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Remember Deketeke, Harare Bureau
Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Limited, the largest media group in Zimbabwe, yesterday officially launched its ambitious digital transformation initiative aimed at modernising operations and enhancing reader engagement.
This initiative responds to the rapidly changing media landscape, where digital consumption is increasingly the norm.
Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, along with Deputy Minister Omphile Marupi and Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana, also toured the group’s new bookstore and coffee shops. Minister Muswere also participated in interviews with ZTN Prime and Capitalk, discussing the importance of embracing digital transformation for media entities.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Muswere emphasised the significance of digital transformation in achieving upper-middle-income status.
“We are here to witness a groundbreaking digital initiative marking the beginning of Zimpapers’ journey toward total transformation as an institution,” said Dr Muswere.
“Zimpapers is undergoing a comprehensive digital transformation, with the Board, Management, and staff fully committed to this process. This initiative aims to ensure a total transformation of Zimpapers as an institution. This transformation is essential as we strive towards becoming an upper-middle-income society.”
Dr Muswere outlined the key aspects of the transformative journey, including cultural, behavioural, digital, and business transformation.
“For digital transformation to take place, the cultural transformation is to take the lead. The behavioural transformation is to take the lead as well,” he said.
“These four aspects in terms of the transformation of Zimpapers will ensure that the institution continues to grow.”
He said that Zimpapers must adapt to the fourth industrial revolution.
“The readership now focuses on traffic, content, and packaging. The old print media business model is declining, even though some segments still prefer physical copies,” he said.
“The board, management, and staff must strategically shift towards the complete digitalisation of Zimpapers. With approximately 8 million registered telecom subscribers and declining newspaper circulation, it is clear that we need to embrace the digital path.”
“However, in this fourth industrial revolution, innovation is crucial, as necessity drives invention.”
Dr Muswere added effective collaboration among the board, management, and staff is essential for the success of the digital transformation journey.
To drive Zimpapers a an institution, Dr Muswere emphasised the need to adapt to market trends by packaging content digitally.
Drawing lessons from the successful Kenyan model, Zimpapers Group CEO Mr Pikirayi Deketeke said it can guide the entity towards full digital implementation.
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