By Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Limited Group has announced the immediate retrenchment of 154 employees across its newspapers, radio stations, and television operations.
Staff at outlets including The Herald, The Sunday Mail, Chronicle, Star FM, Diamond FM, and the group’s TV division began receiving individual severance package letters starting Wednesday.
This workforce reduction comes as the state-owned media company grapples with pressures from changing technologies and audience behaviors impacting its traditional business model. A Group Works Council meeting in Harare discussed the restructuring plans, which also include reduced working hours for some divisions.
Affected employees mostly earned between US350andUS350 and US400 per month. Severance packages for those with up to 20 years of service could reach approximately US$8,000. However, concerns remain about how long such payouts will support families given the lack of a company pension fund and a challenging job market.
As of the end of 2024, the group employed 971 people, so the job cuts represent about 16% of the workforce.
Board chairperson Doreen Sibanda attributed the restructuring to the need for operational reorganization in response to digital transformation. She emphasized the company’s commitment to fairness and respect for affected employees but provided few details on severance terms or future support.
Management cited declining print advertising revenue and shifting audience preferences toward digital media as key challenges. CEO William Chikoto highlighted efforts to modernize content and diversify revenue streams as part of the group’s digital transition.
The retrenchments take place amid the growing prominence of “Varakashi,” pro-Zanu PF social media activists influential in Zimbabwe’s political and social spheres. Unlike professional journalists, these activists often act as partisan online campaigners.
Zimpapers aims to sustain its competitiveness and financial health long-term, navigating the industry’s digital evolution while managing significant workforce reductions.
