24 Dec CONDOLENCE MESSAGE: FOSTER DONGOZI
The Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC), Prof. Ruby Magosvongwe, Commissioners and Staff have learnt with a great sense of shock and disbelief on the death of Mr Foster Dongozi, the Secretary-General of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ). Mr Dongozi’s sudden death on 23 December 2020 has left many shocked in the media fraternity.
Mr Dongozi was well known for championing the rights and welfare of journalists in the country. The welfare of journalists was at the core of his crusade and he will be missed by many in the media fraternity.
It has been cordial and refreshing working with Mr Dongozi. The ZMC has been having fruitful engagements with ZUJ through Mr Dongozi and has been instrumental in the stakeholder consultations leading to the drafting of the Freedom of Information Act as well as the ZMC Bill and the subsequent repeal of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA). It was his desire to see a media landscape and environment that guarantees the rights of journalists as well as their welfare.
He was on the forefront in the fight against harassment of journalists and the need for their protection whenever they are carrying their duties.
Mr Dongozi is one of the many veteran journalists who served in the profession with immense passion. Foster’s amplified voice of reason will be sadly missed by local, regional and international journalists. He will be remembered for his love for empowering and imparting knowledge to both upcoming and seasoned journalists alike.
Mr Dongozi served as the Southern Africa Journalists Association President and as a representative in the Governing Council of MAZ since its inception, a position he held till his passing on.
Amongst other high profiled engagements, Mr Dongozi served in the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) where he was very instrumental. All these bear testimonies to his love for the profession.
The death of Mr Dongozi has really left the media fraternity poorer as he, as ZUJ Secretary-General, stood for what he believed in, the rights and welfare of journalists. It is in this regard that the ZMC will continue engaging stakeholders to continuously improve the media landscape in Zimbabwe. The enactment of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the ZMC Bill will greatly improve the working environment for media practitioners in the country. Mr Dongozi made his contributions in the drafting of these legal instruments and the Commission cherishes such engagements.
May his soul rest in eternal peace
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