End Of Year Message From ZimJournalists Arise

ZIMJOURNALISTS ARISE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK OUR READERS. We started running the blog on August 28 and we have made a number of friends who we hope we will keep in the New Year. Although we might have stepped on a few toes in our short life, such is journalism especially objective journalism. A lecturer at the Harare Polytechnic would often say a response from reader/listener whether good or bad is good because it means there are listening or reading.

Sadly the year ended on a bad note. Besides the usual deteriorating standard of living, Zimbabweans woke up one day to hear that President Mugabe is considering extending his term until 2010. This sent Zimbabweans at home and abroad into despair as people contemplate another four years under his misgovernance. For journalists it means more years of media repression and less professional opportunities. For those squatting around the globe its is four more years of despair and telephone relationships.

However Zimbabwean’s world renowned resilience has kept us going and it will be business as usual next year. The blog hopes to launch a better and new product when it comes back on cyberspace mid January next year. So watch press for details.

It is also unfortunate that the year comes to close with the death of veteran journalists Farai Makotsi and President of the Zimbabwe Freelance Journalist Association Joe Kwaramba. This come at a time when most journalists have been reduced freelancers or forced into other profession just to keep body and soul together. These losses although great should not deter journalists and we hope that the next year, will see more fearless and polished journalism.

So from all of us at ZimJournalists Arise Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.