Abel Ndooka
H-Metro Reporter
ON Friday, December 20, last year, we published and distributed our final physical H-Metro copy of last year and went on a two-week break.
Today, we are back on the streets in what will be a defining year for us as a newspaper, in particular, and for our Zimpapers family, in general.
During our break we asked our readers about what they felt about our newspaper, areas where we are falling short and the areas they want to see improved.
One particular feedback from Shumba Pazvese caught our attention.
It read:
“H-Metro, in 2025, be smarter than bloggers and socialites. Train journos how to write for online audiences.”
For us, this means everything.
For it captures our thrust, as we walk into the future, in which our focus will not be dominated by the publication of this newspaper but ensuring that we keep our audiences informed, educated and entertained through our various digital platforms.
During our break, we plunged into the row which was triggered by Jah Prayzah’s decision to go on social media and script a lengthy message thanking businessman and benefactor Wicknell Chivayo.
We knew very well that it would provoke a fierce backlash for us but, guided by the principle that we felt Jah Prayzah had a right to be heard, we went ahead and published our stance.
We have no regret for doing so even though, as some of the feedback which we publish today will show, it atrracted a fierce backlash for us.
“For me, what matters most was that I realised that people really care about what we publish and that was shown in the massive response to our post,” said H-Metro Editor Robson Sharuko.
“I would have been more worried if our post had been ignored and it had just attracted a few responses because that would have shown that we are irrelevant.
“However, the massive feedback showed that people read what we post and publish and, crucially, they believe they are a part of us because you even have some who, while not agreeing with us, offer options that we could have approached this issue in a different manner.”
A few days ago we posted a video of a young man who proposed to his girlfriend at a colourful ceremony at a retail outlet in Harare.
The video has generated a lot of interest among our readers.
However, while the majority of those who have provided us with feedback have been complimentary, as the record of the views we have published will reveal, there are some people who decided to provide a negative touch to this beautiful union of these young souls.
“For me, this shows that it’s impossible to satisfy everyone,” said Sharuko.
“Just imagine that even this beautiful union attracted some negative remarks.
“That’s the reality of the world that we live in today and our responsibility is to try and ensure that we find the balance in our coverage on a daily basis.”
REACTIONS TO THE BEAUTIFUL
PROPOSAL
“Hamugoni here kuita propose without announcing it to the whole world nhaimi ma youngsters of today? Do know that you can do roora day without broadcasting it on social media? Do you know that you can marry and have kids without broadcasting on social media? Kkkkkkk hamuna direction vapfana too much dzungu plus speed.” – Saul Makosa
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“Majaira ma horror of people being murdered in public on the streets, hamusisina space to appreciate good things.” – @WeKwaTaderera
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“That’s what they are focused on. Someone is actually starting a family on that public proposal, I think you missed something and the other think is that people cannot do things the way you want things done. Munhu wega wega anemaitiro ake. Just kuti tingoonesa, no feelings.” – Simbarashe Mandidoma
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“Zvikomana zvemazuva ano kuwonererwa ndaiti kushanda inini, Tuku singing, you propose an off-layer in public.” – @TaperaEmmanuel
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“Zvinovengwa nemuroyi chete. Congratulations. Dai ndirini uya uya ndakutoti endai munoona gweta rangu Munangate and Associates mupihwe $20 000 USD yemuchato.” – Lesley Webster Mtengezanwa
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“I’ve never been happier for a stranger.” – Chidochashe Chigaba
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“Congratulations lady looks humble and appreciative. Love wins all the time. Be true and you will be rewarded.” – Happyson Mbenguzana
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“I pray that every Satanic wickedness is cancelled and this marriage stands on a solid rock Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” – Joyce Mrehwa
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“Awwww soooo sweet .. dear Lord I think I’m ready now kupinda Mumba ndimi munoziva zvandinoda honai ndakuisa prayer pa jekerere kudaiso… I want to be loved like Christ loved His church ..honai ndaku quote bible zvekare Mwari… Iii ndatora ma goose bumps… congratulations girlie happy for you.” – Precious Murinye
REACTION TO OUR DECISION TO STAND WITH JAH PRAYZAH
“Mukuda kunopiwa ma printer na Wicknell ka.” – @Malowe94
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“You are just useless.” – @Chivhu4lyfe
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“Whoever is the Editor of this paper needs a mental health check.” – @tinomabwe
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“This is Rob campaigning for his car. Few weeks ago he penned another article defending Peter. Connect the dots.” – @lmurape1
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“We do not have journalists in Zimbabwe. On a side note if anyone thinks those donations are free, they have it coming .They’ll soon call for payback.” – @JayDi1984
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“Aaaaah makudawo maAkwa chete apa.” – @towermanprince
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The Editor of this paper should be fired what’s this.” – @TashyMknevy
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“In your respect for his right to speak, kindly accept the criticism from those not happy with his actions. They both deserve the same level of respect.” – Douglas Dzumbunu
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Ko H-Metro nyaya iyi maitenga kupi futi kkkk anopenga Jah Prayzah uyu kuita kunge munhu asina kukwana infact he doesn’t know his position munyika ye Zim kuita kunge nzenza yapiwa mari hahaha.” – Cde Chauya Chauya
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For a tabloid, I don’t blame you, instead of informing the public you’re clearly taking sides, I’m sure this goes against the ethics, integrity and principles of journalism. When have you ever given @winkydonline a chance for his right to be heard?” – @LEOTSINDA
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“Ini ne H-Metro tomira na Wagwizi.” – DonAfrica
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“He’s an artist, thats what artists do, they create. I loved the poetry, he deserves another Benz.” – @changamireshato
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“Vanhu ngavabvumirwe kusuppota zvavanoda.” – @arubengura.
Online Reporter
