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chief executive officer Mr Justin Mutasa said yesterday.

Speaking at a long service awards ceremony where 97 workers from the Bulawayo branch were honoured for their loyal service at a local hotel, Mr Mutasa said the company would not be apologetic for upholding the country’s values even during challenging times.

“Zimpapers protects and defends the values of this country, we do not apologise for that,” he said.

Those who were honoured are from the editorial, management, accounting, advertising, technical, circulation, production and transport departments and have served the company for between five and 35 years.

Mr Mutasa commended the dedication by members of staff.

He took the opportunity to announce that the company had acquired state-of-the-art equipment which would help transform its publications so that they remain publications of first choice in the country.

“We have acquired machinery from India for both Bulawayo and Harare branches.
We sent a team to go and check this machinery where it is being used so that we get the best printing press that will enable us to print Herald in Bulawayo and Chronicle in Harare,” said Mr Mutasa.

He said the company was expanding to cover the electronic media.

“Zimpapers is growing and diversifying. At the end of this month we will be going on air with our Talk Radio Station because we have already engaged key staff,” said Mr Mutasa.

“We are almost there, our setback was capital but you have seen what we have done and we will continue making sure that whatever we get we pay back to you,” said Mr Mutasa while stressing that there was a need for everyone to work together.

Zimpapers board member and Bulawayo businessman, Mr Delma Lupepe, who was the guest of honour commended staff for working hard.

“We want to honour and salute those who have served between five and 35 years. We respect what you have done and achieved. We are here as a family and every single person working at Zimpapers is important regardless of what duties you are doing,” said Mr Lupepe.

He said Zimpapers was a unique entity that could not be matched by competitors.

“This is a function our competitors cannot have. We have been here for a long time and we have survived this long because we represent the truth,” said Mr Lupepe.

Also present was the group human resources manager, Mr Herbert Simemeza, and heads of departments at the Bulawayo branch including the  acting general manager, Mr Marks Shayamano.