Zimpapers scribes shine Tendai Rupapa

Herald Reporter

Herald Senior Reporter Tendai Rupapa and photojournalist John Manzongo scooped the first prize in the online category of “More than a Mother” Merck Foundation media awards 2021 which were announced yesterday.

The journalists came out tops in Southern Africa in the online and print category of Merck Foundation “More than a Mother” and “Mask up with Care.”

Gracious Mugovera of the Patriot and Shireen Van Wyk from Namibia were also joint first prize winners.

The awards winners were announced in partnership with First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, who is Ambassador of Merck More than a Mother in Zimbabwe, Malawi First Lady Monica Chakwera and Namibia First Lady Monica Geingos.

Rupapa also jointly won the first position in the “Mask up with Care” with Kwayedza reporter Muchaneta Chimuka and Adolf Kaure of Namibia.

Sunday Mail reporter Veronica Gwaze came third in the print category together with Silence Mugadzaweta from NewsDay and Namibian Shireen Van Wyk. Elizabeth Sitotombe of the Patriot and Nevson Mpofu took the second position.

Other winners in the multimedia category include ZBC’s Peter Chivhima, Effie Mpande of Zambia, Mandy Pondani and Howard Dzingomvera of Malawi.

Gaone Khumomatlhare from Botswana came out tops in the Mask up with Care radio category alongside Prudence Siabana from Zambia. Malawian Charles Chindongo took the second prize.

The second position in the online category — More than a Mother awards went to Catherine Murombedzi and Namibian June Shimuoshili.

Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, which seeks to improve the health and well-being of people and advance their lives, primarily focusing on improved access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions in undeserved communities.

The awards were initiated with the aim of recognising and appreciating African journalists who have produced accurate, informative and compelling stories about infertility with the aim of raising awareness.

The “Mask up with Care” awards were to raise awareness on how to adapt best protection measures such as wearing masks to show people to care for and love their family and community; to encourage them to choose to vaccinate and to sensitise them to support healthcare workers who are at the forefront of Covid-19.

Senator Dr Rasha Kelej, chief executive officer of Merck Foundation said she was extremely proud and pleased to announce the winners.

“I am extremely proud and pleased to announce the winners of Merck Foundation Africa media recognition awards “More Than a Mother” and “Mask up with Care” 2021.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the African First Ladies for their consistent support as ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother. I appreciate all the efforts put in by the African media fraternity who became the voice of the voiceless to raise awareness about sensitive social and cultural issues such as Infertility stigma and girl education action, in the past year.

“I have always emphasised the prominent role of media as I strongly believe that both media and art have the capacity and ability to create a culture shift in our communities in a cost-effective way. I welcome all the winners to be members of our Merck Foundation alumni and work closely with us to support and empower women and girls at all levels,” she said.

On Covid-19 awareness, Dr Kelej said she strongly believes that media plays a very important role in raising awareness, educating communities and presenting relevant and precise information separating myths from facts at all levels.

In addition to the prize money, the foundation rewarded the winners by providing them with one-year access to an online educational training programme called “MasterClass” which is an immersive online experience and self-paced learning course.

Besides media training and awards, the partnership between Amai Mnangagwa and Merck Foundation has provided more than 100 scholarships to doctors drawn from the country’s 10 provinces in many critical specialties and under-served disciplines as part of a drive to transform healthcare quality and allow equitable access for all.

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