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ZESA general manager (stakeholders relations) Dr George Manyaya was last week named the Marketers Association Zimbabwe (MAZ) public relations manager of the year for his role in opening up the power utility to the public.
Dr Manyaya, who is also the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara) board chairperson, continues to improve media relations between the power utility and its stakeholders.
Under his stewardship, a digital garage through the social media strategy of educating all stakeholders on products and services through proactive engagement with customers, has been established.
This also serves to notify customers in advance on the anticipated power disruptions, communication of service disruption due to faults or load curtailment using various media platform.
A weekly ZESA diaries column and slot on print and electronic media meant to educate stakeholders on various topics, introduction of the consumer awareness road-shows that are attended by thousands of customers across the country, and an effective communication strategy before, during and after the commissioning of the flagship Hwange Expansion Units 7 and 8 were realised.
For the first time, ZESA opened up to the media and invited all editors for a no-holds-barred engagement with its executives to demystify the misconceptions associated with the power utility.
In the past, ZESA was not seen to be transparent in its operations.
Under Mr Manyaya’s leadership in stakeholder relations, ZESA has for the first time been recognised and won various awards, including the Overall Best Exhibitor and the best parastatal display during the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show 2023, as well as the best display in the energy sector at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2023.
At Zinara, Dr Manyaya is currently spearheading the re-branding and transformation drive that has seen openness on the funds received and disbursed to road authorities.
His marketing and public relations approach has seen Zinara introducing a marketing and public relations post at executive level.
Zinara is now responsive and educates consumers using various platforms and has publicly engaged strategic institutions like ZACC, APNAC and appeared before the Parliament public accounts committee giving an update on how they have acted on all audit recommendations.
Under Mr Manyaya’s watch, Zinara has engaged all media editors for a public workshop on Zinara operations.
The runner-up in the PR awards was COTTCO corporate communications executive Ms Constance Makoni, who is transforming and reinforcing the brand. Herald
