RENOWNED Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) scribe, Jairos Saunyama, has officially entered the race for the presidency of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), ahead of the elective congress set for August 29 in Harare.
Currently the union’s national organising secretary, Saunyama has already embarked on a campaign trail and is expected to launch his manifesto this weekend.
Running under the motto, Towards Complete Reform: Full Professionalisation, Representation and Empowerment of Journalism in Zimbabwe, Saunyama promised a radical shift in how the union serves its members.
“It is time for fresh ideas and strategies to restore dignity to the journalism profession,” Saunyama said.
“There’s a lot that needs to be corrected. Paths must be cleared, the profession must be safeguarded and the issue of fair remuneration for journalists must be addressed once and for all.”
He criticised the union’s invisibility, adding that its role should go beyond the issuance of condolence messages following deaths in the profession.
“The time for a passive union is over,” he said.
“Journalists deserve a vibrant, inclusive and proactive body that genuinely fights for their welfare.
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“This transformation is only possible with the right leadership at the helm.”
Saunyama pledged to outline his roadmap for reform in his manifesto.
A multi-award-winning journalist with over 15 years of experience, Saunyama previously served as ZUJ Mashonaland East provincial chairperson, where he led various initiatives aimed at advancing media professionalism.
His candidacy is expected to inject fresh energy into the union’s leadership race, as journalists across the country call for stronger representation, improved working conditions and a united voice in the industry.
Meanwhile, South Africa-based freelance journalist Mkhululi Chimoio has been elected by his peers as Head of Communications and Media in the Southern Africa Freelancers Association (SAFREA).
This was revealed by SAFREA in a statement last week.
SAFREA is a nonprofit membership-based organisation founded in 1999, dedicated to supporting and promoting freelance professionals in the media and communications sector throughout southern Africa.
“I look forward to strengthening our communication channels, raising awareness of freelance contributions across the region and building solidarity among media professionals,” he said.
