MISA Zimbabwe media giant that has stood the test of time

Avery happy 25th anniversary to the Media Institute of Southern Africa Zimbabwe Chapter (MISA Zimbabwe).

We celebrate Zimbabwe and southern Africa’s media advocacy giant that has stood the test of time and politically inspired propaganda. Your immense contribution to the fight for press freedom, freedom of expression and a professional media is acknowledged.

I joined MISA Zimbabwe as an intern between August 2005 and August 2006 during my third year of studies for a journalism degree with the National University of Science and Technology (NUST).

Joining the organisation was a scary move that was forced on me by the then chairperson of our department at university. My arguments and opinions around the media law course at varsity led to the forced internships.

“If you don’t undertake your internship at MISA it’s as good as dropping out of the degree programme,” the chairperson warned.

I remember the propaganda that had been spewed by senior government officials and ministers denigrating the organisation and its work. One minister said: “Don’t give me the MISA Zimbabwe Chapter, I want to deal with the whole book.”

This made me uncomfortable. Joining MISA Zimbabwe was as good as taking a raging bull by the horns.

A few months down the line it was a whole different story.

Nyasha “Mukanya” Nyakunu, made me read extensively on the mandate and work of the organisation. Readings included books on media law, state of the media reports, among many other publications.

I became an advocate of media freedom and wanted to play my part. Thorough understanding (of the mandate), turned this previously terrified person into an advocate of media freedom.

The passion and drive for press freedom positioned me amongst the team that was driving the agenda of media self-regulation.

We traversed the length and breadth of Zimbabwe together with Mukanya, Mathew Takaona (then Zimbabwe Union of Journalists president), and the late Sekuru Paul Zaru (MISA Zimbabwe driver, now deceased), raising awareness and charming the media fraternity and civil society to support the process that culminated in the establishment of the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe through the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe.

We did rounds that took us on long distances such as the Harare-BulawayoMasvingo-Mutare –Harare trips. We toured the country, made friends and recorded pleasant experiences. I was respected despite my age and position and was afforded opportunities to address some meetings as part of my training.

During my internship – Mukanya always made sure my writing was flowery. He always reminded me: “Hillaz mfanami (my young men) don’t just tell the story, people should also be able to visualise the story through your language.”

Wilbert “Big Guy” Mandinde, taught me the art of analysis; Annie “Madam Admin” Musodza, taught me how to belong; Joseph “Mujoza” Makiyi, taught me to realise that everyone is important.

Takura “Zheng” Zhangazha, taught me to be a free spirit while being effective and Rashweat “Chief” Mukundu, taught me the importance of impact through strong networks. The whole team taught me love, respect and to be a member of a family.

On the social scene, Zheng’s words at my bachelors’ party still remain relevant. Yes, he came to the party years after I had left MISA Zimbabwe and spoke words that still keep my marriage on fire. I will leave this one here.

Way before getting married, Annie and Wilbert knew my girlfriend and encouraged us until we walked down the aisle. Annie and Koliwe Majama were there at our wedding, cheering and dancing years after I had left MISA Zimbabwe. We have become family beyond the professional spaces.

Today, I’ve become a seasoned communication specialist who has made impact across Africa with international organisations - thanks to the immense efforts and guidance from these wonderful colleagues who groomed me while I was at MISA Zimbabwe.

The grooming was just spot on.

Thanks to MISA Zimbabwe, I was only unemployed for just a week after university. Abigail Gamanya, whom I had interacted with during my internship, snapped me and I joined the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe. That’s another beautiful story to be told on another day.

I am happily married with three awesome kids. Every now and then, I do return to my home, MISA Zimbabwe, to say hello to family, and sometimes to show off the success that I’ve become.

The team always allows me to feel at home.

HAPPY 25th.