32 Journalists Complete First Day of NSSA Safety Health Training in Gweru
At least 32 journalists attended the opening day of the Basic Occupational Safety and Health Course (BOSHC) in Gweru on May 4, 2026, organised by the National Social Security Authority of Zimbabwe (NSSA). The training is designed to strengthen media reporting on workplace safety and health issues
Dumisani Ndlovu 
Gweru - At least 32 journalists attended the first day of a Basic Occupational Safety and Health Course in Gweru yesterday, Monday May 4, 2026.
The training, organised by the National Social Security Authority NSSA, aims to equip media practitioners with skills to report accurately on workplace safety and health issues.
Facilitators included Mrs Janet Mutapure, Mrs Oppah Magidi, Mr Tsungai Jeche, Dr Benjamin Mutetwa, Dr Shingie Mugaviri, Eng. Shingie Marunza, Sr Martha Name, Mrs Thembi Dumbu, Mr Joseph Garwe and Ms Agatha Dondo.
The workshop continues today, Tuesday May 5, focusing on ethics and best practices in reporting workplace accidents and safety violations.
The workshop, running from May 4 to 5, 2026, is equipping media practitioners with critical knowledge and skills to improve coverage of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), an area increasingly viewed as central to public health and national development.
Day One featured a series of high-level presentations led by experienced facilitators from across the OSH sector.
Sessions were anchored by Mrs Janet Mutapure and Mrs Oppah Magidi, who guided participants through introductions and foundational OSH concepts.
Mr Tsungai Jeche, Midlands Regional Manager, delivered insights into Zimbabwe’s national OSH policy and institutional frameworks, while Dr Benjamin Mutetwa, Chief Research and Development Officer, unpacked occupational health and surveillance programmes, emphasising prevention and early detection of workplace risks.
Dr Shingie Mugaviri, OSH Promotions and Training Officer, focused on risk management strategies, while Eng. Shingie Marunza, Chief Inspector of Factories, led discussions on legal compliance as a key tool in creating safe working environments.
The afternoon sessions shifted focus to the role of journalists in shaping public understanding of safety issues.
Mrs Thembi Dumbu, Principal Promotion Officer, and Mr Joseph Garwe, Promotion Officer, facilitated discussions on awareness and communication strategies, while Ms Agatha Dondo, Digital Media and Contact Centre Manager, led a session on how the media can promote OSH and counter misinformation.
A key highlight was the “Safety Facts vs Myths” session, which examined how inaccurate reporting can escalate into a public health hazard, reinforcing the need for fact-based, responsible journalism.
Participants are expected to reconvene for Day Two, which will focus on ethics and best practices in reporting workplace accidents and safety violations.
Organisers say the training is part of ongoing efforts to build a well-informed media sector capable of influencing safer workplace practices across Zimbabwe.
