HARARE - The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) has urged all media practitioners to remain united despite working for different media organisations as that is the only way to speak with one voice in addressing the welfare of journalists.

The call was made by ZUJ Acting President Michael Chideme, speaking at the burial of the late veteran journalist and freedom fighter Paul Nkala, in Bulilima on Saturday.

“We must always remember that while we work for different media organisations, we are one family united in defence of our profession,” said Chideme.

“United we stand, divided we fall.”

The Acting President said journalists should emulate the late Nkala, who he described as a unifier and hard worker.

“Paul was a dedicated comrade who stood firm in what he believed in,” he said.
 
“He was a humble journalist who was free to approach; he took his time to listen to whatever you presented to him and never hesitate to share his wealth of experience to anyone from interns, reporters and even editors.”

Chideme applauded the unity exuded by journalists in mourning with the Nkala family, as most organisations were represented at the burial.

He also acknowledged the presence of The Chronicle editor, Itai Musengeyi saying that his being there is a step towards solidifying relations between journalists and editors.

At the time of his death, Nkala was the deputy news editor at The Chronicle, having served as a senior court reporter for many years.  

He died on March 19 after succumbing to a kidney failure at Mater-Dei Hospital in Bulawayo. - Staff Writer