HARARE – Broadcasting legend and veteran journalism trainer John Masuku has died suddenly at the age of 70, his family announced on Thursday.
Masuku, a former Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and Voice of the People (VOP) radio presenter, died at his home in Mabelreign, Harare, on World Radio Day.
His daughter, Siphathisiwe, said the veteran broadcaster who had a long-term heart ailment had shown no signs of deteriorating health and had even posted on social media earlier in the day to mark the annual celebration of radio.
Information minister Zhemu Soda led the tributes, describing Masuku as a “distinguished journalist whose career was defined by professionalism and integrity.”
“His pioneering role in broadcasting paved the way for transformation within the industry and inspired future generations of journalists,” Soda said.
Permanent secretary for information Ndavaningi Mangwana said the media sector “has not only lost a pillar and mentor, but a true broadcasting icon.”
The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) paid tribute to Masuku’s “lifelong dedication to journalism and broadcasting which enriched our profession and inspired many.”
Born in Harare, Masuku began his broadcasting career at the ZBC in 1974. He rose through the ranks to become general manager of the corporation’s radio stations before later serving as controller at ZBC’s Montrose Studios in Bulawayo.
He left the state broadcaster in 2001 and went on to become executive director of the independent radio station Voice of the People (VOP), where he played a key role in alternative broadcasting during a politically charged period for Zimbabwe’s media landscape.
In his later years, Masuku worked as a media trainer, mentoring young journalists and contributing to skills development in the profession.
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