"We have lost a comrade, a colleague, and a press freedom fighter. We extend our condolences to the family, to all journalists and  media workers, in Zimbabwe”said Alexandre Niyungeko, president of CAJ. " Comrade Foster has been a pillar in the fight for press freedom and the rights of journalists through ZUJ, CAJ, FAJ and the International Federation of Journalists. Africa has lost a great and committed son. We will sorely miss him. May his soul rest in perfect peace”.

Following a brief illness, Comrade Foster Dongozi was rushed to the hospital in Harare on Wednesday and was admitted. He died in the evening while he was being attended to. The journalists fraternity in Zimbabwe and abroad are shocked by the news of the passing of Comrade Foster. "I was in a meeting with him last week.” said a colleague in Harare. "I spoke with him last Friday” said another colleague in Dakar, Senegal. 

As working journalist, Comrade Foster Dongozi served in the print media in various capacities at the Chronicle, the Daily News and the Standard. As Secretary General of ZUJ, Comrade Foster was influential at national level in coalitions and alliances for on-going media law reforms. He played a pivotal role in the region by activating the Southern Africa Journalists Association (SAJA). 

"He was extremely passionate about the conditions of service for the sector. Dongozi was among the campaigners for the establishment of a National Employment Council (NEC) for journalists and a critical voice in the calls for the repeal of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) and the inclusion of journalistic rights in Zimbabwe's Constitution” says the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ), a network of nine media support and professional organizations, including ZUJ. 

Comrade Foster Dongozi was among the first leaders of the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) that he served in various capacities. He was instrumental in the launch of the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) last June, and was elected in November to the board of CAJ. Comrade Dongozi had also served in the executive committee of International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). He was among the leading journalists who worked around providing safety mechanisms for journalists operating in high risk areas.

Comrade Foster Dongozi (48) is survive by his wife and two children. Farewell Comrade! Rest in Perfect Peace!

- CAJ -