"How a nation modernises without losing its soul" – Zimbabwean media delegation concludes China visit

 

BEIJING, May 20, 2026- The two-week Seminar for Media Professionals for Zimbabwe, which elevated bilateral media cooperation from working-level exchanges to a strategic priority, ended in Beijing today. But delegates say the real work, applying Chinese lessons in modernisation, poverty reduction and media innovation, has just begun.

Zimbabwe's Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Chief Director, Jonathan Gandari, spoke at the closing ceremony on behalf of the delegation. He described China's transformation as "profoundly inspiring" in megacities like Chongqing and in rural villages that have escaped poverty through targeted development.

"For China, modernisation has not meant abandoning traditions but incorporating them in every step," Gandari said. "We saw a country proud of its past, yet confidently embracing the future."

The seminar, hosted by the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO) under China's Ministry of Commerce, included lectures on media responsibility, technological innovation and governance. It was led by Minister Dr Zhemu Soda, who told CGTN that such exchanges "bring about better understanding of one another" and help Zimbabwe move beyond Western-dominated narratives. Gandari noted that delegates visited media institutions, the 798-751 Art District and Chongqing China's famous "8D city" once considered remote but now a Belt and Road gateway.

Gandari highlighted two key lessons for Zimbabwean media:

1. Communicate with self-confidence and sovereignty, developing local platforms for national cohesion.

2. Link communication directly to strategic national development blueprints.

He also noted that media convergence, including artificial intelligence, can be used strategically to tell a nation's story.

The Chief Director conveyed warm gratitude from Minister Soda, who had returned home early due to pre-scheduled national commitments. The minister's earlier vision — to make the trip about "first-hand information" that would "influence the quality of narratives" — has now been answered by the returning media professionals, who leave with a practical roadmap for change.

AIBO President Wu Bin urged delegates to see the closing ceremony not as an end, but as "a new starting point" for deeper cooperation.

Gandari ended with a personal touch, thanking local coordinators; Leah, Frank, Yvonne and Yanny and quoting an ancient Chinese saying: "Good brothers fight together."

"Long live our friendship," he said. "You are all invited to Zimbabwe."