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The Zimbabwe Institute of Public Relations (ZIPR) has elected Thandolwenkosi Nkomo as president following its Annual General Meeting held on Friday 10 May 2024.
Mr Nkomo, a seasoned communications professional who has been an active member of ZIPR for several years, takes over from Hazel Zisanhi, who completed a successful two-year term as the institute’s president.
Charles Sadondo was elected vice-president and Roberta Katunga secretary, while Darling Ndlovu joined the ZIPR council as a council member.
Former president Zisanhi remains on the council as an ex-officio member assuming responsibility for the Public Relations and Membership portfolio, in which capacity she is expected to use her considerable experience to support the growth initiatives of the Institute.
Mr Nkomo has expressed his commitment to meeting the expectations of the institute’s members and to the promotion of the public relations profession in Zimbabwe.
“The election of the new council comes at a time when there has been tremendous interest among public relations practitioners in ongoing professional development programmes and platforms that enable them to network, collaborate and contribute to the sustained growth of public relations in Zimbabwe,” Mr Nkomo said following his election.
“It is our intention to not only meet the needs of local public relations practitioners in this regard but to fulfill our role as a thought leader that the private sector, government, and civil society can trust to provide guidance and counsel, especially at a time when there is need for careful navigation towards attaining national development goals and the international Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said.
The Zimbabwe Institute of Public Relations has been the national body for public relations professionals for almost 67 years, having been founded in 1957.
“The new council is committed to continuing to promote excellence, ethical behaviour, and professional development in the field of public relations. We will continue to provide a platform for our members to network, share knowledge, and collaborate in fostering growth and advancement within the public relations industry,” he said.
International Public Relations Association (IPRA) board member and chair of the association’s United Kingdom and Ireland Chapter Jacqueline Purcell, who is a ZIPR Fellow and former ZIPR president, has extended her congratulations to the new ZIPR president and noted the long-standing relationship between ZIPR and IPRA.