By Masimba Makwembere makwemberemv@dailynews.com
JESTER Media Services Group (JMS) — the owner of three of the country’s most influential newspapers and independent national television station 3Ktv — continues to shine in the industry.
This comes after the media house’s senior journalists scooped more prestigious awards yesterday — this time at the 8th National Aids Council (Nac) media awards.
JMS are the publishers of the iconic Daily News, the Daily News On Sunday and the country’s number one business publication, The Financial Gazette.
The fast growing group also operates the two-and-half-year-old 3Ktv. Hazel Marimbiza, who is based in Bulawayo, won the second prize in the print media category at yesterday’s Nac awards for her consistent and accurate reporting on HIV and Aids, while Nyasha Kunyiswa won the most promising writer’s award.
This was not the first time that Kunyiswa had bagged an award. In June 2023, she scooped a National Blood Services of Zimbabwe (NBSZ) prize for her outstanding coverage of blood issues in the country. JMS Editor-in-Chief, Guthrie Munyuki, commended the two young women last night for continuing to work hard and excelling in a challenging industry.
“It is very pleasing to see these two young ladies and others in our group continuing to get the recognition that they richly deserve.
“The reality in our industry, as is the case in others, is that women have to fight harder than their male counterparts to excel and to get ahead. “May their good work serve to inspire others that they too can reach dizzy heights if they persevere and work hard,” Munyuki said.
Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony in Harare, Health minister Douglas Mombeshora said journalists played an important role in educating and raising awareness about HIV and Aids in the country.
“Zimbabwe’s approach to HIV has been both multi-faceted and inclusive, involving various sectors in our national response. “From the onset, the media has been integral to our efforts, playing a pivotal role in raising awareness and educating the public.
“Although early coverage often incited fear, it succeeded in bringing the issue to the forefront of national consciousness and facilitated essential public understanding,” Mombeshora said.
“Recent global data highlights Zimbabwe’s remarkable progress, noting the highest decline in HIV prevalence from 2010 to 2023, compared to other countries. “We have also met the ambitious 95-95-95 targets, with people living with HIV experiencing improved and longer lives. “Such achievements are a testament to our collective efforts and commitment.
However, sustaining these gains is no simple task. “We face ongoing challenges, including emerging health threats like Covid-19 and Mpox, which have underscored the necessity of a robust health system,” Mombeshora added.
He also said the country was putting in place more robust measures to fight HIV and Aids, as many non-communicable diseases were now linked to the pandemic. On his part, Nac chief executive Bernard Madzima said the awards recognised journalists who had gone an extra mile in reporting on HIV and Aids issues.