ZUJ to receive first block of residential plots

Members of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, ZUJ, are expected to start receiving residential plots which were promised to the Union by Local
Government and National Housing Minister, Saviour Kasukuwere in October 2015 during the National Journalism and Media Awards, NJAMA, gala dinner.

ZUJ reported that the residential stands will not be free but will be accessible at affordable rates.

The revelations were made by Minister Kasukuwere on May 12 when he spoke to a delegation from the Union during a meeting held at his Makombe Buildings offices.

"We will release the residential stands in batches and we have about 40 which are ready to be handed to journalists. This will be done nationally
because ZUJ indicated that it has members around the country. Ensuring that journalists like other Zimbabweans get access to affordable and descent housing is part of my mandate," the minister said.

ZUJ Secretary General, Foster Dongozi and Treasurer, Evince Mugumbate attended the meeting with Kasukuwere who was flanked by an official from the ministry.

Already, the ministry has pledged a residential stand which will be won by a journalist who excels on reporting local government issues during the
National Journalism and Media Awards, NJAMA.

ZUJ Secretary General Foster Dongozi told Kasukuwere that in total they would require close to a thousand residential stands to cater for its
membership around the country.

"Addressing housing concerns for journalists is one way of enhancing ethical and professional journalism as it will make journalists
independent. The Union is also hopping to use the opportunity to acquire a piece of land on which to build offices and recreational facilities in
order to reduce operational costs."

The Union's leadership also took the opportunity to thank the minister for supporting the ZUJ campaign for safety of journalists.