ZUJ irked by continued purge of journalist

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, ZUJ,  has expressed its outrage at the ongoing purge of journalists in the media which has left some comrades without jobs or job safety.

"The Union is aware that three senior journalists at The Daily News, namely, Sports Editor, Enock Muchinjo, Parliamentary Correspondent, Chengetai Zvauya and News Editor Gift Phiri have been dismissed by the organisation," reads ZUJ statement.

"At The Herald, Assistant Editor, George Chisoko was last week sent on suspension while Nevanji Madanhire editor of the News Day reportedly benefitted from a voluntary retrenchment exercise."

ZUJ Secretary General, Foster Dongozi said the 'purging and culling' of journalists was a very worrisome development.

"We are particularly worried by developments at The Daily News where the dismissal of journalists is fast approaching epidemic levels with fears that more casualties were expected," said Dongozi.

"In an environment of economic challenges where jobs are scarce,  we find it odd and unacceptable that management should allow hardships to visit families of fellow Zimbabweans. Their hands are dripping with blood."

The dismissals are taking place at a time that another publication, The Zimbabwe Mail has just folded, resulting in scores of journalists losing their jobs.