It was with a profound sense of loss and sorrow that MISA Zimbabwe learnt of the tragic death on 19 September 2025 of its longstanding member, veteran journalist James Jemwa.
Jemwa, who had a particular interest in photography and videography, will be remembered for his daring journalism.
He loved being in the thick of things, capturing events as they unfolded through his lenses, thus keeping the nation and the world informed of socio-economic and political developments in Zimbabwe.
Jemwa remained determined to share the story through his images despite the harassment and arrests he encountered while on duty, all in pursuit of the truth and citizens’ right to access accurate and easily verifiable information.
Witty and gifted with a fine sense of humour, Jemwa and his camera were inseparable.
When his camera was damaged while covering a protest in Harare in September 2020, Jemwa was visibly dejected and miserable, if not depressed.
He could not afford to replace the damaged camera right away, going nearly two years without his beloved tool of trade.
Jemwa’s face lit up and radiated with great joy when MISA Zimbabwe came to his aid and gave him a new camera. It was like seeing a parent being reunited with a lost child.
Jemwa and his camera were inseparable.
Fare thee well, James Jemwa. Gone but not forgotten. Your relentless pursuit of the truth through your lenses is archived and permanently etched in the history of brave journalism for the just cause of humanity.
Passmore Kuzipa
Chairperson
MISA Zimbabwe
