HARARE. The transition from university to the newsroom is often a steep climb for young journalists in Zimbabwe. Veteran investigative reporter Owen Gagare argues that bridging this gap requires a return to foundational skills combined with modern digital safety. By focusing on ethics and practical confidence, educators can prepare students for the high-stakes environment of professional investigation.
Investigative journalism is often viewed as a daunting, almost unreachable peak for students. However, according to Owen Gagare, an award-winning investigative journalist in Zimbabwe, the path to excellence starts with the basics. During a recent guest lecture focused on co-designing investigative curricula for female journalists, Gagare highlighted a growing disconnect between academic theory and the practical demands of the field.
The most significant hurdle is not always a lack of technical knowledge, but a decline in foundational journalistic competencies. Gagare notes that many students enter the industry without a firm grasp of research methods, source verification or even the professional etiquette required to navigate complex social hierarchies.
“Foundational journalistic skills are still essential. Many students lack basic competencies such as grooming and etiquette, research methods, interviewing skills, source verification and how to gather information responsibly,” Gagare explains. He believes that without these roots, the more advanced branches of investigative work cannot flourish.
The art of the interview and soft skills
In the Zimbabwean context, investigative work is as much about cultural navigation as it is about data. Gagare emphasises that professional communication and “soft skills” are currently underdeveloped in many university programmes. This includes knowing how to address authorities and using local customs to build rapport.
“Students often do not know how to address people in positions of authority, conduct basic background research, or use courteous greetings. Including speaking in local languages or that using totems can help to build rapport and open doors, especially in African contexts,” Gagare says.
Furthermore, the power dynamic in an interview is something many students struggle to control. When facing experienced “spin doctors” or officials, a young journalist needs more than just a list of questions; they need the assertiveness to remain firm and robust. Gagare suggests that assignments should move away from pure theory and incorporate practical exercises that force students to debate, present arguments, and build the confidence necessary for a newsroom environment.
Ethics and safety in a digital age
Perhaps the most critical area of concern is the ethical pressure faced by new reporters. In environments where “brown envelopes” – a local term for bribes – are a reality, students must be psychologically and professionally prepared to resist. Integrity is not just a moral choice; it is a career-long asset that, once compromised, is nearly impossible to recover.
“Ethics and judgement must be prioritised. Corruption pressures are real, the students must be prepared for this. For example, accepting brown envelopes. Students must learn how to resist unethical practices and understand the long-term consequences of compromising integrity,” Gagare warns.
Parallel to ethics is the necessity of safety planning. In the modern age, a journalist’s physical safety is inextricably linked to their digital security. Gagare insists that no assignment should begin without a comprehensive safety plan that covers everything from communication protocols to the protection of mobile devices.
“Students must learn to start every assignment with a safety plan: physical safety, communication protocols, and especially digital security. Losing a phone can compromise everything,” he asserts.
Using new tools without losing the craft
While Gagare advocates for the use of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and AI, he remains a staunch defender of independent writing and critical thinking. Tools like Google applications and geo-location are essential for modern research, but they are supports, not replacements.
“AI can support research, especially the deep research applications, but students must still write independently and understand data analysis and effective prompting,” Gagare says. He also points out that investigative journalism is increasingly collaborative. The image of the “lone wolf” reporter is fading, replaced by teams that require project management and coordination skills.
Ultimately, Gagare’s message is one of action. Investigative journalism is accessible to anyone willing to start small and manage their time well. It does not only exist in the corridors of high-level politics; it can be found in every beat, including sports, culture and local community news. By mastering the basics and staying curious, the next generation of Zimbabwean journalists can ensure the information ecosystem remains healthy and transparent.