By Darlington Mabuya
There is an undeniable energy sweeping through Zimbabwe’s key population youth circles—one that pulses through poetry slams, digital documentaries, and activist workshops.
Many young individuals are not waiting for the traditional mainstream media to validate their experiences. They’re producing their own narratives with ingenuity and urgency.
The energy and pace at which young media practitioners are working has grown into a formidable movement—one defined by clear intent and purpose. What sets this new wave apart is its deliberate choice of storytelling forms that mirror their own realities, often rejecting traditional formats in favour of authentic, direct engagement with their peers.
They are leveraging social media and digital tools to amplify their voices, reach wider audiences, and shape narratives on their own terms—often operating on shoestring budgets, without expensive cameras or heavy-duty equipment, but armed with cellphones and data bundles that are powerful enough to tell their stories.
These stories are filled with pride, pain, and promise. They confront stereotypes, demand justice, and offer hope.
Freelance journalists recognized this creative surge and embedded youth-driven practices into the Reporting Guide. Journalists are now urged to see young people not as subjects, but as storytellers in their own right. This shift is critical—not just because it increases representation, but because it redefines power in storytelling.
In the hands of young creators, media isn’t just informative—it’s revolutionary. Throughout history, all great revolutions have been driven by the energy and courage of the youth. Zimbabwe’s future may well depend on how bravely its young people choose to write—and rewrite—their own story.
