Zimbabwe’s media sector navigates financial strain and regulatory scrutiny, the re-elected leadership faces the task of bolstering press independence and safeguarding journalists nationwide.