Aaron Dobie uses journalism to amplify community voices
Zimbabwean media personality and community advocate Aaron Dobie has turned his platforms in radio, film and storytelling into spaces for conversations around emotional wellbeing, relationships, family challenges and personal growth.
Through the Haikona Kutya Family Tea Parties, which he founded in 2022, Dobie has brought together community members, organisations and leaders to discuss issues that are often difficult to address openly.
The initiative has also used its gatherings to raise awareness of issues affecting vulnerable communities, including disability and albinism, while encouraging empathy, resilience and stronger relationships.
Dobie, who works at Star FM Zimbabwe and co-hosts Trending Stories on the Ollah 7 Podcast, has built a career around communication and storytelling. He is also a filmmaker, producer and Master of Ceremonies. Beyond his professional work, Dobie has used his public platforms to encourage conversations around issues affecting individuals, families and communities.
Speaking to The List Awards by Identities Media Holdings, he said his community work grew from encounters with people who were carrying personal struggles without spaces where they could openly express them,
“My work is driven by a belief that people often need someone to listen before they need someone to speak for them,” Dobie said.
He said radio, storytelling and community engagement had exposed him to experiences that were rarely discussed openly, prompting him to create spaces where people could speak without fear of judgement, ”The Haikona Kutya Family Tea Parties grew from a desire to bring people together, encourage honest conversations, restore hope and remind individuals that their experiences matter and that they do not have to navigate life alone,” he said.
Since its establishment, the initiative has provided a platform for conversations around emotional wellbeing, relationships, family restoration and personal growth. He is a semi-finalist under the Humanitarian Impact Award.
For Dobie, being named a finalist for The List Awards 2026 represents recognition not only of his individual contribution, but of the value of creating spaces where people can connect and support one another.
“Being recognised by The List Awards means that the work of ordinary people committed to serving their communities is being seen and valued,” he said.
He said the recognition gives greater visibility to the Tea Parties and the conversations they seek to create, whether as a finalist or winner, the recognition gives greater visibility to the Haikona Kutya Family Tea Parties and the conversations they are trying to create.
However, Dobie said the outcome of the awards would not change the direction of his work.
”Winning or losing will not change the purpose behind my work,” he said.
His plans include growing the Haikona Kutya Family, developing stronger partnerships, reaching more communities and creating more opportunities for honest conversations and healing.
For Dobie, the measure of that work ultimately lies beyond recognition, in people feeling heard, valued and empowered to move forward.
And through the microphone, the camera and the conversations he creates, he continues to use communication as a way of bringing people closer together.