Online Reporter
Rungano Washington Gwanzura
Group Design Editor
As I sit here, reflecting on my 33-year journey at Zimpapers, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia and awe.
Thursday, January 9, 2025, marked a significant milestone in my career, and I am honoured to have been a part of this incredible journey.
I joined Zimpapers on January 9, 1992, when the industry was still rooted in traditional printing methods.
The letterpress, linotype, and lithographic systems were the backbone of our production process. I vividly remember the distinct smell of ink, the sound of clanking metal, and the sense of satisfaction that came with seeing the day’s edition roll off the presses.
My immediate boss at the time was the renowned Charles “CNN” Mabika.
I had only known him from his radio broadcasts, but when I met him in person, I was struck by his humility.
The editor of The Herald at the time was Tommy Sithole, a man feared and respected by all.
He was also the Editor-in-Chief of all Zimpapers publications, which included The Herald, The Sunday Mail, Chronicle, Sunday News, The Manica Post, Kwayedza, and Umthunywa.
The dawn of the new millennium brought with it a seismic shift in the industry.
Computer systems and digital pagination replaced traditional printing methods, increasing efficiency and reducing production time.
This period also saw the rise of online news platforms, which would eventually change the way we consumed and interacted with news.
Under the leadership of our current CEO, Pikirayi Deketeke, Zimpapers has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing media landscape.
We have successfully expanded our operations to include radio and TV stations, emulating the likes of Nation Media in Kenya.
Today, Zimpapers boasts an impressive array of publications, including H-Metro, B-Metro, Business Weekly, Suburban, Kwayedza Dzidza, BH24, Agriculture Journal, The Herald Agric ePaper, and many more.
The past decade has been marked by a fundamental transformation in the way we create, distribute, and consume news.
The advent of social media, online news aggregators, and mobile devices has forced the industry to adapt and evolve.
Our newsroom is now a hub of digital activity, with journalists, editors, and producers working together to create engaging, interactive content for our online audiences.
As I reflect on my 33-year journey, I am struck by the resilience and adaptability of our industry. Despite the challenges posed by technological disruption, changing reader habits, and economic pressures, we have continued to evolve and thrive.
I have learned that the key to success lies in embracing change, investing in innovation, and staying true to the core values of journalism: accuracy, fairness, and a commitment to telling the stories that matter.
As I look to the future, I am excited by the possibilities that lie ahead. The newspaper industry will continue to evolve, driven by advances in technology, changing reader preferences, and the need for sustainable business models.
One thing, however, will remain constant — our commitment to quality journalism, our passion for storytelling, and our dedication to serving our audiences.
My 33-year journey at Zimpapers has been an incredible odyssey, filled with challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned. As I celebrate this milestone, I am grateful for the experience, proud of our accomplishments, and excited for the future ahead.
