Daily News editor Guthrie Munyuki recently addressed the significant error made by the Financial Gazette in an advertisement from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) that mistakenly implied President Mnangagwa had passed away.
The advertisement, intended to celebrate Mnangagwa’s birthday, ended with the phrase, “May his soul rest in eternal peace,” sparking widespread reactions on social media.
Modus Media, the publisher of both the Daily News and Financial Gazette, issued an official apology to the President and the ZDF for the mistake.
In an interview with ZBC News, Munyuki explained that the error stemmed from the use of an outdated template. A designer mistakenly selected a condolence message from the ZDF, which had previously been used to honor a fallen hero.
While the new congratulatory text was added, the designer missed removing the final line from the old message: “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Munyuki, along with Modus Media executives, met with President Mnangagwa, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri, and Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) head Isaac Moyo at State House to personally apologize.
The President accepted the apology, jokingly asking, “Where are the flowers for the dead man?” according to his spokesperson, George Charamba.
ALSO READ : Daily News Editor Meets with President Mnangagwa After Publication Error
In other news, ZANU PF has opted to reduce the number of attendees for its upcoming 21st Annual National People’s Conference, set to take place from October 22 to 27 at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds in Bulawayo.
The decision was confirmed by the party’s National Chairperson, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, after the third meeting of the National Coordinating Committee, held at the party’s Harare headquarters on September 20.
This year’s conference will feature fewer delegates compared to previous years. Muchinguri-Kashiri highlighted that only Politburo members, Central Committee members, National Consultative Assembly members, and district co-ordinating committees will attend.
Lower-level party members, who were previously included, will not be participating.
This approach was inspired by practices observed in countries like China, where smaller groups are invited to enhance the quality of discussions and resolutions.
ALSO READ : ZANU PF Trims Delegate List for 21st National Conference: Focus on Quality Over Quantity
