Staff Reporter
Harare – New Ziana journalists Sister Thabisani Dube and Antony Chawagarira have been recognised for excellence in development journalism after winning second prize in the print category at the Hippo Valley Estates Limited 70th Anniversary Journalism Awards.
The awards, held as part of the company’s platinum jubilee celebrations, recognised outstanding reporting in print and broadcast media, with entries assessed on storytelling, heritage preservation and the impact of coverage centred on Hippo Valley Estates’ 70th anniversary campaign under the “Tadzika Midzi” theme.
Media organisations including Avuxeni FM, Hevoi FM, Lowveld Media, Midweek Watch, TelZim, Zimbabwe Now, The Anchor among others participated in the competition.
TelZim journalist Brighto Chiseba won the overall prize in the print category, while Luke Bikausi of Avuxeni FM emerged the winner in the radio category.
Welcoming guests at the awards ceremony, Hippo Valley Estates Limited Chief Executive Officer, Tendai Masawi commended journalists for their professionalism and commitment in documenting the company’s 70-year journey.
He said the media had played a critical role in amplifying the company’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development and ensuring that the “Tadzika Midzi” message reached communities across the country.
“Our sincere appreciation goes to the media fraternity for partnering with us throughout our 70th anniversary celebrations. Through your professional reporting and compelling storytelling, you have helped preserve our heritage and share our journey with the nation,” he said.
Hippo Valley Estates Head of Corporate and Industry Affairs, Dr Dahlia Garwe, also applauded journalists for their contribution towards the successful commemoration of the company’s milestone.
“The media has been an invaluable partner in promoting the Hippo Valley Estates story. Your balanced and impactful coverage has strengthened public appreciation of our heritage while highlighting our continued contribution to national development under the ‘Tadzika Midzi’ campaign,” she said.
Speaking after receiving the award, Sister Dube said the recognition will inspire New Ziana journalists to continue producing quality stories that promote national development.
“This award is an encouragement to keep telling stories that matter to communities. It reflects our commitment to professional, factual and impactful journalism,” she said.
Antony Chawagarira said the award was a testament to New Ziana’s dedication to credible and development-oriented reporting.
“We are honoured by this recognition. It motivates us to continue highlighting stories that promote growth, preserve our national heritage and inform Zimbabweans. We dedicate this achievement to our newsroom, our readers and all those who believe in quality journalism,” he said.
The Hippo Valley Estates 70th Anniversary Journalism Awards celebrated the vital role played by the media in documenting the company’s rich history and communicating its enduring contribution to Zimbabwe’s sugar industry, agriculture and national economic development through the ‘Tadzika Midzi’ campaign.
