He will oversee material from assistant editors as part of the Herald's reorganization of its reportage in the wake of the establishment of the inclusive government.

Saidi confirmed that he had been "offered the job."

In addition to being one of the nation's most respected journalists, Saidi is an alumnus who through the years has demonstrated a genuine commitment to professional journalism.

His vast experience in the field, and his many contacts nationwide, will be a tremendous asset to the Herald as the new government renews its emphasis on professional news reportage.

Prior to Saidi's installation, the newspaper had plumped appalling depths and was used regularly as a model of bad and dishonest journalism.

Its an ideal career opportunity for Saidi, who was recently removed from the Standard as the newspaper installed a younger team of editors.

Saidi has an abiding affection to professional journalism.

He faces a formidable task in turning aroung the state-run newspaper which has unleashed a propaganda war against the Mugabe regime's perceived enemies.

The Herald has been unashamedly used by Robert Mugabe's permanent secretary George Charamba to direct vitriolic propaganda at Zanu-PF opponents that included the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), the West, civil society and religious organisations, inclusing neighbouring countries such as Botswana Saidi has written extensively over the years on the Mugabe regime's institutionalised misrepresentations and he is now expected to join that team.

He will reportedly be deputy to Pikirayi Deketeke, a relatively professional editor.