By Desire Tshuma
HARARE — The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe is rolling out the inaugural CCZ Media Awards to recognise excellence in consumer-focused journalism, as it seeks to deepen ties with the media in tackling scams, counterfeit goods and rising costs of living.
The announcement was made at a Media Engagement Breakfast Workshop held at the Monomotapa Hotel in Harare, Thursday as the Council commemorates 70 years since its founding.
CCZ Chief Executive Officer Rosemary Mpofu said the workshop marked the start of a structured partnership with journalists, beyond press statements and interviews.
“Today’s workshop is significant for two main reasons. First, it marks the beginning of a closer partnership between the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe and the media fraternity. Second, it lays the foundation for the CCZ Media Awards, which will recognise excellence in consumer-focused journalism later this year,” the CEO said.
Corporate Affairs Director, Phillmon Chereni said the awards were born out of appreciation for how the media has amplified consumer voices over the years.
“For many years, our engagements with the media have largely centred on press conferences, interviews, media statements, and coverage of our programmes. Through these partnerships, you have helped to amplify consumer voices, educate the public on their rights and responsibilities, and expose issues affecting consumers across various sectors of the economy,” he said.
Established in 1955 in Bulawayo and formally registered in 1975, CCZ says it has spent seven decades championing consumer rights through research, advocacy, education and dispute resolution.
The CEO noted that the principle guiding the work remains unchanged:
“An informed consumer is an empowered consumer. And just as true is this—an informed society depends on a responsible and vibrant media.”
She added that journalists have performed “a public service of immense value to the nation” by exposing unsafe products, misleading advertising, digital scams, poor service delivery and the rising cost of living.
“The media has stood with consumers by exposing unfair practices, informing the public, encouraging accountability, and promoting ethical conduct in the marketplace,” she said.
The CEO highlighted the Consumer Protection Act [Chapter 14:44] as the backbone of CCZ’s mandate. The law enshrines rights to fair and honest dealing, safe and quality goods and services, adequate information, and redress.
Crucially, Section 55 designates CCZ as a Conciliation and Arbitration Body.
“This empowers the Council to facilitate amicable settlement of disputes between consumers and suppliers—helping provide an accessible mechanism for resolving conflicts without forcing consumers into lengthy court processes,” she explained.
She stressed that consumer protection now goes beyond physical products to cover telecommunications, banking, insurance, transport, education, healthcare, utilities and digital commerce.
With the rise of e-commerce and AI, the CEO said consumers face increasingly complex challenges including online shopping scams, counterfeit products, unfair contract terms, data privacy concerns and risks in digital financial services.
“This is where the media becomes indispensable. A well-informed journalist does more than report events. They educate consumers; expose harmful practices; encourage compliance with the law; amplify consumer voices; and promote ethical business conduct,” she said.
The Corporate Affairs Director, Chereni added that consumer stories now touch every aspect of life and deserve prominence.
“Consumer stories touch every aspect of life—from health and education to banking, telecommunications, housing, transport, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. They deserve the same prominence and professional attention as other specialised beats.”
The CCZ Media Awards will recognise journalists and media houses whose work advances consumer education, ethical business conduct, accountability and a fairer marketplace.
“The idea behind these awards is both simple and profound: to celebrate journalism that makes a positive difference in the lives of consumers,” Chereni said.
“Recognition does not only reward achievement—it also inspires innovation, professionalism, and continuous improvement.”
CCZ said the awards will be an annual event on the national calendar and part of a broader strategy to create continuous engagement, knowledge sharing and collaboration.
As CCZ marks 70 years, the CEO said government, regulators and CCZ alone cannot deliver consumer protection.
“It will require collaboration among consumers, businesses, regulators, civil society, academia, and importantly, the media,” Chereni said.
“To every media practitioner present today, I therefore urge you to continue reporting with integrity accurately, fairly and consistently on consumer issues. Help us ensure that consumers know their rights, understand their responsibilities, and are empowered to make informed decisions.”
Chereni closed by thanking journalists for their partnership.
“Today, we say thank you. We thank you for your partnership. We thank you for your commitment to truthful, balanced and responsible reporting. Most importantly, we thank you for helping us build a marketplace where consumers are informed, protected and empowered.”