MASVINGO - Senior journalists in Masvingo have launched the Masvingo Journalists Development Forum (MJDF), an organisation set to steer development for members of the press and different societies they work in.

The organisation, the first of its kind countrywide, was launched at Ngundu Rocky Motel in Chivi at the weekend. It is set to promote and encourage reporters in the province to focus their coverage on developmental issues in a bid to transform the economic face of Masvingo.

The journalists came up with the idea after realising they had been spending much of their energies in covering political issues, they held responsible for killing development of the province.

Speaking during the launch of forum, MJDF vice chairperson, Godfrey Mtimba said the organisation will work with the province’s business community and other stakeholders to empower and develop journalists and the community at large.

“The newly-formed organisation will thrive to change the perception of reporters in their reportage in the province. We feel that we were not contributing to development of the province and our fraternity by focusing on political issues. It is time we contribute to our society’s development as well as personal development” he said.

Property magnet, Jonathan Gapare, a director with The Lord Provides (TLP) group of companies was unveiled as MJDF patron.

The forum will also venture into other projects that will provide economic emancipation for the scribes.

Members of the executive committee are chairperson George Maponga (Herald), Desmond Duri (ZBC), Tatenda Chitagu (News Day) Pullen Siyamupepe (ZBC), Brian Banda (Freelance) and Tonderai Saharo(Masvingo Star).