Bulawayo, (New Ziana)— Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications in the Office of the President and Cabinet, George Charamba, has commended the enduring relevance of community newspapers, saying they “will never die” due to a sustained appetite for grassroots-focused news.
Speaking after touring the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services pavilion stand at the 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Charamba commended the State-owned multi-media organisation New Ziana, for its innovation and commitment to expanding access to information.
Charamba, who visited several exhibition stands in the pavilion including New Ziana, which is exhibiting at the ZITF for the first time, said the strategic shift of the organisation towards digital platforms was both timely and necessary.
“Community newspapers will never die. There is a huge appetite for community news stories, stories that speak to people in their own environments, in their own languages, and reflecting their lived realities,” he said.
He added that New Ziana’s digital transformation would play a crucial role in bridging the information gap, particularly in marginalised and remote communities.
“I am particularly impressed by New Ziana’s thrust towards digitisation. This is the way to go if we are to ensure that no Zimbabwean is left behind. Digital platforms allow for wider reach, especially to previously underserved areas. Equally important is their deliberate use of local dialects. Communication must resonate with people at grassroots level, and language is central to that inclusivity,” he said.
New Ziana showcased its diverse portfolio at the fair, including its news agency services and eight provincial newspaper titles, which were prominently displayed at the stand.
Visitors were also treated to audiovisual content, including historic Chimurenga files playing on a screen, an aspect that Charamba admired.
“The display here is not only informative but also culturally rich. The Chimurenga archives remind us of our history and identity, which are critical pillars in nation-building,” he said.
Zimbabwe Mass Media Trust executive secretary Ray Mungoshi, said the organisation was undergoing a comprehensive digital transformation aimed at enhancing accessibility and relevance in a fast-evolving media landscape.
“We are in the process of full digitisation of our operations to ensure that no one and no place is left behind in terms of accessing information. Our goal is to meet audiences where they are, whether through print, online platforms or mobile technologies, while continuing to provide credible, community-driven content,” he said.
He said the organisation remained committed to amplifying local voices and telling stories that matter to communities across the country’s provinces.
Community newspapers play a pivotal role in fostering social cohesion and driving development, particularly in rural and marginalised areas.
By focusing on hyper-local issues ranging from agriculture and health to education and governance, they provide a platform for communities to engage with development processes and hold institutions accountable.
They also promote inclusivity by publishing in local languages, ensuring that information is accessible to a broader audience, thereby assisting in preserving cultural identity while strengthening participation in national discourse.
In Zimbabwe, where access to mainstream media can be limited in some regions, community publications such as those produced by New Ziana serve as vital conduits for information dissemination, empowerment and grassroots development.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, the integration of digital tools into community journalism is increasingly seen as key to sustaining relevance, expanding reach and enhancing citizen engagement.
New Ziana
