By Moses Charedzera
Preparations for the seveth edition of the Mining Media Awards to be held in Harare on September 25, 2020 virtually are progressing well with a number of partners having confirmed taking part.
Great Dyke TV, The Standard, YAFM 91.8 Facebook page and 263 chat Facebook page will stream the event to thousands of their audiences.
The awards honour media practitioners who have significantly contributed towards objective and impactful coverage of the mining sector in eight categories, including the Overall Mining Sector Reporter of the Year award.
The awards are this year running under the theme Media and mining growth in the new normal in light of the Covid-19 pandemic which has impacted negatively on economic activity including mining.
Minex MD Emily Hwengwere said mining companies have this year made significant contributions in the fight against the pandemic at both local and national levels.
“With Zimbabwe fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, it is gratifying to note that the media has risen to the challenge of framing and presenting issues including the effects and impact of the disease on mining and how mining entities have responded to the threats posed by coronavirus at local and national levels,” Hwengwere said.
“The Mining Media Awards are, thus, aimed at consolidating the relationship between the media and mining entities. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought the best in mining companies which are spearheading the mobilisation of resources to fight the disease.
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“The pandemic has also enhanced the relationship between mining companies and the media which has covered the efforts, investments and contributions of mining companies towards combating Covid-19.”
So far, a number of entries have been received with journalists specialising in the mining sector encouraged to submit their work.
The awards are supported by the Chamber of Mines and the Mines and Mining Development ministry.
Chamber of Mines president Elizabeth Nerwande is the guest of honour at this year’s awards.
The awards reward media practitioners who would have meaningfully contributed towards creating awareness on the activities of the mining sector, issues affecting it as well as its role and relevance to economic growth and sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
Prizes are up for grabs in eight categories, including the Grand Prize, the Overall Mining Sector Reporter of the Year award chosen from the top entries from each category.
The categories are Gold Sector Best Reporter Award, Small-Scale and Artisanal Miners Award, Platinum Sector Best Reporter Award, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Award, Diamond Sector Best Reporter Award, Electronic Media Best Reporter Award and Chrome Sector Best Reporter Award.
The adjudication panel composed of seasoned media practitioners and scholars as well as a mining industry representative has been constituted and is raring to go. It is led by veteran broadcaster and media consultant John Masuku.
