Thumbnail: Faith Zaba — Editor, Trailblazer, Fighter

Faith Zaba, editor of the Zimbabwe Independent, stands as a fearless voice in Zimbabwean journalism. Arrested for publishing a satirical column, she endured illness and incarceration with remarkable strength. “I hardly cried after I got bail,” she said, reflecting on her resilience. As the first woman to lead the paper in its history, Zaba has shattered gender barriers, mentored countless journalists, and championed press freedom. Her story is one of conviction, courage, and hope in the face of repression.

GIRAFFE HERO PROFILE: Faith Zaba — Zimbabwe Editor Faces Charges Over Satirical Column

Faith Zaba, editor of the Zimbabwe Independent, was arrested on July 1 for publishing a satirical column that authorities said undermined the authority of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The arrest has sparked renewed concern over media freedom in Zimbabwe, where journalists have faced increasing pressure for critical reporting.

Zaba, 54, voluntarily presented herself to police despite being unwell at the time. She spent four nights in custody before being granted bail. Her detention drew criticism from civil society groups, media watchdogs, and international organizations, who described the charges as politically motivated and part of a broader crackdown on dissent.

Speaking days after her release, Zaba said the experience had tested her emotionally but revealed her resilience.

“If anything, I realised that I am a very strong woman. Despite the injustice I faced, I didn’t shed a tear. I chose to remain calm and focused—tears wouldn’t have changed what happened. My fellow inmates were like ‘kasi makambo itwa incarcerated before,’” she told reporters.

Zaba’s arrest came amid growing concerns about the shrinking space for independent journalism in Zimbabwe. The country ranks low on global press freedom indices, and journalists have frequently reported harassment, surveillance, and arbitrary detention.

Women in News - WAN-IFRA described Zaba as a powerful role model who inspires young women to enter and thrive in journalism and condemned her arrest,

“Arrests and intimidation of women like her do not just silence one individual; they discourage countless others from pursuing media careers. At a time when the industry urgently needs more women leaders, such actions risk pushing them away instead of empowering them to step forward,” the organisation said in a statement.

With over 31 years of experience in journalism, Zaba is one of Zimbabwe’s most respected investigative reporters. She became the first woman to be appointed editor of the Zimbabwe Independent in its 26-year history, breaking long-standing gender barriers in a male-dominated industry. She previously served as deputy editor and has played a key role in mentoring young journalists, particularly women, through leadership programs and newsroom training.

Her editorial leadership has focused on strengthening investigative journalism and promoting gender-inclusive reporting. Under her tenure, the newspaper has published exposés on corruption, governance failures, and human rights abuses.

The bail hearing was delayed due to a power outage that prevented the magistrate from typing the ruling, highlighting infrastructural and procedural challenges in Zimbabwe’s justice system. Legal experts say such delays are common and often contribute to prolonged detentions.

Zaba’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 29. She has not commented on the specifics of the case but has reiterated her commitment to press freedom and ethical journalism.

Media rights groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders, have called for the charges to be dropped. They say Zaba’s case is emblematic of the risks faced by journalists who challenge authority in Zimbabwe.

Despite the ordeal, Zaba remains defiant. Local media friends say her arrest has only strengthened her resolve to fight for a free and independent press.