Ncube to launch Zimbabwe daily newspaper

INVESTMENT: Trevor Ncube

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Posted to the web: 12/03/2009 11:15:08
ZIMBABWE will have its first privately-owned daily newspaper in six years with the imminent launch of the NewsDay.

Media mogul Trevor Ncube announced a US$4 million investment on the new project which will create 300 jobs.

Ncube already owns the Zimbabwe Independent and the Standard, published on Friday and Sunday respectively. He also owns South Africa’s Mail and Guardian newspaper through his M&G Media Ltd.

A new power sharing government of President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has promised a free press as part of its commitment to democratic reforms.

In 2003, the country’s biggest privately-owned daily newspaper, The Daily News, was shut down by the government. Several other weekly titles were also banned as Mugabe’s government cracked down on the opposition.

Ncube said he was “encouraged by the opportunities” that the power sharing agreement offered.

“While there have been teething problems, we believe that the new inclusive Zimbabwean government realises the importance of creating an economic environment that encourages local and international investors,” Ncube said in a statement.

The media mogul said his company had been waiting for a “conducive environment for this project”, and was encouraged by the fact that the legislative framework had been improved by Mugabe’s Zanu PF and the two rival MDC factions who signed the agreement in September last year.

“We have briefed both the inclusive government and the regulatory authorities and we are confident that we will be licensed as soon as possible. We don't foresee any obstacles at all,” Ncube said.

Ncube said the "herculean task" facing the new inclusive government will be made easy by a vibrant and independent media that empowers both the people and those in authority.

He added: “We all need accurate information to make vital decisions and right now both the people and those in authority are poorly served. NewsDay, as an independent and fresh daily, will play a vital role in rebuilding our nation.

“We will leverage off the political agreement to be the voice of a new Zimbabwe. We will be a forum for the ideas we need to create a fresh economy and to provide a platform for debate as we grapple with the needs of our education, health and social systems.

“Non-partisan and independent, we hope to draw on our internal talents while providing a voice for the diaspora too. Strong and competitive nations are those that create a market place for ideas where ultimately the best ideas win. Right now such a market place does not exist and Zimbabwe is poorer for it.”

No date has been announced for the launch, although Ncube statement said the paper will be on the news stands “shortly”. Ncube also did not reveal key editorial staff for the new paper which will publish from Monday to Saturday.

He said the US$4 million project would create 300 jobs and he was “encouraged by the attitude in the corridors of power that saw this as not just about press freedom but also an important investment”.
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