Renowned journalist Hopewell Chin’ono has recently cleared the air regarding rumors that he plans to run for president in the 2028 Zimbabwean elections against current President Emmerson Mnangagwa or whoever will be the Zanu-PF candidate then.
Chin’ono felt compelled to set the record straight after allegedly receiving inquiries from the South Africa Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). In a detailed statement shared on his verified social media handle, Hopewell Chin’ono disclosed that a SABC producer asked him about the 2028 presidential campaign he is working on. He vehemently denied any intention to run for president in 2028. The renowned journalist also denied working on anyone’s presidential campaign.
“I want to make it categorically clear that I have no intention whatsoever of running for the presidency, and I am not working on anyone’s presidential campaign, nor will I be doing so for 2028. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying to you, and you should treat them as such,” Hopewell said.
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Chin’ono urged people to disregard any announcements that are not made via his verified social media handles. The journalist emphasized that he remains committed to his roles as a journalist, documentary filmmaker, and anti-corruption activist, affirming his decision not to venture into politics.
“I have verified social media handles that I use to make public pronouncements about my immediate and future intentions. Don’t believe what you hear about any plans if it is not on my social media handles, all of which are verified. I am a journalist, documentary filmmaker, and anti-corruption activist. That is my turf and professional terrain,” he said.
Chin’ono emphasized that he has no desire to pursue a political career or collaborate with politicians. He suspects that the rumors are being spread by individuals seeking to tarnish his reputation as a respected journalist.
“I have no intention of being a politician or working for one, I have said this countless times. I know that I have many folks who don’t sleep day and night, trying to destroy my professional reputation and are desperate for me to declare that I am joining politics so that they have a better chance to taint me. There won’t be such luck for them anytime soon because I will never run for public office. We must understand that we can all do our bit for a better Zimbabwe in our respective professions without going into politics. That is a choice I made a long time ago, and it has not changed. Please be guided accordingly. I don’t do frontline politics; I do journalism, filmmaking, anti-corruption work, and of course, goat farming,” Chin’ono reiterated.
Chin’ono’s statement puts the rumors to rest and reaffirms his commitment to his profession as a journalist, documentary filmmaker, and anti-corruption activist. It is essential to note that journalists play a crucial role in any society, and their independence is critical to ensure accountability and transparency.
Therefore, it is necessary to support journalists like Hopewell Chin’ono, who have tirelessly worked to expose corruption and other societal ills. It is also important to respect their choices regarding their careers and not spread rumors that could tarnish their reputation.
In conclusion, Hopewell Chin’ono’s statement regarding the rumors that he plans to run for president in the 2028 Zimbabwean elections is clear and unambiguous. He has no intention of venturing into politics and remains committed to his profession as a journalist, documentary filmmaker, and anti-corruption activist. It is essential to support journalists like him, who play a vital role in promoting transparency and accountability in society.
