TODAY, the leading business weekly newspaper, the Zimbabwe Independent celebrates its 28th anniversary. It first hit the streets on May 10 1996, with Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) chairperson Trevor Ncube as co-founder and editor.
What a remarkable journey it has been.
The Independent (ZimInd) is now part of AMH, which includes NewsDay, The Standard and Heart & Soul Broadcasting Services.
This is certainly a special day on our calendar as we celebrate a journey of resilience, diversity, progress, and unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence.
However, it has not been an easy road for the past three decades as the media — locally and globally — have faced unprecedented challenges.
The Daily Maverick, in South Africa, last month shut down for 24 hours to highlight the crisis in journalism.
In a statement, it said: “Newsrooms are retrenching and facing closure at an alarming rate and we need the support of the business sector.
“We don’t take shutting down Daily Maverick for 24 hours lightly. It’s not something we have never wanted to do, and we hope we will never have to do it again. Journalism is in crisis, and we need your help.”
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In Zimbabwe, the political tensions and economic crisis have placed immense pressure on the media industry, exacerbating existing difficulties faced by print media worldwide.
But while we acknowledge the ever-changing environment, it is crucial to celebrate the remarkable journey that has brought us this far.
For 28 years, the Independent has weathered storms. We have been steadfast in committing to providing our readers with accurate, insightful, and impactful reporting.
In an ever-evolving media landscape, we have adapted, innovated, and embraced new technologies to be relevant and impactful in a dynamic digital world.
Our commitment to journalistic integrity, independence, and truth-telling has remained resolute. We have been a voice for the voiceless. We have stood firm in our dedication to providing thought-provoking commentary, and in-depth reporting.
As we reflect on our journey, we are humbled by the support of our loyal readers and advertisers. The trust is just humbling!
It would be a travesty not to pay tribute to our hardworking talented team in the editorial, marketing, production, printing and other departments, whose passion and expertise continue to shape the Independent into a leading source of news and information.
Despite the long successful journey, we are not complacent; we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism while embracing innovation, new technologies to satisfy market demands. Innovation is not just a buzzword; it is a necessity for survival, and we are doing just that.
We have created platforms which bring together government, business and thought leaders as part of our role in economic development and nation building.
Next month, in partnership with the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe, we will host the inaugural Capital Markets conference, which seeks to position the country’s capital markets for opportunities and investments.
The conference, slated for June 3-4 in Nyanga, comes at a time the capital markets have been undergoing significant transformations in the past two decades.
This is just one of many major conferences the Independent has initiated.
This year’s anniversary is not just a moment to reflect on the past; it’s a celebration of a remarkable journey, collective achievements, and enduring commitment to excellence.
As we embark on the next chapter of our story, we do so with renewed energy, passion, and purpose, confident in our ability to continue informing, inspiring, and empowering future generations.
Here is to 28 years of the Zimbabwe Independent, and to many more years of fearless journalism, impactful storytelling, and positive change.
We ask for your continued support, and not allow independent journalism to die in Zimbabwe.
The responsibility for safeguarding the future of the newspaper industry does not rest solely on our shoulders.
It requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders — businesses, the public, and government — to create an environment conducive to the sustainability of quality journalism.
