Zimbabwe’s largest media group, Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Limited (Zimpapers), is reportedly cutting 154 jobs in the first phase of a mandatory retrenchment exercise.
Company executives announced the cuts during a meeting with workers’ representatives in Harare on Wednesday, 16 September.
Most of the losses are expected at its loss-making television division, Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN), according to insiders.
Zimpapers, which employs more than 900 people across its newspapers, radio, television and printing divisions, did not disclose the number of affected positions in its public statement.
In a statement, board chairperson Doreen Sibanda said the company was implementing a strategic restructuring programme as part of its ongoing transformation into a sustainable, digital-first organisation.
She said the decision follows a comprehensive review of the group’s operations in response to technological advances, changing media consumption patterns and the need to ensure long-term competitiveness and sustainability.
As part of the changes, ZTN will migrate from a traditional linear television model to a digital Over-the-Top (OTT) platform, while the Newspapers Division will be realigned to a digital- and mobile-first operating structure.
The company said the shift will require the reorganisation of operations, consolidation of functions and optimisation of organisational structures.
As a result, certain positions have become redundant, and the company has commenced a retrenchment process in compliance with applicable labour laws and established human resources procedures.
Zimpapers said it remained committed to treating all affected employees with fairness, dignity and respect, while continuing to deliver quality content and services to its audiences, advertisers, shareholders and other stakeholders.
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