When accepting the MISA Press Freedom Award in 2013, veteran Zimbabwean broadcaster John Masuku, in his otherwise unique and admirable humility, said:
“When we do our work, we do not expect to receive any award. I am very excited and humbled to receive the MISA Press Freedom Award.”
It was therefore with great shock and sorrow that MISA learnt of the passing of veteran broadcaster Masuku, who coincidentally died on World Radio Day, commemorated annually on 13 February.
Masuku was honoured by MISA in 2013, when he was the executive director of Radio Voice of the People, for his unmatched passion and courage in pushing for a diversified broadcasting environment by operating the unlicensed radio station despite the risks at the time.
Today, Zimbabwe enjoys a diversified broadcasting environment due to the tenacity of citizens such as Masuku,
His affability and cool, calm but alert nature defied his zeal for voicing alternative political and socio-economic perspectives on the radio while pushing for reforms in the broadcasting sector.
Frequent visitor to the MISA Regional Office in Harare for updates and catch-ups on regional and global media trends and developments, Masuku will be sorely missed by the MISA family.
