One for the archives
IN August 1963, American civil rights activist, Martin Luther King Junior had a dream, and so did Bishop John Hartzell in 1898.
Martin Luther King’s dream became the dream of a generation, while Bishop Hartzell’s dream gave birth to Africa University.
In his dream, Bishop Hartzell had a vision of children from all over Africa descending on Old Mutare Mission for education and training to lead Africa.
A dream, just like a fire, catches the hearts of those who share it.
When Cabinet in February announced that Manicaland would host this year’s national Independence Day celebrations, we had a dream at The Manica Post of publishing a Special Edition on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
With more than 70 000 people from all walks of life expected to be part of the Independence Day fete, every newspaper worth its salt would be motivated by the numbers to come up with something special for such a multitude.
Our dream was to publish the biggest paper after the turn of the millennium. An ambitious 44 target was set. This meant 44 pages of The Manica Post publication and 44 000 copies to be printed to match with Zimbabwe’s 44 years of independence.
Everything was set in motion and consultations were done far and wide.
With the blessings of Zimpapers Chief Executive, Mr Pikirayi Deketeke and Zimpapers Editorial Executive, Mr William Chikoto, all was in place and set to go.
Understanding that dreams do not only occur while sleeping, but can also come true and turn into reality, spurred us into action.
To some, they thought Shanaz (Cletus Mushanawani, Editor) and Khumbs (Advance Khumalo, Finance and Administration Officer) were high on something.
In their faintest sniffs, this was a wild dream, considering the global poor showing of print newspapers in this digital era.
Having the smallest editorial and marketing teams in the stable did not dampen our resolve.
The first mission was to win the hearts of our internal customers (staff members, including vendors). With the buy-in of our internal customers, the marketing team led by our own George Orwell’s Animal Farm version of Boxer in Tendai Mbirimi (business development officer) hit the ground running.
Thanks to the open door policy of the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, an endorsement letter to support our cause was obtained.
Taking a leaf from President Mnangagwa’s leaving no one and no place behind mantra, the Independence Day Special Edition gospel was preached to the corporate world, businesspeople, churches, schools (both public and private institutions) and individuals.
Engagements and re-engagements were done. Some advertisers who had stopped doing business with were engaged. Lunch hours were sacrificed, while working hours were extended.
Some advertisers proved to be hard nuts to crack as they had their own reservations, having had some brushes with the publication before.
One of them being Mutare Teachers’ College, following the publication of the arrest and subsequent court appearance of their principal, Mr Abison Mutubuki and staffers, Mr Njabuliso Ncube and Mr Alfred Gotore in April last year for allegedly converting $3.6 million meant for the college baobab juice plant.
The trio’s charges were later withdrawn before plea for lack of evidence and witnesses.
The baobab juice plant is now at an advanced stage of implementation, making it one of the signature 100-Day Cycle Project in Manicaland.
A frank and no-holds barred engagement with Mr Mutubuki ensued and at the end of the day, the peace pipe was smoked. Welcome back on board, Mr Mutubuki and your Jewel of Excellence. You will never be disappointed cruising in this Manica Post ship!
The overwhelming support from our advertisers and readers was out of this world. Seeing schools flighting adverts in the Special Edition was humbling— a sign that the future of this great nation is in safe hands.
Like any child bearing process, the pangs of birth are just unbearable to many, but the push factor is the desire to bring life on earth and being a proud parent.
Boom, the dream came true and on April 18, history was made at The Manica Post. The paper had 42 pages, two shy of the intended target of 44. The print run stood at 21 106 copies, something last recorded in the mid-1990s.
Besides a few technical glitches encountered, the paper was distributed in Murambinda on April 18, and key stakeholders, among them Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, had a chance to have a feel of the hottest news from the East.
Indeed, history was made.
Thank you very much our advertisers, readers and stakeholders for the vote of confidence in