HARARE - Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) last week restructured four branches in Bulawayo amid efforts to strengthen unionism and fostering a united media workforce in the country.

ZUJ President, Dumisani Sibanda and secretary-general Foster Dongozi, who facilitated the restructuring exercise, applauded Bulawayo-based journalists for committing themselves to rebuilding and reviving unionism in the second capital.

“We successfully restructured branches at Zimpapers Bulawayo, ZBC Montrose and Alpha Media. In addition, we restructured the Freelance and Private Media branch composed of freelance journalists and bureau journalists,” said Dongozi.

The secretary-general said he oversaw the ushering in of new leadership at the four branches.

“I was particularly impressed by the number of journalists who partook in the elections and subsequent smooth flow of events. I also congratulate the new leadership and look forward to continued and increased participation in union affairs,” Dongozi said.

Dongozi added that there was need to train the new leadership for them to effectively serve the membership.

“There is urgent need to train branch structures leadership on several programmes such as shop-steward and paralegal training and trade unionism.”

“We have been conducting several training programmes and the time is nigh to equip branch leadership with practical skills on unionism,” he said.

He urged journalists to explore opportunities in the different empowerment programmes across the country.

“We are only at the workplace for a certain period in our lives and we need to prepare for life after employment by having businesses and other commercial ventures. Nobody wants to die poor.”

The Bulawayo branch elections took place at the respective newsrooms, while elections of the freelance journalists’ branch executives were held at the Bulawayo Press Club.