A delay by corporate sponsor NetOne in disbursing prize money to runner-up winners at the 2025 National Journalistic and Media Awards (NJAMA) has sparked outrage among affected journalists, who are questioning the mobile operator's professionalism and priorities.
The awards ceremony took place at a Harare hotel on October 23, 2025. Four months later, approximately 25 runner-up winners—each entitled to US$300—remain unpaid, while first-prize recipients received their funds promptly from their respective sponsors.
Organized annually by the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), the NJAMA is a cornerstone event on the union's calendar. Last year's edition followed elections that installed a new ZUJ administration, heightening expectations for a seamless process.
ZUJ has assured beneficiaries of ongoing engagement with NetOne, but patience is fraying.
"We were thrilled to be recognized, but the delay has soured the achievement," one anonymous journalist said. "There's no urgency, despite the funds being promised and budgeted."
Another recipient criticized NetOne's "misplaced priorities," noting the company's end-of-year media luncheon. "That event should not have proceeded while our prizes sat unpaid—those resources could have settled our dues."
Frustration boils over in the "NJAMA 2025 Runners-up" WhatsApp group, where updates reflect skepticism despite ZUJ's promises of imminent resolution.
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ZUJ Secretary-General Perfect Hlongwane acknowledged the journalists' irritation. In group messages, he stated: "We've provided all required documents and were assured payment is forthcoming. We've engaged at the highest levels and hope for a breakthrough soon." He noted the situation remains unchanged.
Inquiries by Zim Now uncovered that NetOne was initially unaware its contribution—to "general operations" for the awards' success—was earmarked for prizes. A source close to the matter said a ZUJ representative (also an adjudicator), approached NetOne's CEO for sponsorship just a day before the event.
"The CEO agreed, but had he known it was for urgent prizes with such short notice, he might have declined," the source said.
He revealed NetOne approved US$10,000 pending fulfilment of processes, including tax clearance and a pro forma invoice from ZUJ, followed by a purchase order.
The source emphasized NetOne's strong media ties, including considerations for partnering on NJAMA 2026 and support for ZUJ's Mashonaland West provincial awards with in-kind contributions.
The impasse has fuelled broader debates on corporate accountability and respect for journalism. Affected journalists argue prompt payouts are vital to the awards' credibility.
Ironically, ZUJ recently criticized Allied Media Holdings (AMH) for salary delays—a stance one beneficiary called "the pot calling the kettle black." "The union should address its own issues first," he said.
A comment request to NetOne's Head of Public Relations, Richard Mahomva, sent last week had not elicited a response by press time.
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