Harare, (New Ziana) -The Zimbabwe Institute of Public Relations (ZIPR) elected communications consultant Thandolwenkosi Nkomo as its new president at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held recently.
He takes over from Hazel Zisanhi, who had completed her two-year term at the helm of the organisation.
Other members who were also elected include Charles Sadondo who was voted vice-president and Roberta Katunga who came in as secretary, while Darling Ndlovu joins the ZIPR council as a member.
In a statement, ZIPR said Zisanhi however, remains in the executive as an ex-officio member assuming responsibility for the Public Relations and Membership portfolio, in which capacity she is expected to use her experience to support the growth initiatives of the Institute.
“The election of the new council comes at a time when there has been tremendous interest among public relations practitioners in ongoing professional development programs and platforms that enable them to
network, collaborate and contribute to the sustained growth of public relations in Zimbabwe.”
“It is our intention to not only meet the needs of local public relations practitioners in this regard, but to fulfill our role as a thought leader that the private sector, government and civil society can trust to provide guidance and counsel, especially at a time when there is need for careful navigation towards attaining national development goals and the international Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” said Nkomo soon after being elected.
He said the new council was committed to continuing to promoteexcellence, ethical behaviour and professional development in the field of public relations, adding that they will continue striving to provide a platform for their members to network, share knowledge and collaboratein fostering growth and advancement within the public relations industry.
The ZIPR has been the national body for public relations professionals for almost 67 years, having been founded in 1957.
Meanwhile, the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) boardmember and chair of the
association’s United Kingdom and Ireland Chapter Jacqueline Purcell, who is a ZIPR Fellow and former ZIPR president, has extended her congratulations to the new ZIPR president and noted the longstanding relationship between ZIPR and IPRA.
New Ziana
