The tenure of Dr Jenfan Muswere, former Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, will be remembered as one of the most impactful chapters in Zimbabwe’s contemporary media history. At a time when the sector faced financial distress, technological lag, and institutional inertia, his leadership marked a decisive shift toward reform, modernization, and accountability.
Widely known as the only minister who consistently spoke without written speeches, Dr Muswere brought a leadership style rooted in mastery of policy, confidence of vision, and direct engagement. His unscripted approach was not theatrical bravado, but a reflection of deep command over the information and broadcasting portfolio—earning respect across government, media practitioners, and industry stakeholders.
Authenticity in Leadership
Dr Muswere’s preference for speaking without prepared texts set a new tone within the ministry. It fostered openness, trust, and credibility, reinforcing a culture where dialogue replaced bureaucracy and decision-making was informed by clarity rather than caution. This approach strengthened institutional confidence and encouraged innovation across the sector.
Completing the Broadcasting Revolution
Among his most significant achievements was the relaunch of ZimDigital Phase 2, a long-awaited milestone in Zimbabwe’s digital broadcasting journey. Under his stewardship, the programme accelerated the expansion of both terrestrial and satellite broadcasting, dramatically improving national coverage and signal quality.
Studios across radio and television platforms were modernized, while Montrose Studios were recapitalized with an ambitious vision to establish 10 fully functional television channels—laying the groundwork for a diversified, competitive digital broadcasting ecosystem.
From Insolvency to Financial Stability
Dr Muswere assumed office at a time when several media houses and grant-aided institutions were technically insolvent. Through targeted reforms and legislative intervention, including amendments to the Broadcasting Services Act, he spearheaded a financial turnaround that redefined the sector’s sustainability.
The most notable transformation occurred at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, which moved from persistent losses to operational profitability. Under this new trajectory, ZBC was positioned to generate US$55 million in revenue by 2025, an unprecedented benchmark for the public broadcaster.
Institutionalising Accountability
Beyond revenue growth, Dr Muswere embedded accountability as policy rather than rhetoric. His tenure saw the completion of audited accounts spanning 2016 to 2024, the regularization of Annual and Extraordinary General Meetings, and the commissioning of a forensic audit at ZBC. These measures restored governance discipline and public confidence in state-owned media institutions.
Digitisation Beyond the Airwaves
The digital transformation agenda extended well beyond broadcasting. The launch of Zimpapers Digital marked a decisive shift toward online publishing and multimedia storytelling. Newsrooms were retooled and reoriented to operate in a converged media environment, ensuring relevance in an increasingly digital information economy.
Community Radio and Language Inclusion
A strong advocate for inclusivity, Dr Muswere expanded Zimbabwe’s community broadcasting landscape by licensing 10 new community radio stations, amplifying grassroots voices and local content. He further championed content production in all officially recognised languages, reinforcing cultural representation, linguistic equity, and national cohesion.
His efforts also included moves to re-establish a National Editorial Committee, aimed at strengthening professional standards and ethical journalism.
Financing the Creative Economy
Under innovative revenue strategies, the Ministry mobilised US$60 million from broadcasting licence fees. Crucially, Dr Muswere ensured that cultural development remained central to policy by ring-fencing US$10 million for the growth of the film, music, arts, and culture industries.
Looking ahead, he formally directed that US$10 million be allocated to artists in 2026, institutionalising sustained support for Zimbabwe’s creative sector.
A Legacy of Transformation
As Zimbabwe reflects on Dr Jenfan Muswere’s ministerial tenure, the record speaks for itself. He leaves behind a media sector that is technologically advanced, financially disciplined, digitally aligned, linguistically inclusive, and creatively empowered.
More than reform, his legacy is one of transformation anchored in accountability—a blueprint that will continue to shape Zimbabwe’s information, publicity, and broadcasting landscape long after his departure from office.
