Zimpapers to retrench as it shifts to digital-first model

By Tendai Chisiri

Harare – Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Limited (Zimpapers) has announced plans to lay off workers as part of a major organisational restructuring to support its digital transformation.

In a media statement issued Wednesday  and signed by Board Chairperson Mrs Doreen Sibanda, the listed media group said it was implementing a strategic restructuring programme as part of its ongoing transformation into a sustainable, digital-first media organisation.

According to the statement, the decision follows a comprehensive review of the Group’s operations in response to technological advancements, changing media consumption patterns, and the need to ensure long-term competitiveness and sustainability.

As part of the changes, Zimpapers will migrate Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN) from a traditional linear television model to a digital Over-the-Top (OTT) platform, as well as realign the Newspapers Division to a digital and mobile-first operating structure.

“These changes require the reorganisation of operations, consolidation of functions, and optimisation of organisational structures,” the company said.

Zimpapers said as a result, certain positions have become redundant within the revised operating model, and the company has commenced a retrenchment process in compliance with applicable labour laws and established human resources procedures.

The Group, which is the country’s largest integrated media house with interests in publishing, broadcasting, commercial printing, radio and digital advertising through its BoldAds and ZTN units, said it remains committed to handling the process professionally.

“Zimpapers remains committed to treating all affected employees with fairness, dignity and respect throughout the process while continuing to deliver quality content and services to its audiences, advertisers, shareholders and other stakeholders,” Mrs Sibanda said.

The company did not disclose the number of employees affected.

The announcement marks one of the biggest restructuring exercises in the group’s history as traditional media houses battle declining print circulation and advertising revenue while audiences shift to digital and mobile platforms.