Harare, (New Ziana) — The Zimbabwe Mass Media Trust (ZMMT) on Tuesday convened a three-day strategic planning workshop with New Ziana to align its operations with National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2), amid growing pressure on the media sector to innovate, remain financially sustainable and retain public trust.
ZMMT vice chairperson Group Captain (Retired) Patience Gawe said the engagement comes at a defining moment for both the organisation and the country, as Zimbabwe prepares to transition from the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1), which comes to an end this year and is currently under review, to NDS 2, which will run from next year to 2030.
“Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 places strong emphasis on innovation, inclusivity and sustainable growth. As a media organisation, we are a key national institution in informing citizens and supporting responsible communication,” she said.
Gawe said the workshop reflected the NDS 2 Preface call for stakeholder engagement and coordinated action, noting that ideas generated during the three-day meeting would assist in crafting a forward-looking and commercially viable strategy aligned with national priorities.
Citing the NDS 2 Foreword, Gawe underscored the call by the government for a whole-of-society approach to development, with the media positioned as a vital connector between institutions and communities.
“Our strategy must ensure that we continue to earn public trust while adapting to a rapidly changing media environment,” she said, adding that balance, integrity and transparency were essential to credible national storytelling.
Gawe said the policy objectives of the NDS 2 spoke directly to the mandate of the media, particularly on innovation, job creation and national image-building.
She said through its platforms, the ZMMT and New Ziana could promote economic activity, investment confidence and national pride, while fostering informed debate and accountability.
Gawe also highlighted the focus of NDS 2 on social development and inclusion, saying media content should be accessible, diverse and reflective of all communities.
Beyond editorial operations, Gawe said the ZMMT was prioritising the optimisation of its real estate portfolio to support sustainability through strengthening rental income, upgrading existing properties to modern standards and selectively pursuing new acquisitions that enhance operational efficiency, an approach she said aligns with the emphasis of the NDS 2 on efficient infrastructure use and value creation.
She further pointed to Section 16.2.4 of NDS 2, which stresses modern communications infrastructure, quality content and deliberate national image-building, as priorities that reinforce the need for strategic investment and innovation within the media house.
Gawe urged participants to engage openly and constructively, saying the workshop was an opportunity to “reflect honestly on where we are, identify where we want to go, and agree on a clear and actionable strategy.”
“Your insights will shape a strategy that positions this organisation for relevance, resilience and growth during the NDS 2 period and beyond,” she said.
The workshop brings together Trustees, management and staff as well as key stakeholders as the ZMMT and New Ziana seek to strengthen their role in national development while navigating a fast-evolving media landscape.
New Ziana
