Published: 6 hours ago

Veteran Zimpapers journalist George Maponga has been re-elected president of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) after defeating NewsDay's Jairos Saunyama by 37 votes to 19.

The elections, held during the union's congress, also saw changes in other key posts. For the vice presidency, Mary Taruvinga won ahead of Skies Metro FM's Sibonginkosi Maphosa.

The Organising Secretary post went to Emmanuel Kafe, who edged Newshawks journalist Brenner Matendetere 27–25 in a runoff after an initial 28–28 tie. Another runoff decided the second committee member slot, with Siphathisiwe Mpofu securing 25 votes against Miriam Mangwaya's 19.

The congress adopted a leaner national executive structure and approved a new constitution aimed at revitalising ZUJ.

General Secretary Perfect Hlongwane, re-elected unopposed, pledged to continue championing journalists' welfare.
"I am pleased to be re-elected and will work hard to find solutions to the issues affecting the lives of journalists," Hlongwane said.

In his acceptance speech, Maponga promised to strengthen ZUJ's engagement with stakeholders.
"The union will continue working to transform the media sector and address pressing challenges," he said.
- The Chronicle