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Elita Chikwati Herald Reporter

Former broadcaster Mr Godfrey “Chief” Koti was elected the new president for Zimbabwe Institute of Public Relations (ZIPR) when the body held its annual general meeting in Harare last week.

He is deputised by Ms Hazel Zisanhi.

Mr Koti takes over from outgoing president Mr Francis Chimhanda, with Ms Zisanhi replacing Ms Odiline Kava.

Other council members appointed during the AGM include Ms Salome Nziramasanga (secretary), Mr Tapuwa Makurumure, Ms Thando Nkomo, Mr Maimba Mapuranga and Mr Hilgard Kamuna, as general council members.

Mr Koti, who is the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) head corporate affairs said his council’s focus will be on positioning the institute as a professional governance body, where graduates are upskilled and absorbed into the mainstream working environment.

“Our goal is to offer strategic guidance as we refine and develop ways of working for public relations practitioner and professionals in the country,” he said.

“As ZIPR, we will create collaborative working opportunities with local, regional and international bodies in order to generate positive awareness, increased expertise, resources and standards. These synergies will also allow us to actively promote and enhance the way practitioners and organisations communicate in Zimbabwe.”

Ms Zisanhi said she was keen to take on the leading role of implementing the organisation’s strategic goals during her tenure.

Mr Koti will serve a one-year term as president, while the rest of the council members will serve two years.

Some of ZIPR’s past presidents are Mr Chimwanda, Mr Ray Mawerera, Ms Tsungi Manyeza, Mr Hebert Chingozho, Mr Nyasha Maravanyika and Ms Annie Nyakunu.

Formed in 1957, ZIPR is the professional organisation that caters for public relations practitioners.

It is one of the oldest professional organisations in the country.