Thumbnail. "James Jemwa: The Lens That Refused to Look Away" A fearless photojournalist, arrested for truth, remembered for heart. His camera bore witness to Zimbabwe’s struggles and triumphs—now his legacy lives on in every frame he captured.

Profile. Tribute to James Jemwa: The Lens That Refused to Look Away In the passing of James Jemwa, Zimbabwe mourns a rare breed of journalist—one whose camera was not just a tool, but a torchlight for truth. Bla Jemwa was

more than a photojournalist. He was a fearless chronicler of civic life, a cultural archivist, and a Giraffe Hero who stuck his neck out—again and again—for justice, for dignity, and for the stories that mattered.

A Life Lived in Frames and Frontlines James lived off his camera, and often risked everything for the story. He was arrested multiple times while on duty, each episode a testament to his unwavering commitment to documenting Zimbabwe’s democratic struggles. At one point, James spent more than two months in custody for doing his job:

• Africa Unity Square Demonstrations: James was arrested alongside fellow journalist Paidamoyo Muzulu while covering protests led by the Dzamara brothers. Their detention was a stark reminder of the risks faced by media practitioners who dare to bear witness. It was the advocacy of MISA-Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, and other civic defenders that eventually secured their release.

• #ThisFlag Movement Coverage: During the height of citizen-led protests, James was again detained for filming events deemed politically sensitive. His footage, often captured without accreditation or protection, became vital documentation of a nation in flux.

• Election-Related Violence: On more than one occasion, James was picked up by authorities while covering post-election unrest. His camera was seen as a threat—because it told the truth. He bore the scars of these encounters, both physical and emotional, but never stopped showing up.

• Police Raids and Civic Gatherings: Whether it was a peaceful march or a tense standoff, James was often the lone videographer in the crowd. His arrests were not anomalies—they were occupational hazards he accepted with stoic resolve.

A Mouth That Spoke Truth to Power James was never one to play to the gallery. His honesty was unvarnished, his convictions unshaken. WhatsApp groups still echo with his blunt truths, his refusal to sugarcoat, and his readiness to confront hypocrisy—even when it cost him friendships or earned him bruises. He believed the James Jemwa point of view mattered, and he made sure it was heard.

He was the kind of friend who would call you out for sneaking into Harare without saying hello, who would offer you his last dollar for a drink, and who named his son Kumbirai in gratitude to a comrade who stood by him during one of his many run-ins with the law. That was James—generous to a fault, loyal beyond measure, and always ready to share, even when he had little.

The Giraffe Hero of Zimbabwean Media James was a holistic journalist—filmmaker, editor, and occasional scriptwriter—who understood that journalism was not just about facts, but also about emotions. He captured angles that others missed, moments that others ignored, and truths that others feared to tell. And he did it with a stubborn grace, even when it meant going unpaid, unaccredited, or unprotected.

He believed in a future where journalism was sustainable, democratic, and multimedia-driven. He pushed others to embrace platforms like YouTube, not for fame, but for impact. He reminded us that the camera is not just a tool—it’s a witness, a weapon, and a window into the soul of a nation.

A Legacy That Lives On. James died as he lived—committed to the craft, immersed in a project that had become a labour of love. His death in a road accident on 19 September 2025 was a devastating blow to all who knew him, worked with him, and were inspired by him.

To his family, we extend our deepest condolences. To his comrades, we say: let us honour him not just in memory, but in practice. Let us continue to tell the stories he would have told, to challenge the silences he refused to accept, and to build the media future he envisioned.

Rest in power, Bla Jemwa. Your lens may be still, but your vision lives on.