By Tinotenda Mhaka
In the ever-evolving landscape of Zimbabwean media, a quiet but powerful transformation has emerged: one rooted not in headlines, but in empathy.
It began with a concerted media engagement effort championed by Freelance Journalists, culminating in the creation of a Reporting Guide for inclusive journalism.
This guide isn’t just ink on paper-it represents a shift in values, where accuracy meets dignity and stories are shaped with integrity.
Among those inspired by this initiative is Samuel Jinjika, an investigative journalist based in Harare.
Known for his depth of inquiry and fearless reporting, Samuel’s approach to LGBTQI issues has matured into a model of relational journalism.
“My early experiences taught me that sensationalism sells,” Samuel reflects, “but it also scars. When I began reporting on LGBTQI stories, I realized the cost of detachment.
What was missing was trust.”
That awareness led Samuel to attend workshops organized by freelance journalists, designed to bridge the gap between journalists and the communities they serve.
For him, the sessions were more than professional development-they were a turning point. “I learned to step back from assumptions and step into conversations,” he says. “Listening reshaped everything.”
Listening First, Reporting Better
Trust, Samuel found, isn’t built with notebooks and microphones-it’s built with time. He now makes it a point to attend community events not as a reporter on assignment, but as a learner and ally.
At one such gathering, he met Rudo, a dynamic LGBTQI advocate who has faced relentless discrimination. “Samuel didn’t treat me like a quote,” Rudo says. “He wanted to hear my journey, my pain, my triumphs. That’s why I trusted him.”
Samuel’s work reflects this shift. His stories no longer just inform—they affirm. They carry the weight of lived experiences and challenge societal stigmas. “I’ve come to see journalism not just as a job,” Samuel shares, “but as a platform for healing and empowerment.”
Why Trust Matters
For marginalized groups like the LGBTQI community, mistrust in media runs deep-rooted in years of misrepresentation, invisibility, and harm.
Building trust isn’t merely a nicety; it’s a journalistic imperative. When reporters approach sources with care and respect, they foster safer spaces for truth. And in doing so, they produce stories that are not only more authentic-but more impactful.
The Reporting Guide developed by journalists is now circulating widely across Zimbabwean newsrooms, encouraging a new generation of journalists to embrace inclusive practices. It offers practical tools, ethical guidance, and nuanced language tips-all underpinned by a philosophy of accountability and compassion.
A Path Forward
What began as a training session has ignited a movement-one where journalists like Samuel are rewriting the relationship between media and LGBTQI communities. “Journalism must serve humanity,” he says simply.