Faith Zaba Awarded 2025 Human Rights Tulip Award
n By Dumisani Ndlovu n nn n Harare – Veteran journalist and Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Zimbabwe) Trustee, Faith Zaba (pictured centre), has been awarded the 2025 Human Rights Tulip Award in recognition of her groundbreaking in
anostrofy By Dumisani Ndlovu
Harare – Veteran journalist and Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Zimbabwe) Trustee, Faith Zaba (pictured centre), has been awarded the 2025 Human Rights Tulip Award in recognition of her groundbreaking investigative journalism and her substantial impact on Zimbabwe’s media landscape.
With a career spanning over 33 years, Zaba has carved out a reputation as a pioneer and a role model for female journalists locally and abroad.
She holds an impressive list of firsts in Zimbabwean media, becoming the first woman to serve as a political editor, news editor, deputy editor and ultimately editor, working for the Zimbabwe Independent, a position she still occupies.
Throughout her career, Zaba has persevered through bullying, cyberbullying, sexism, harassment and intimidation, emerging as a symbol of resilience in a profession that remains challenging for many women.
Her influence extends far beyond the newsroom.
Through the Womentorship Programme, supported by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Zaba has dedicated herself to mentoring aspiring female journalists.
The initiative promotes gender equity in newsrooms advocating for fair representation in leadership, improved recruitment practices, equitable remuneration and increased visibility for women in media.
It also strengthens press freedom by empowering women to assert their voices in the industry.
During the award ceremony, Zaba was celebrated as an inspirational figure whose work has emboldened countless women to push back against barriers in a male-dominated profession.
The Human Rights Tulip Award is bestowed annually on individuals who champion human rights with courage and innovation.
Zaba was also arrested on July 1, 2025, after publishing a satirical column titled "When you become a mafia state" in the Zimbabwe Independent.
She is charged with "undermining the authority of or insulting the President" under Zimbabwe's Criminal Law Act for the column's critical content.
After several court sessions, her case continues with new dates set for the 17th of December 2025.
In a congratulatory press statement, MISA Zimbabwe hailed Zaba’s achievements.
“MISA acknowledges her exceptional investigative journalism and trailblazing leadership. She is a true pacesetter and a source of inspiration for female journalists in Zimbabwe and beyond,” MISA Zimbabwe Chairperson, Passmore Kuzipa saud.
“With a distinguished career of 33 years marked by significant firsts, Zaba embodies excellence in journalism. Her dedication to truth-telling has opened doors for generations of women.
“This award affirms the indispensable role women play in shaping the future of journalism in our region,” he added.
