BULAWAYO - Journalists in Bulawayo have elected a new press club executive, with the mandate of reviving the once influential club.

Freelance journalist Pamenous Tuso is the new chairperson. He takes over from Dumisani Sibanda of Newsday.

The elections were conducted by former Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa)–Zimbabwe Chapter chairperson Loughty Dube and Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) board member Tapfuma Machakaire Representatives of the three political parties in the coalition government observed the elections.

The executive includes Daily News correspondent Jeffrey Muvundusi, Lulu Brenda Harris of Sunday News, Khanyile Mlotshwa of Newsday, Vincent Gono of Sunday News, Selu Mhlanga a freelancer and Wellingtom Musapenda of Chronicle.

Machakaire, who is president of Zimbabwe National Press Clubs Association, said the change of leadership should result in a better organised club.

“Bulawayo Press Club used to be the most vibrant in the country and its performance has gone down recently. Therefore, we call upon the new executive to take us back to the glory days,” said Machakaire.

Tuso said his executive will grow the club into a hub for debate and will ensure political, business and civic leaders are invited on a weekly basis.

Bulawayo Press Club is one of the country’s first press clubs, having been formed in 1980 at the dawn of Zimbabwe’s independence. - Pindai Dube