SPECIALISED NEWS WRITING AND PRODUCTION ASSIGNMENT 1

PROGRAMME: B.A HONOURS IN MEDIA & DIGITAL COMMUNICATION STUDIES

MODULE TITLE:    SPECIALISED NEWS WRITING AND PRODUCTION HMDS404

STUDENT:                                                                BELIEVE NYAKUDJARA

STUDENT NUMBER:                                             B08231233

PART:                                                                        4.1

MODE OF LEARNING:                                         BLOCK

CONTACT:                                                               0772672110               

LECTURER:                                                             MISS MUTARE 

QUESTION: ASSESS THE ETHICAL AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS WHICH ARE FACED BY JOURNALISTS WHEN REPORTING ON SENSITIVE ISSUES SUCH AS SUICIDE, SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND CORRUPTION.

Journalists play a crucial role in shaping public discourse by reporting on sensitive issues such as suicide, sexual violence, and corruption. These delicate subjects demand a careful balance between informing the public, respecting the subjects involved and adhering to ethical and legal frameworks. In Zimbabwe and across Africa, where these issues are often deeply intertwined with social, cultural, and political realities, journalists face unique challenges. This essay critically assesses the ethical and legal considerations journalists must navigate when reporting on these sensitive matters, drawing on relevant examples from Zimbabwe and the broader African context.

It calls for a deep sense of ethics and a strong awareness of legal responsibilities. When journalists get it wrong—by sensationalising stories, invading privacy, or breaching confidentiality—the consequences can be dire, from inflicting further trauma to undermining individual rights or even the justice process.

Local journalists operate in an environment characterized by societal taboos, restrictive regulations and political unrest. Press freedom frequently clashes with tradition and restriction, intensifying the moral conundrums. However, the fight to strike a balance between the rights of individuals and the public's right to know is not exclusive to Zimbabwe.

By drawing on examples from Zimbabwe and international best practices, the essay argues that ethical journalism is not just about abiding by the law but also about reporting with care, context, and humanity.

The principles of honesty, justice, and respect for human rights are at the core of ethical journalism. Doing no damage is emphasized in codes from organizations including Zimbabwe's Voluntary Media Council (VMCZ), the African Charter on Broadcasting, and the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). Legally speaking, journalists must exercise caution, abide by privacy and defamation rules, and refrain from publishing anything that might endanger victims or the general public.

As McQuail (2010) points out, journalism is a constant balancing act between freedom and responsibility—between openness and compassion, between the right to publish and the duty to protect. Zimbabwean journalists ought to comply with both statutory laws and self-regulatory codes. While laws like the Zimbabwe Media Commission Act and the Freedom of Information Act have improved transparency, they still leave considerable power in the hands of the state to determine what can and cannot be published, especially when it comes to content deemed harmful or immoral.

These laws are crucial in addressing the thematic issues that AIPPA catered for, which include access to information, media regulation, and data protection, and or protection of personal information.

The Zimbabwe Media Commission, being the regulator of the media industry, is a constitutional body whose functions include the duty to uphold, promote and develop freedom of the media, to promote and enforce good practices and ethics in the media and to promote fair competition and diversity in the media.

This Act, according to its preamble, seeks to make further provision about the functions of the Zimbabwe Media Commission, to provide for the manner in which the Commission exercises its functions, to provide for the investigation and hearing procedure by the Commission of complaints received and to provide for the secretariat of the Commission among other.

Ethical sensitivity reporting on suicide calls for exceptional care. How journalists report these stories can influence vulnerable people—a phenomenon known as the “Werther effect”, where irresponsible reporting may lead to imitation (Pirkis & Blood, 2010). The World Health Organization urges journalists to avoid detailed descriptions and speculation and instead provide information about support services. In Zimbabwe, the stigma around suicide is strong, often rooted in cultural and religious beliefs. Journalists risk deepening this stigma or causing additional pain to grieving families through careless reporting. For instance, when a national newspaper published images of a teenage suicide victim in 2019, it drew public outrage and was condemned for violating privacy (VMCZ, 2020). Best practice calls for journalists to respect the bereaved families’ privacy, avoid sensationalism or moral judgment, as well as offer context and include voices of mental health professionals or helplines.

There's evidence of improvement. Helpline information is now included in pieces regarding mental health in some Zimbabwean media, such as The Sunday Mail, which is a good step in accordance with international norms. Journalists who violate privacy or inflict emotional distress face legal consequences. The Censorship and Entertainment Control Act of Zimbabwe permits authorities to censor information deemed obscene or indecent; this law occasionally applies to reports of horrific suicides. When photos are released without permission, families have also used their constitutional right to privacy. For instance, the UK's IPSO Editors' Code of Practice mandates that journalists handle such tales with "sympathy and discretion," illustrating how moral principles can have legal force even in the absence of explicit legislation.

Reporting about sexual violence requires extreme caution. The United Nations' main ethical guideline is to safeguard survivors' privacy and dignity. Sexual violence is severely stigmatized in Zimbabwe, especially for women and children. Even though journalists are told not to identify victims without explicit, informed agreement, violations nevertheless happen. In one instance, a newspaper's indirect identification of a child rape victim sparked harsh criticism from advocacy groups and an apology. How sexual assault is portrayed in the media matters a lot. Language has the power to minimize harm or perpetuate harmful preconceptions. Many Zimbabwean newsrooms still lack training in gender-sensitive reporting, which means errors and insensitivity are still frequent.

Laws safeguarding children, privacy, and against defamation all interact with reporting on sexual abuse. Publication of material that might identify juveniles involved in sexual offenses is prohibited by Zimbabwean law, and violations may result in legal action. Courts have strengthened these safeguards, cautioning against disclosing information that might reveal victims, even inadvertently. Globally, including in the UK, it is customary for complainants in sexual crime proceedings to remain anonymous for life. However, it is the responsibility of journalists to report abuse—often at great personal danger. For instance, investigations of sexual harassment in Zimbabwe's colleges have demonstrated that it is feasible to end the taboo while still protecting survivors' identities.

Investigative reporting on corruption is essential for democracy, yet it is fraught with challenges. Journalists must verify allegations, protect sources, and maintain accuracy—all while facing intimidation and legal threats. In Zimbabwe, journalists who report on corruption often face harassment or arrest. Hopewell Chin’ono’s detention in 2020 after exposing procurement scandals is a case in point. Ethical practice requires journalists to confirm allegations through multiple sources, avoid making unverifiable or defamatory claims, and also weigh public interest against potential harm.

Verifying information, however, can be challenging in an environment where sources fear retaliation and transparency is missing. Although Zimbabwe's Freedom of Information Act promotes transparency in theory, critical reporting is nonetheless suppressed by other legislation. Even though it is no longer illegal, defamation is nonetheless a common basis for civil actions. There is always a chance of legal action because public figures have sued journalists for reputational damage. Cases from nearby nations, such as Mail & Guardian vs Pillay in South Africa, demonstrate that courts can place the public interest ahead of reputational claims; this is a helpful precedent for people promoting press freedom in Zimbabwe.

Whether reporting on suicide, sexual violence, or corruption, journalists must constantly weigh the value of disclosure against the need to protect individual privacy. The guiding question is whether the story genuinely serves the public good or simply feeds curiosity.

As demonstrated by several Zimbabwean tabloids, there is a genuine risk of desensitizing the people through persistent sensational headlines. The moral dilemma is to avoid viewing tragedy as entertainment and instead concentrate on offering caring, meaningful context.

New difficulties have emerged with the growth of digital media. Stories can spread quickly and widely, frequently with little regard for privacy or appropriate verification. Sensitive information or leaked videos can spread quickly, making it challenging to uphold moral norms. In order to deal with concerns like consent and the removal of harmful content, ethical frameworks must change to adapt to the digital age.

Journalism education in Zimbabwe should prioritise trauma-informed, gender-sensitive, and legally literate reporting. Some institutions are already moving in this direction.

In order to properly enforce ethical norms and handle violations, self-regulation organizations such as the VMCZ require greater visibility and authority.

Laws must harmonize pertinent statutes and strike a balance between press freedom and robust protections for victims and sources.

Ethics committees should be set up in newsrooms to examine delicate stories before they are published.

Zimbabwean journalism may reach international standards while honoring local circumstances by implementing global best practices, such as those from UNESCO and WHO.

Reporting about sexual assault, suicide, and corruption requires journalists to balance responsibility and compassion. These difficulties affect Zimbabwean journalists more severely than many of their colleagues since they frequently operate under scrutiny and with limited resources. However, the fundamental ideas—respect for dignity, accuracy, justice, and accountability—remain universal. While legal compliance guarantees that the search for the truth does not compromise the welfare of individuals, ethical journalism entails minimizing harm and defending the rights of the weak. Adhering to ethical standards is the cornerstone of public trust, not a barrier to quality journalism. Whether in Zimbabwe or elsewhere, the legitimacy of media ultimately depends on its capacity to cover challenging issues with tact, legality, and most importantly, humanity.

References

Chuma, W., & Nyamnjoh, F. (2020). Ethics and the representation of women in Southern African media. Journal of African Media Studies, 12(3), 245–261.

Mabweazara, H. (2021). Facing risks in digital investigative journalism in Zimbabwe. African Journalism Studies, 42(4), 350–367.

McQuail, D. (2010). McQuail’s Mass Communication Theory (6th ed.). Sage.

Mare, A., & Moyo, D. (2021). Press freedom and legal repression in Zimbabwe. Media Watch, 12(2), 141–158.

Musasa Project. (2020). Media ethics and reporting on sexual violence in Zimbabwe. Harare.

Pirkis, J., & Blood, R. W. (2010). Suicide and the media: Part I. Crisis, 31(3), 141–149.

VMCZ. (2020). Media Complaints and Ethics Review Report 2019–2020. Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe.

Wasserman, H. (2010). Tabloid Journalism in South Africa: True Stories? Indiana University Press.

World Health Organization. (2017). Preventing Suicide: A Resource for Media Professionals (Update 2017). Geneva: WHO.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ONLINE JOURNALISM HMDS 406 - ASSIGNMENT 2

PROGRAMME: B.A HONOURS IN MEDIA & DIGITAL COMMUNICATION STUDIES

MODULE TITLE:                                                    ONLINE JOURNALISM HMDS 406

STUDENT:                                                                BELIEVE NYAKUDJARA

STUDENT NUMBER:                                             B08231233

PART:                                                                        4.1

MODE OF LEARNING:                                         BLOCK

CONTACT:                                                               0772672110               

LECTURER:                                                            MISS MUTARE

QUESTION: CRITIC THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS ON NEWS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION WITH THE AID OF PRACTICAL EXAMPLES FROM ZIMBABWEAN NEWSROOMS.

Over the last 20 years, social media has completely changed how journalism works worldwide. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter (now X), WhatsApp, Instagram and YouTube are no longer confined to connect anymore—they have become the main channels for creating, sharing, and consuming news. Traditional newsrooms, which used to be the gatekeepers controlling what information reached the public, now operate in a fast-changing digital space. Here, everyday users, influencers, and algorithms all play a role in deciding what news gets attention. While social media has made information more accessible and allowed audiences to interact with news in new ways, it has also created challenges for journalistic ethics, professionalism, and long-term viability.

In Zimbabwe, where economic hardships, political pressures, and unequal digital access collide, social media has been both a blessing and a curse. It has sparked innovation in how news is made and shared but has also weakened editorial standards. This essay looks closely at how social media affects newsrooms in Zimbabwe, placing these changes in a wider global and regional context. It argues that, although social media encourages citizen involvement and quick reporting, it has also chipped away at the quality of journalism, fueled misinformation, promoted the dissemination of fake news, and compromised newsroom independence because of commercial and algorithm-driven pressures.

Disinformation, defined as the deliberate spread of false or misleading information, has become a prevalent issue in Zimbabwe’s digital landscape. For instance, during election cycles, social media platforms are flooded with fabricated stories, doctored images, and misleading videos designed to sway voters in favour of or against particular candidates or political parties. These campaigns are often orchestrated by politically motivated actors, including foreign entities seeking to influence Zimbabwe’s political trajectory. One of the most notorious examples of digital disinformation in Zimbabwe occurred during the 2018 general elections.

Zimbabwe’s political landscape is marked by polarisation and a constant battle for accepted narratives between the ruling ZANU-PF party and the opposition parties, particularly the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). Misinformation played a significant role during the 2018 elections, with fake election results circulating on social media platforms, undermining the credibility of the electoral process. The dissemination of false information contributed to politically motivated violence, resulting in casualties.

To truly understand how social media influences journalism, we need to look at the political economy of media—basically, how ownership, technology, and market pressures shape what we see in the news. Big social media companies like Facebook and X do not just distribute news; they decide what gets seen and what doesn’t, controlling the digital space where news spreads.

Researchers Van Dijck, Poell, and de Waal explain that this “platformisation” means editorial decisions are increasingly driven by digital popularity metrics—clicks, likes, and shares—rather than traditional journalistic judgment. In Zimbabwe, newsrooms struggling with tight budgets tailor their content to fit these algorithms, often prioritizing sensational stories that go viral over deep, public-interest reporting.

Journalists used to rely on official sources, press releases, and on-the-ground reporting. Now, social media lets them gather news instantly and from a wider range of voices. During the 2019 Harare fuel protests, for example, platforms like Twitter were full of live videos and eyewitness accounts that mainstream outlets later used. This speed is great for responsiveness but makes it harder to separate confirmed facts from unverified social media posts.

Newsrooms like 263Chat and Tech Zim even encourage their reporters to share stories live on social media. However, this rush to be first sometimes sacrifices accuracy, leading to mistakes and ethical suicides.

Social media has blurred the line between professional journalists and everyday people who now capture and share news moments themselves. For instance, videos showing police brutality during the #ThisFlag protest in 2016 spread online before traditional media picked them up. This wider participation brings fresh perspectives but also challenges newsroom authority. Influencers and activists, though influential, may not always follow journalistic verification, which mixes facts with opinions and misinformation online. Pictures of minors and victims are often published without their permission, causing them emotional harm and exposing them to social stigma.

Earlier this year, a manipulated video of President Emmerson Mnangagwa went viral, sparking widespread discussion on social media. The clip showed President Mnangagwa allegedly ignoring Vice President Constantino Chiwenga during the burial of Tinaye Chigudu, and many Zimbabweans viewed it as a sign of growing tension between the two leaders amid Zanu-PF's ongoing succession battle.

However, sharp-eyed viewers quickly revealed that the video had been edited, creating a false impression of the interaction. While this truth emerged, the initial impact had already spread, with social media buzzing with speculation about a possible conflict within Zanu-PF's leadership.

This incident highlights the dangers of fake news and misinformation in today's digital landscape. In a country facing political uncertainty and economic challenges, such misleading content can easily provoke unrest and damage trust among citizens.

News used to be distributed by editors deciding what stories to highlight. Now, algorithms today do that job, especially in Zimbabwe, where many people access news through Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp because of expensive internet data. These platforms favor emotional or sensational content, making it tough for balanced stories to get noticed. Zimbabwean outlets often adjust their headlines and images to attract clicks rather than provide in-depth analysis.

With over 5 million users in Zimbabwe, WhatsApp has become a major way to share news directly, bypassing websites. But its encrypted messages also mean misinformation spreads fast and unchecked. During the COVID-19 pandemic, false rumors about vaccines and government data circulated widely, despite fact-checking efforts by organizations like ZimFact. So, while WhatsApp democratizes access, it also creates fertile ground for disinformation that damages trust in traditional journalism.

Social media pushes newsrooms to focus on “clickbait” — stories designed to grab attention rather than inform. With advertising revenues shrinking, Zimbabwean editors often prioritise viral content over serious civic reporting. For example, the Daily News online has shifted towards lighter stories to boost readership, leaving less room for investigative work.

Newsrooms increasingly depend on platforms they don’t control. When Facebook changed its News Feed algorithm in 2018 to prioritize personal posts over news, Zimbabwean outlets saw their reach drop dramatically. This shows how global platforms extract value from Zimbabwean content creators without giving them much in return—a phenomenon called “data colonialism.”

False information spreads faster than ever, and the pressure to publish quickly can weaken fact-checking. In 2021, several Zimbabwean news outlets mistakenly reported that opposition leader Nelson Chamisa had been arrested, based on viral but false tweets. This highlights how overreliance on social media as a primary news source can backfire.

Journalists in Zimbabwe now juggle many roles—reporting, filming, editing, and tweeting all at once. While this makes them more versatile, it also adds to their workload without higher pay. Big media groups like The Herald and Zimpapers have created “digital desks” to focus on online content, but many journalists find the shift from in-depth research to chasing social media metrics uncomfortable.

Whereas newspapers once shaped the national conversation, social media scatters attention across countless sources. Many Zimbabweans skim headlines or images rather than reading full articles, which leads to “shallow journalism” focused on spectacle instead of substance. This fragmentation blurs the line between credible news outlets and unverified blogs, weakening trust in journalism’s role as a unifying force.

Zimbabwe’s situation reflects worldwide trends. In the US, algorithm-driven news has reduced loyalty to mainstream outlets. In the UK, giants like the BBC struggle as Facebook and Google dominate digital advertising. Kenya and South Africa face similar challenges, with social media boosting reach but also misinformation and loss of journalist independence. However, unlike richer countries, Zimbabwean newsrooms lack the resources to build their own digital platforms, making them more vulnerable to platform changes.

To thrive in this new landscape, Zimbabwean media need to build their own digital platforms and applications to reduce reliance on global social media companies, invest in fact-checking teams like ZimFact as core newsroom functions, improve training on digital skills, data literacy, and ethical social media use, encourage collaboration between government, civil society, and media to fight misinformation without censoring free speech, and educate audiences to critically evaluate what they read online.

Social media has opened exciting new doors for Zimbabwean journalism—making it faster, more interactive, and more inclusive. But it has also shaken the foundations of accuracy, editorial freedom, and financial stability. Journalists now navigate a complex world ruled by algorithms and popularity metrics rather than traditional editorial control.

The key challenge is balancing speed with truth, engagement with ethics, and participation with professionalism. Zimbabwean newsrooms must reclaim their independence while working smartly with platforms. Through better regulation, training, and investment in their own digital tools, they can protect journalism’s vital role in democracy.

In short, social media has democratized communication but also commercialized and fragmented news. Without a careful reset, the rich promise of digital journalism in Zimbabwe risks being overshadowed by misinformation and weakened trust.

 

 References

Chari, T., & Mawere, M. (2020). Journalism in times of digital disruption: Zimbabwean perspectives. Journal of African Media Studies, 12(3), 289–304.

Chuma, W. (2020). Market pressures and clickbait journalism in Zimbabwe. African Journalism Studies, 41(2), 170–187.

Couldry, N., & Mejias, U. (2019). The Costs of Connection: How Data is Colonising Human Life and Appropriating It for Capitalism. Stanford University Press.

Eko, L. (2016). The new gatekeepers: Algorithms and the global information order. Media, Culture & Society, 38(3), 347–366.

Makumbe, T. (2022). Digital transformation and newsroom culture in Zimbabwe. Communication Review, 25(4), 482–499.

Mare, A. (2022). Digital journalism and misinformation in Zimbabwe. African Journalism Studies, 43(1), 41–59.

Mosco, V. (2009). The Political Economy of Communication. 2nd ed. Sage.

Mutsvairo, B., & Karam, B. (2018). Media, Conflict and Democratisation in Africa. Springer.

Ndlovu, T. (2021). Citizen journalism and ethics in the social media age: Lessons from Zimbabwe. Communication & Society, 34(2), 201–215.

Newman, N., Fletcher, R., Schulz, A., Andi, S., Robertson, C. T., & Nielsen, R. K. (2022). Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2022. University of Oxford.

Nyoni, R. (2019). The effect of social media algorithms on Zimbabwean newsrooms. Media Trends Review, 4(2), 145–162.

Pindula. (2021). Social Media and Internet Use in Zimbabwe: Data Report 2021. Harare: Pindula Research.

Van Dijck, J., Poell, T., & de Waal, M. (2018). The Platform Society: Public Values in a Connective World. Oxford University Press.

Wasserman, H. (2020). Digital media ethics and democracy in Southern Africa. Media, Culture & Society, 42(7–8), 1197–1213.

Government reduces IMTT on ZiG transactions

Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube at the New Parliament Building ahead of the 2026 National Budget presentation on the 27th of November

By Believe Nyakudjara

The government has reduced the Intermediated Money Transfer Tax (IMTT) on Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) transactions from 2% to 1.5%. This review aims to lower transaction costs in local currency and promote the use of ZiG in the economy.

The IMTT was introduced in 2018 to widen the tax base, including the informal sector, and help fund public services and infrastructure projects. Since its launch, the ZiG has remained largely stable, bringing down the stubborn inflation from 95.8% in July to 19% now.

This decision to lower the IMTT follows calls from businesses and the ruling Zanu-PF party, which pushed for a review during its recent conference in Mutare to lighten the tax burden on citizens.

However, the Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube announced that the foreign currency IMTT rate remains unchanged at 2%. To offset the impact of the IMTT reduction on revenue, the government has made this tax deductible for income tax purposes.

Presenting the 2026 National Budget at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden on the 27^th of November, Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube stated that the new tax rate will take effect on January 1, 2026. He noted the IMTT is a crucial source of revenue, contributing around 8% of total tax revenue annually.

“Reducing the tax on ZiG transactions will promote digital payments and strengthen confidence in our local currency,” said Prof Ncube. He acknowledged that many businesses have requested a review to reduce the burden of local currency transactions.

The government estimates the changes will result in about $89 million in lost revenue per year, hence, a slight increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) from 15% to 15.5% has been proposed to keep overall revenue stable.

Additionally, the new tax-deductible rule for IMTT will help compliant businesses lower their tax bills. To qualify, firms must be registered and up to date with their tax obligations.

Economists believe that the tax reduction will lower operational costs for businesses and promote the wider use of the ZiG in digital payments. However, there are concerns that the VAT increase could offset the benefits for households.

Economist Mr Stevenson Dlamini says the proposed reduction in IMTT and slight increase in VAT should be viewed as a “strategic pivot” rather than a simple tax hike. He argues the shift modernises the fiscal system by “moving from taxing money transfers to taxing consumption”.
Mr Dlamini notes that cutting IMTT reduces the “friction cost” on digital payments, which has discouraged the use of the ZiG in the formal system. However, he says the VAT increase may offset the benefit for households, creating what appears to be a “revenue-neutral” effect. He stresses that the outcome depends on market efficiency.
“If production costs fall from lower IMTT, businesses should pass those savings down the value chain,” he said.
Former ZNCC vice-president Mr Louis Herbst took a cautious stance, warning that IMTT has supported fiscal stability. He argued that VAT “compounds at multiple stages”, raising prices and widening the gap between formal and informal markets.

Ms Gladys Shumbambiri-Mutsopotsi adds that while IMTT is distortionary, higher VAT is regressive and risks eroding purchasing power. She calls for broader tax reform, not a simple shift between the two instruments.

Some experts are calling for broader tax reforms instead of just shifting the burden between IMTT and VAT.

 

 

Dynamos Players, Executives Clash Over Bonuses as Cup Final Looms

Dynamos Football Club players line-up

By Believe Nyakudjara

An uneasy standoff has emerged between Dynamos players and the club’s leadership, creating fresh tensions just days before Saturday’s Chibuku Super Cup final against Triangle at Gibbo.

The club is grappling with unpaid bonuses and confusion over what has actually been settled, leading to a rift that threatens their match preparations. While delayed bonuses are nothing new for Dynamos, this latest dispute has taken a new turn because players and club officials are giving conflicting reports about payments. The club claims to have cleared part of the arrears, but the players argue nothing has been properly settled.

Earlier this week, club treasurer Justice Mubayi was at the team’s training session, meeting only with senior players. According to the players, Mubayi told them they had received payment on the day they played Bikita Minerals.

“We did receive some money after the Bikita game, which we were told was for motivation,” said several players. “The fact that the meeting was with senior players only, leaving out the rest of us, speaks volumes. The club knows seniors are cautious about these issues, making it easier to persuade them back to training.”

Club chairman Moses Maunganidze’s executive insists that only bonuses from two matches remain outstanding. Players disagree, stating that the money given after their 1-0 win over Bikita at Rufaro was presented as a motivation token, not as part of the bonuses they are owed.

In a new twist, the club’s executive is now claiming that the same funds were intended to cover outstanding bonuses, not motivation.

Marketing executive David Chikomo maintains that most dues have been cleared, except for those from November. “We only owe them bonuses for three November games. Unfortunately, when we paid them after the Bikita game, there was confusion about what the money was for,” said Chikomo. “We sat down yesterday and cleared the issues. The November bonuses will be paid with their salaries after the Chibuku final.”

Chikomo also admits that some players are still owed signing-on fees from this season and last, but says the club is working to raise funds to settle those as well.

This back-and-forth has left players increasingly frustrated, with the executive’s statements often clashing with their own experiences. The situation has caused divisions within the squad, eroding trust between senior and junior players.

After tense discussions, the team eventually returned to training, though players say their grievances remain unresolved. Chikomo, however, insists the matter is settled.

“We are now on the same page. After ironing out the issues, the team resumed training and everything is now well. The players are eager and ready to play,” he said.

Junior players, however, feel they were pushed back onto the pitch without proper clarity. “We now believe some senior players might have been paid secretly, which is why they agreed to resume training and pushed us to do the same,” said one junior player. “They returned from the meeting and told us to train without any proper explanation, so maybe they’ve been settled.”

Senior players reject those suspicions, insisting they too are unhappy with the situation. “When we received money after the Bikita game, we were told it was a motivation token, not a bonus,” said a senior player.

The seniors say they returned to training only because of the urgency to prepare for the final, even if it risks deepening the divide with the juniors.

Despite chaotic build-ups in recent seasons, Dynamos have often managed to rally and win major games, including a Harare Derby and two straight Chibuku Super Cup titles. Now, a potential historic third title hangs in the balance, overshadowed by yet another familiar storm.

President Mnangagwa Praises Outgoing ZDF Commander as New Leader Takes Charge

 By Believe Nyakudjara

Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), President Emmerson Mnangagwa, praised outgoing Commander General Phillip Valerio Sibanda for his 51 years of unwavering loyalty and steadfast patriotism.

Speaking at the farewell, handover, and takeover parade at Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare on November 24, the President commended General Sibanda for serving the nation with dignity, discipline, and integrity, setting a high standard for others to follow.

“He has served with dignity, discipline, and integrity,” said President Mnangagwa. “Throughout his career, General Sibanda has consistently demonstrated unflinching loyalty and patriotism, as well as unparalleled discipline and professionalism, both as a soldier and a son of Zimbabwe. His ethics and values are worthy of emulation across the Defence Forces.”

General Phillip Valerio Sibanda officially handed over command to General Emmanuel Matatu in a colorful ceremony marked by meaningful symbolism. Two jets from the Air Force flew overhead—one changed course to signal General Sibanda’s departure, while the other flew straight, representing the ongoing service of the ZDF. The two generals exchanged the ZDF colors and signed the handover and takeover certificates in the presence of President Mnangagwa, who served as the Chief Witnessing Officer.

The President encouraged the incoming commander to uphold these standards and expressed confidence that General Emmanuel Matatu is prepared to lead the ZDF with professionalism and dedication. “I believe you are ready for this important role and will lead the ZDF well,” he stated. “I am confident that you are equal to the task and will use your vast experience to effectively and professionally lead the ZDF, just as your predecessor did.”

In his farewell address, General Sibanda stated that he will always consider the ZDF his second home. He reflected on his military history, from joining the liberation struggle to being attested into the ZDF, culminating in his retirement after 51 years of service.

"I want to thank the members of the ZDF who supported me during my service, and I express my gratitude to President Mnangagwa for appointing me Commander of the ZDF," he said. "As I retire to civilian life, I will always regard the ZDF as my second home. As the adage goes, you can take the uniform off a soldier, but you cannot take the soldier out of me."

He expressed satisfaction in leaving the ZDF intact, stating, "I depart after 51 years in uniform, having served in various capacities to the best of my ability, and I have never brought the ZDF or my country into disrepute. I have fought a good fight."

The parade followed General Sibanda's retirement and Lieutenant-General Matatu's promotion to the rank of General. The President also promoted Major-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi to the rank of Lieutenant-General, effective November 25, 2025, and subsequently appointed him Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, taking over from General Matatu.

In his acceptance speech, General Matatu thanked everyone for trusting him with this important role. He promised to build on General Sibanda's successes and maintain the ZDF's discipline and professionalism. “I want to thank General Sibanda for setting high standards,” he said. “I will follow in the footsteps of leaders like General Chiwenga and General Sibanda, who mentored me throughout my career. I remain committed to serving our country selflessly and helping Zimbabwe achieve an upper middle-class income economy."

Since attaining independence in 1980, changes in the command of the Defence Forces have marked significant moments for the country. The Zimbabwe Defence Forces were established by uniting former liberation fighters with the Rhodesian military, creating a cohesive force dedicated to protecting the nation.

Over the years, several commanders have led the ZDF, each significantly contributing to its growth and professionalism. General Vitalis Zvinavashe was one of the early leaders who helped define the military’s role in national security and development. Subsequently, General Constantine Chiwenga commanded during challenging times and later became Zimbabwe’s Vice President.

General Phillip Valerio Sibanda commanded for over two decades, recognized for his discipline and commitment to modernizing the Defence Forces. His lengthy tenure provided stability and established high standards for those who followed.

The recent handover to General Emmanuel Matatu upholds the tradition of respectful and peaceful leadership transitions. Each new commander builds upon the efforts of their predecessors, ensuring that the Defence Forces remain strong, disciplined, and prepared to serve Zimbabwe.