The arrest of journalist Blessed Mhlanga is a chilling reminder of the fragility of press freedom in Zimbabwe.
As I read the distressing news, my mind wandered back to the time I worked alongside him at HStv — a space that embodied journalistic integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to telling the truth. At HStv, Mhlanga is more than just a colleague, he is a force of nature.
He possesses an unmatched zeal for uncovering the truth, often at great personal risk. Investigative journalism in Zimbabwe is no easy feat, yet Mhlanga never wavers in his pursuit of justice and accountability.
Whether he is exposing corruption, amplifying community voices, or challenging the powerful, his work is a masterclass in fearless reporting.
I recall numerous instances where his stories sent shockwaves through political and business circles. His ability to dissect complex issues and make them accessible to the ordinary citizen is remarkable.
In the newsroom, he is not only a mentor, but a firm believer in journalistic ethics. He upholds the idea that the press should serve as the watchdog of society, holding those in power accountable.
However, working in Zimbabwe’s media landscape means navigating a minefield of censorship, intimidation, and threats. It is common for journalists to be followed, harassed, or detained for simply doing their job.
Mhlanga understands these risks, yet he chooses to stay on the frontline, determined to be the voice for the voiceless.
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Zimbabwe’s press freedom has long been under siege. While the 2013 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and media rights, the lived reality is starkly different.
Journalists face arbitrary arrests, threats, and violence, often perpetrated by state actors.
The legal framework remains hostile, with laws such as the Cyber and Data Protection Act and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act being weaponised to silence dissent.
The Zimbabwean government has often viewed independent media as an enemy rather than a pillar of democracy. Journalists covering corruption, electoral malpractices, or human rights violations are particularly at risk.
Mhlangas arrest fits into a broader pattern of press repression — one that seeks to instill fear and deter critical journalism. The media's role in democratic governance cannot be overstated. A free press informs citizens, fosters transparency, and prevents the abuse of power.
In Zimbabwe, where state propaganda often overshadows independent voices, the work of journalists such as Mhlanga becomes even more crucial.
When journalists are silenced, society as a whole suffers. The absence of investigative journalism allows corruption and abuse of power to thrive unchecked. Without fearless reporters such as Mhlanga, the stories of marginalised communities remain untold.
The result is an uninformed public, manipulated narratives, and a weakened democratic process.
Press freedom is not just a matter for journalists; it affects everyone. It shapes public discourse, influences governance, and ensures that power is held accountable.
The systematic targeting of journalists in Zimbabwe is a direct attack on the public’s right to information and the foundational principles of democracy.
The international community has repeatedly condemned the Zimbabwean government’s treatment of the press, yet violations persist. While international pressure and diplomatic engagement are necessary, sustainable change must come from within.
Citizens, civil society organisations, and media houses must work collectively to defend press freedom.
The arrest of Blessed Mhlanga is not just an attack on him but an attack on journalism itself. It is a warning to all media practitioners that no one is safe from the state’s repressive tactics.
However, this should not deter us; instead, it should fuel a collective push for press freedom. The media fraternity, civil society, and international bodies must amplify calls for his release and demand accountability for the continued targeting of journalists.
Legal reforms are necessary to align Zimbabwe’s media laws with democratic principles. More importantly, journalists must continue to resist censorship, telling the stories that need to be told, despite the risks.
Defending press freedom requires an active citizenry that understands the value of independent media. Citizens must support ethical journalism by consuming and sharing credible news sources while pushing back against propaganda.
Media literacy programmes can also play a vital role in helping communities distinguish factual reporting from misinformation. In addition, there is a need for stronger protection mechanisms for journalists.
Press freedom organisations should provide legal aid, security training, and advocacy campaigns to safeguard media practitioners. Technology can also be leveraged to counter censorship, with encrypted communication tools and decentralised publishing platforms offering alternative means of information dissemination.
One of the most powerful tools against oppression is solidarity. When journalists stand together, they become a formidable force against censorship. This extends beyond media professionals, activists, lawyers, and ordinary citizens must rally behind the call for press freedom.
Petitions, awareness campaigns, and legal challenges must be pursued relentlessly. We must also celebrate and uplift journalists who continue to work under dire conditions.
Recognition through awards, public support, and highlighting their stories ensures that their sacrifices are not in vain. By championing their work, we reinforce the importance of a free and independent press.
The arrest of Mhlanga is not just an attack on one journalist but an assault on the very foundation of democracy. It is a reminder that the fight for press freedom is a fight for justice, accountability, and the right of every citizen to be informed.
Mhlanga’s courage and dedication to truth-telling embodies the spirit of journalism, and his plight must galvanise us into action.
We stand in unwavering solidarity with Mhlanga, his colleagues, and all journalists in Zimbabwe who face persecution for their work. Their voices are indispensable in the quest for a just society.
To the international community, civil society, and all who value democracy, this is a call to amplify the demands for Mhlanga’s release and to hold accountable those who seek to suppress press freedom. Let us unite in defence of journalists who risk everything to shine a light on injustice.
Their stories are our stories, their struggles our struggles. Together, we must ensure that the truth is never silenced.
For Mhlanga, for Zimbabwe, and for the future of democracy, we must stand firm. Press freedom is not negotiable, it is a right we must fiercely protect, today and always. Until then, let us keep spreading positivity (#spreadpositivity).
We were here, becoming better, making our mark, and leaving our footprint as we make the world a better place!
- Chirenje writes in her capacity as a citizen of Zimbabwe. Follow her on social media for more Lifezone with Grace conversations on Twitter: @graceruvimbo; Facebook: Grace Ruvimbo Chirenje; Instagram: @graceruvimbo; WhatsApp:+263772719650.
