In Memoriam: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of James Jemwa

Getting yourTrinity Audioplayer ready…The journalism community in Zimbabwe and beyond is mourning the untimely death of renowned freelance multimedia journalist James Jemwa, whose fearless reporting and visual storytelling left an indelible mark on the profession and the lives he touched.Announced by the National Association of Freelance Journalists (NAFJ), Jemwa’s passing has drawn heartfelt tributes from colleagues, press freedom advocates, and journalist unions across the country. Known for his unwavering commitment to truth, even in the face of intimidation and incarceration, Jemwa exemplified the very spirit of ethical and courageous journalism.“He pursued truth with a rare fearlessness, enduring risks, hardship, and even incarceration in service of the story,” read a statement from NAFJ. “To freelance journalists everywhere, James’s life was a testament to the calling that binds us: the willingness to stand between danger and the public’s right to know.”Jemwa was more than a journalist—he was a mentor, a visual storyteller, and a quiet force for accountability whose images captured both suffering and resilience, often from places many dared not go.Colleagues and Institutions Pay TributeThe Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe chapter paid tribute to Jemwa’s “extraordinary bravery and professionalism,” calling him a symbol of press resilience in an increasingly repressive environment.“James Jemwa represented the best of what it means to be a journalist in Zimbabwe today—undaunted, principled, and driven by an unshakable belief in the public’s right to know,” said MISA Zimbabwe.

“His lens captured the realities many sought to suppress. His work reminded us that journalism is not just about reporting—it’s about bearing witness.”Similarly, the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) expressed deep sadness and saluted Jemwa’s contributions to the field.“James was a comrade in the trenches, someone who brought passion and integrity to every assignment,” said ZUJ Secretary-General, Perfect Hlongwane. “In a media environment that continues to be fraught with challenges, he stood tall—never for personal glory, but always in service of the truth.

His loss is a profound blow to the entire journalistic fraternity.”A Call to Honor His LegacyAs tributes continue to pour in, colleagues are not only mourning but mobilizing support for Jemwa’s family. NAFJ has made an appeal for funeral contributions, calling on the journalism community and the public to assist in giving their colleague a dignified send-off. Contributions can be sent via mobile money to 0773450819 (E.

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Makuzva).“In honoring James, let us protect the freedoms he defended, support one another in our shared risks, and carry forward the fearless pursuit of truth that was his hallmark,” said the NAFJ statement.James Jemwa leaves behind a legacy not just of powerful journalism but of courage, mentorship, and an unshakable belief in the power of the press. He will be remembered as a quiet warrior for truth whose work will continue to speak long after his passing. The journalism community in Zimbabwe and beyond is mourning the untimely death of renowned freelance multimedia journalist James Jemwa, whose fearless reporting and visual storytelling left an indelible mark on the profession and the lives he touched.Announced by the National Association of Freelance Journalists (NAFJ), Jemwa’s passing has drawn heartfelt tributes from colleagues, press freedom advocates, and journalist unions across the country.

The journalism community in Zimbabwe and beyond is mourning the untimely death of renowned freelance multimedia journalist James Jemwa, whose fearless reporting and visual storytelling left an indelible mark on the profession and the lives he touched. Announced by the National Association of Freelance Journalists (NAFJ), Jemwa’s passing has drawn heartfelt tributes from colleagues, press freedom advocates, and journalist unions across the country. Known for his unwavering commitment to truth, even in the face of intimidation and incarceration, Jemwa exemplified the very spirit of ethical and courageous journalism.

“He pursued truth with a rare fearlessness, enduring risks, hardship, and even incarceration in service of the story,” read a statement from NAFJ. “To freelance journalists everywhere, James’s life was a testament to the calling that binds us: the willingness to stand between danger and the public’s right to know.” Jemwa was more than a journalist—he was a mentor, a visual storyteller, and a quiet force for accountability whose images captured both suffering and resilience, often from places many dared not go.

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