ZUJ secretary general Dongozi dies

STAFF REPORTER

Veteran journalist and Zimbabwe Union of Journalists secretary general Foster Dongozi passed on yesterday at a local hospital on a dark week for the profession following the death of two other colleagues.

Dongozi’s death, upon arrival at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, followed the demise of senior court reporter Charles Laiton and former player turned journalist Tendai Ndemera.

Njabulo Ncube, national coordinator at the Zimbabwe National Editors Forum said 2020 was a sad year for journalism.

“It’s a sad day for journalism coming at a time when within 48 hours we have lost Laiton and Ndemera.”

He said Dongozi has been in the forefront in campaigning for the safety and security of journalists.

“He worked hard in sourcing PPEs for journalists in Zimbabwe and we are devastated,” Ncube said.

Nick Mangwana, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services said: “Foster was a towering figure in the profession, an engaging and warm trade unionist who always chose dialogue to confrontation.”

Dongozi worked for The Chronicle, Daily News and The Standard.

Tabani Moyo, MISA Zimbabwe director said: “We have lost a versatile, razor sharp journalist of a generation and a dedicated comrade in the struggle for media freedom, the liberalisation of the media industry and its sustainability.

Mr Dongozi has been a pillar of journalism in Zimbabwe for quite a time and his passing on leaves a very difficult gap to fill.”