Simbarashe Mtembo

MIRROR REPORTER

MASVINGO – The Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) annual two day journalism students’ summer school ran from Wednesday – Thursday at a local hotel in Masvingo.

Speakers at the workshop include The Herald editor Victoria Ruzvidzo, Midlands State University (MSU) Media lecturer Dr Beauty Muromo, investigate journalism expert Bridget Mananavire, VMCZ executive director Loughty Dube and media personality Zandile Ndlovu, and VMCZ programmes coordinator Caroline Kuhudzai.

The summer school is organised by the VMCZ with support from the Friedrick Nauman Foundation (FNF) and its thrust is equipping curb journalists with requisite industry skills and bridge the academia and industry gap through presentations from senior practicing journalists and lecturers.

Participants are fourth year journalism students drawn from local universities and are about to join the profession.

Dube urged journalists to continue upgrading their skills. He said a good journalist should is always observant and asks questions.

Ruzvidzo urged female journalists to remain resilient and principled. She said most young women fall prey to their male superiors and sources. She also spoke on the pros and cons of bit journalism, where a reporter focuses on a specific area as business, sport, health, crime and courts and mining.

“Shine at whatever desk you chose to do. Always strive to be the best especially young women who are entering into this male dominated field. Always communicate with your loved ones and take them along when you are working late or on weekends so that they get an appreciation of your job. Communicate clearly and guard yourself against sexual predators,” she said.

Zandile Ndlovu spoke on the importance of self-branding and expectations in broadcasting media. She implored the journalists to start their own enterprises while gaining experience in mainstream media.

“Don’t be afraid of failure. It is a learning curve. Always be inquisitive and broaden your understanding of the field. Build links with other journalists, business people and industry leaders,” she said.

Mananavire urged the reporters to adapt to different environment and not accept easy tasks.