On 1 July 2025, Zimbabwe Independent editor Faith Zaba was arrested and detained in Harare
on allegations of “undermining the authority of or insulting the President” under Section 33 of
the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. The charge stemmed from a satirical article
published in the newspaper’s Muckraker column on 27 June 2025, which criticised Zimbabwe’s
leadership role in SADC and referred to the bloc as a “trade union of dictators.” Despite giving
a warned and cautioned statement, police detained Zaba overnight and denied her release even
after medical evidence confirmed she was seriously ill. Her arrest violates the rights to freedom
of expression, media freedom, and personal liberty protected under Sections 61 and 49 of the
Constitution of Zimbabwe (2013), as well as Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and
Peoples’ Rights. The Zimbabwe Peace Project condemned the arrest as an attempt to criminalise
journalism and silence critical commentary, noting that satire is protected speech.
Politicians in Zimbabwe often expect the media to perform ‘sunshine journalism’. In their view,
the press should paint a rosy picture of the government programs and amplify so-called success
stories. When journalists fail to conform to this narrative, their role is suddenly recast; instead of
being seen as a vital pillar of democracy, they are treated as adversaries challenging power. They
only value journalism when it serves their interests, when it acts as a mouthpiece that broadcasts
messages to bolster their political fortunes. Any reporting that departs from this convenient script
is met with hostility, harassment or outright repression.
Thus, the media environment in Zimbabwe is not safe. It is an environment where journalists
must navigate restrictions cautiously, often at the expense of the truth. This goes against the
principles of journalism, free speech and democracy.
Comparative Perspectives: South Africa and the United States
In contrast, countries like South Africa and the United States demonstrate how a conducive
media environment fosters growth, accountability, and democratic participation. In South Africa,
journalists freely critique the government and report sensitive news without fear of reprisal.
Media houses such as Daily Maverick and Mail & Guardian thrive because they operate in an
environment that encourages investigative reporting. Importantly journalists actively engage the
public, and the public in turn responds without fear. This exchange of information creates a
vibrant digital ecosystem where ideas circulate freely, and accountability is enhanced.
The United States provides another example. With one of the largest and most diverse media
landscapes in the world, journalists openly challenge those in power and uncover corruption.
Institutions like The New York Times and The Washington Post have grown into global giants
precisely because there is space for growth and protection of free expression. Citizens benefit
from this openness, as they can engage in democratic processes fully informed by a free press.