Garikai Chaunza is a Research Assistant at the School of Journalism and Media Studies, Rhodes University, with interests in Media Activism, Radio & Decolonisation, Media Traditions, Journalism Norms & Practices, and the Political Economy of Media. He holds a PhD in Journalism and Media Studies from Rhodes University, with his dissertation focusing on Activist Radio and the Struggle to Empower Audiences: A Case Study of Zimbabwe. His academic background includes an MSc in Media and Society Studies from Midlands State University (MSU), a BA in Media Studies from Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU), a Postgraduate Diploma in Media and Society Studies (MSU), a Diploma in Public Relations (ZIPR), and a Certificate in Digital Marketing from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ).
Garikai brings over a decade of rich, hands-on experience in both journalism and media activism. He has served as a news reporter for Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (2006-2008), Radio Voice of the People (2008-2011), and Community Radio Harare (CORAH) (2011-2018). He has also contributed to academia as a part-time lecturer at the Zimbabwe Open University (2017-2021). In addition to his journalism career, Garikai ventured into the corporate world as the Communications Manager for the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) from 2018 to 2021.
An experienced news correspondent, Garikai has reported for international outlets, including Deutsche Welle (DW), KPFA Pacifica Radio Free Speech Radio News, The Zimbabwean, Radio Netherlands, and NewZimbabwe.com, since 2008. He has also played a prominent role in media advocacy, chairing Media Institute for Southern Africa-Zimbabwe’s Harare Advocacy Committee from 2015 to 2021, where he led impactful campaigns for media freedom and reform.
Next Gen: Briefly describe the central argument of your doctoral dissertation. What is its main contribution to knowledge in your field?
Dr. Garikai Chaunza: The title of my PhD thesis is “Activist Radio and the Struggle to Empower Audiences: A Case Study of the Zimbabwean History.” My study explores the evolution of activist radio in Zimbabwe, tracing its development from the late colonial period (1958) to the present (2024) and examining the continuous tension between state control and pro-democracy media activism. It outlines five socio-political phases in Zimbabwe’s history, analyzing how each shaped the media landscape and the role radio played in democratic processes. I employed normative theories of the media and journalism practices to understand the motivations and ideals of media activists at individual, medium, and systemic levels. Through biographical and episodic interviews with twenty radio activists, my research reveals the persistent struggle against state control and the efforts to establish democratic media practices. I highlight the contributions of pirate radio activists, community radio advocates, and practitioners while critically assessing the ongoing challenges posed by authoritarianism, media militarization, and superficial reforms. My findings contribute to media studies by showcasing the resilience of grassroots media movements in fostering democracy under authoritarian regimes.
How did the Next Gen fellowship program impact your doctoral journey?
The fellowship program profoundly impacted my doctoral journey, coming at a critical time when I was on the verge of deferring my studies for a year. I was facing financial constraints and had considered looking for a job to fund my fieldwork and writing logistics. The fellowship arrived just in time, enabling me to travel from South Africa to Zimbabwe for fieldwork without financial insecurity.
Beyond the financial support, the fellowship provided much-needed peace of mind. Before receiving it, I was overwhelmed by uncertainty, which was taking a toll on my mental and emotional well-being. The support I received alleviated these concerns and gave me the confidence and motivation I needed to engage with my research fully. As a result, I approached my data collection with renewed focus and energy, and writing my empirical evidence chapters became a more seamless and fulfilling process. The fellowship enabled me to give my work the attention it deserved, allowing me to concentrate on the finer details without the constant fear of financial obstacles. In short, it made a significant difference in my doctoral journey’s trajectory, and the practical and emotional aspects of my life.
Now that you have completed your PhD, what are your plans for the future?
Now that I have completed my PhD, I am excited to share that Rhodes University has awarded me a one-year postdoctoral fellowship starting in January 2025. During this fellowship, I plan to focus on developing articles from my PhD dissertation, furthering my research in media activism in hybrid regimes, media, and decolonization, the political economy of the media, and peace, and conflict-sensitive journalism.
I am committed to remaining in academia, where I will continue to explore these critical issue-area. Currently, I am finalizing two book chapters, both set to be published in the first quarter of 2025. These projects mark the beginning of what I envision as a long-term academic career where I can contribute to critical conversations about media, politics, and social change.
Forthcoming Publications:
Chaunza, Garikai. “The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation as Public Broadcasting Model.” In BBC Legacy in African Media: Changes and Continuities, edited by Antony M. Gunde, Albert Sharra, and Jimmy Kainja. Routledge.
Chaunza, Garikai. “Underground Radio in Post-Colonial Zimbabwe, Alternative Voices, and the Continued Struggle for Democracy.” In Guerilla Radios in Southern Africa: Broadcasters, Technology, Propaganda Wars and Armed Struggle, edited by Sekibakiba Peter Lekgoathi, Tshepo Moloi, and Alda Romão Saúte Saíde. Wits University Press, 2021.
