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Herald Reporter

A firm relationship between the mining sector and the media is of paramount importance for both sectors to achieve their intended targets, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Kindness Paradza has said.

Deputy Minister Paradza made the remarks at this year’s edition of the Media Mining awards which were held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As has become the norm with media awards, diversified media group, Zimpapers — publishers of The Herald, shone brightly with scribes from the stable walking away with top accolades.

Ishemunyoro Chingwere, who has since left the stable for diversified resources group — RioZim Ltd, was crowned Best Reporter in the Diamond Sector while Fungai Lupande walked away with the Best Reporter award, Small Scale and Artisanal Miners category.

The Herald’s sister publication, The Chronicle, scribe Gibson Mhaka scooped the Best Reporter Award, Health and Safety, while Mukudzei Chingwere of The Herald was the runner-up in the chrome mining sector category.

“The mining sector must understand that it is the role of the media to disseminate information and by cultivating relations with the media, they can effectively communicate the development within this sector,” said Deputy Minister Paradza.

“You are aware that Parliament has enacted the Freedom of Information Act, which compels all entities, the mining sector included, to have information officers whose job is to assist both the public and the media in accessing information about that particular entity, this is now a legal requirement.

“As a ministry we are delighted that these awards were introduced not only to capacitate and honour journalists but also to motivate journalists reporting on the mining sector,” he said.

Mines and Mining Development Minister, Winston Chitando, also lauded the media for the role it plays in the development of the mining sector.

“The media awards are very special to me because the time when we started thinking about having this particular function was a time when I was the president of the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe and I remember talking and brainstorming with Munyaradzi Hwengwere on the possibility of having these media awards,” said Minister Chitando.

“I am pleased to say we managed to come up with this awards ceremony which recognizes the importance of the media in the development of the country in general and in the development of the mining industry in particular,” said the Minister.

Chingwere described his accolade as a confirmation of The Herald’s leading position in the market.

“It’s a Zimpapers award,” said Chingwere, “it is further confirmation that Zimpapers is the home of the best journalism in the country.

“Above everything, I am delighted for having played a role in, not only informing the nation, but playing a part in journalism of economic advancement which is synonymous with Zimpapers,” said Chingwere.