Fund for Zimbabwean Journalism Student - Mbonisi Zikhali

Current Situation in Zimbabwe

Mbonisi Zikhali - in his own words

I am a 27-year-old Ndebele man. I was born in a poor, yet richly resourceful community called Makokoba, which is the oldest suburb in Bulawayo, the second-largest city in Zimbabwe. Although Makokoba exists in the brutal guise of a slum, from it have emerged brilliant individuals who have distinguished themselves by contesting and prevailing against stereotypes that often discredit them due to their poverty. As a young man growing up in this context, my desire to learn, to write and to nurture my people's strong sense of community has been my motivation to dream beyond my circumstances. I believe in thinking differently, and challenging conventional ideas and perceptions; there is a certain power in looking at 'simple' lives and situations and writing about them in a way that reflects how novel and extraordinary they really are. In my several stints as a volunteer, I have learned that there is no greater perspective, no greater storyline, than one that simple people from modest communities can narrate.

While my education has been punctuated by financial setbacks - which have meant that I have not always been able to undertake my course of study within a regular timeframe - I have managed to complete three years of an undergraduate degree program in journalism. Initially, I chose to study journalism because I am a writer and have a passion for language and poetry. However, my studies have opened my eyes to the many possibilities that complement my life-long interest in working with resource-constrained communities. Over the course of my first two years at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), I grew increasingly interested in Development Support Communication, in particular the role of the media in rural development. My attachment - a one-year placement that must be completed during the third year of journalism studies - was at the Southern Africa HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination Service (SAfAIDS), based in Harare. My position as a trainee information officer served as a valuable platform for establishing myself as a developmental journalist. I gained a great deal of experience while at SAfAIDS, ranging from doing research to writing feature articles, contributing to and facilitating online forums, and carrying out needs assessments with journalists.

Among my other achievements has been the publication of some news and opinion articles - both in print media and online. In 2006, for instance, I contributed an article on democracy and youth in Zimbabwe for a journal published by the Young Critics of Society, based in Berlin, Germany. That same year, one of my poems was published in Art'ishake - an online publication by Arts for Global Development. I also wrote two other articles that have been published online - one about women and HIV/AIDS for Gender Links and the other about the World Social Forum for Taking IT Global. In addition to publishing articles, I was the Country Coordinator for the Global Youth Coalition on HIV and AIDS (GYCA), a UNFPA- and UNAIDS-supported initiative, for almost a year. I am also a Key Correspondent for Health Development Networks, my task being to write topical articles on HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The main challenge has been that, since these initiatives are voluntary and mostly Internet-based, my contributions - while powerful and incisive - have been erratic. I dream of being in a place where my full potential can be realized, without the necessity of making concessions due to a lack of resources. Considering the political, economic and social situation in Zimbabwe, pursuing my studies and career in journalism here would be challenging, to say the least. I feel that, although I have gained some skills through my education and work experience in Zimbabwe, I need to leave the country to deepen my knowledge and to build on my practical and professional skills in order to be a better journalist.

Finally, I would like to describe my personal vision as a journalist. My interests and career goals revolve around contributing to the development of resource-constrained communities and becoming a freelance writer, commenting candidly on current affairs with a focus on the developing world. My bias is towards print journalism, although my ideas are unlimited. I wish to stimulate vibrant communication forums and community media initiatives that allow people to engage in discussions and reflections about their challenges, hopes and aspirations. There are many ways in which grassroots communities keep their individual members informed, and I believe that one can facilitate a process where these vehicles of information dissemination can be transformed from an informal to a prescribed, universally accepted format - for example, instituting a community magazine to which all stakeholders can contribute. I would also love to run a publishing house that supports up-and-coming magazine or newspaper editors with innovative insights into the communities around them. The possibilities are endless; however, I know that I need to build on my knowledge and professional skills in order to make my dreams a reality.

For me, journalism is not merely an occupation, but a journey - a summons to a life fulfilled and amazing truths uncovered. I wish to pursue my studies at Carleton University in order to begin that journey.

Current Situation in Zimbabwe

In September 2008, the three main political parties in Zimbabwe signed a Global Political Agreement, signaling the start of a new power-sharing era in the country. While the new Government of National Unity has managed to stabilize the economy, reopen schools and hospitals, ensure the availability of consumer commodities and begin a constitutional reform process, many feel that the rule of law is yet to be fully restored. There are also concerns around transparency and accountability, and the fact that oppressive media laws have yet to be reformed or repealed.

In recent years it has become more and more difficult for journalists and the media to operate freely in Zimbabwe; many independent journalists have been targeted in violent attacks, or have simply 'disappeared' from their homes and workplaces. Independent newspapers and radio broadcasters have been shut down, and many repressive laws have been introduced to control the flow of information into and out of the country. All of this has resulted in Zimbabwe being one of the most difficult and dangerous places for journalists to work, with the effect that the majority of Zimbabweans are not adequately or accurately informed of events taking place in the country.

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