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We are hiring!
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Journalism
- Closing Date: 2026-09-10
Key Responsibilities
- * Write and deliver Ndebele & English news bulletins
- * Source news from local, official, and credible outlets
- * Conduct interviews and craft broadcast stories
- * Cover breaking news, events, and press conferences
- * Guarantee accurate, balanced, and timely reporting
- * Supply content for web and social platforms
- * Collaborate with newsroom and programming staff
- * Uphold journalistic integrity and editorial guidelines
Requirements
- 1. Degree in Journalism, Media, or related field
- 2. Fluent in spoken and written Ndebele/English
- 3. Professional news reading and broadcast delivery skills
- 4. Excellent communication & interpersonal skills
- 5. Ability to work in a fast-paced newsroom
- 6. Basic audio editing and digital journalism skills
How to Apply
Apply by email: [email protected]
About the Company
98.4 Midlands is a privately owned provincial commercial radio station broadcasting from Gweru, Zimbabwe. It is accessible on FM 98.4 MHz in the city of Gweru and greater parts of the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe.
Website: https://984midlands.co.zw/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required to become an Ndebele News Reporter at a radio station like 98.4 Midlands?
A minimum of a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, or a related field from a Zimbabwean institution (e.g., ZIMSEC A-Level passes plus a university or Polytechnic qualification) is usually required. Fluency in spoken and written Ndebele — including knowledge of local idioms and regional dialects in the Midlands — is essential, and prior experience with ZBC or community radio internships strengthens applications.
What does a typical day look like for an Ndebele News Reporter at a Midlands-based radio station?
Daily tasks include monitoring local events, conducting interviews with community members and officials in Ndebele, writing and voicing news bulletins, and verifying facts with sources across Gweru, Kwekwe, and surrounding rural districts. Reporters often work early shifts to meet morning broadcast deadlines and may cover breaking stories on short notice, using mobile phones or basic recording equipment common in Zimbabwean community radio setups.
How does workplace culture and professional expectations differ for journalists in Zimbabwe compared to other countries?
Zimbabwean media workplaces emphasise respect for hierarchy, punctuality, and adherence to national broadcasting guidelines — including sensitivity around political reporting and use of official language protocols. Journalists are expected to maintain strong community ties, show cultural awareness in Ndebele-speaking areas, and navigate resource constraints such as limited transport or intermittent electricity without compromising deadline integrity.
What realistic career progression paths exist for an Ndebele News Reporter in Zimbabwe’s media sector?
Reporters often advance to Senior Reporter, News Editor, or Programme Producer roles within the same station or at ZBC regional offices, especially with demonstrated reliability and multilingual skills. Some transition into training roles at institutions like the Zimbabwe Institute of Legal Studies (ZILS) or join NGOs focusing on media development, while others pursue freelance work with regional outlets like Radio Mthwakazi or independent digital platforms.
What benefits — such as leave, medical aid, or pension — can an Ndebele News Reporter expect from a mid-sized radio station in the Midlands?
Most licensed commercial and community stations in Zimbabwe offer statutory benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, sick leave under the Labour Act, and enrolment in the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) pension scheme. Medical aid is less common at smaller stations but may be provided through employer-sponsored group schemes or negotiated via the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), depending on station size and financial capacity.
How should I apply for this role, and what do employers in Zimbabwe specifically look for in candidates?
Applications are typically submitted via email or in person with a CV, Ndebele writing sample (e.g., a recorded bulletin or transcribed report), and certified copies of academic certificates verified by ZIMCHE or relevant institutions. Employers prioritise proven Ndebele fluency, familiarity with Midlands geography and issues, evidence of ethical reporting, and alignment with ZBC Code of Conduct — and often conduct oral Ndebele assessments during interviews.