Harare
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom has been working in Zimbabwe since 1980. It has witnessed firsthand the dramatic changes that took place in Zimbabwe from the very beginning and supported the work of civil society organisations in times of crisis.
The work of the Foundation focuses on re-establishing the rule of law, liberal democracy and a free market economy, which have been virtually destroyed by the repressive regime currently in power.
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Harare advocates the protection of the remaining democratic and constitutional liberties with the aim of expanding these once political change has taken place.
News
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Womentorship journalism programme transforms Zim’s media landscape
In Zimbabwe’s male-dominated media landscape, the Womentorship Journalism Programme by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation is empowering young female journalists to break barriers and reshape the newsroom. Now in its fourth year, the initiative has trained over 450 women in skills ranging from photojournalism to AI tools, while addressing real challenges like harassment and gender bias. More than just training, it fosters sisterhood, resilience, and leadership. As alumni win awards, launch startups, and transform media spaces, Womentorship is proving that the future of journalism in Zimbabwe isn’t just female—it’s bold, collaborative, and fearless.
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"Dear countrymen, fellow journalists, UZ law students, friends across the world"
After 72 days in pre-trial detention, Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga breaks his silence. In a powerful letter, he reveals the emotional toll of being torn from his family, denied bail, and punished for doing his job. His story exposes a justice system that silences truth-tellers—yet his hope, love, and commitment to journalism endure. More than a personal account, it’s a call to defend press freedom and stand with those who risk everything to speak truth to power.
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Africa and Europe at crossroads
Africa and Europe face a defining moment in global trade as rising US tariffs reshape economic relationships. Zimbabwe, as Chair of SADC, suspended tariffs on American imports after Washington imposed an 18% duty on Zimbabwean goods. This gesture highlights Africa’s lack of a unified trade response, exposing industries to risk and weakening negotiating power. As the Trump Administration embraces protectionism and China deepens its influence, the EU has a narrow window to offer a fair, rules-based alternative.
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Zimbabwean ‘Golden Girl’ escapes to the IOC
Coventry’s appointment as President of the IOC presents a fresh opportunity for her to make a meaningful impact in global sports governance, this time within an institution that values expertise and structured decision-making. Unlike her constrained role in Zimbabwe’s government, the IOC provides her with a platform to advocate for athletes' rights, sports development, and governance reforms on an international scale.
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Anatomy of shrinking democratic space
Human rights violations in Zimbabwe have been going on for decades, with press freedom among the many casualties. The state continues to wield its apparatus to suppress the media. Heart and Soul TV (HSTV) broadcast editor Blessed Mhlanga’s pre-trial incarceration is quite chilling. It is not only a blatant violation of his fundamental rights, but also a disturbing reflection of the shrinking democractic space in Zimbabwe.
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Working with Mhlanga and struggle for press freedom
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.
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To the gallows no more
On the last day of 2024, Zimbabwe joined the ranks of nations that have consigned capital punishment to history. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, himself once a death row inmate for blowing up a train during Zimbabwe’s (then Rhodesia) fight for independence, signed the Death Penalty Abolition Act into law. For Zimbabwe and its patchy human rights track record this marks an important step. The act not only prohibits courts from imposing death sentences. It also mandates the resentencing of about 60 persons currently on death row.
Social Media
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🇩🇪🇿🇦🕊️ Mandela Day: Service in Action Today, on 18 July, South Africa and the world mark Mandela Day, a global call to action inspired by the legacy of Nelson Mandela, who devoted 67 years to fighting for justice, equality, and human dignity. In honour of this day, the Junge Liberale JuLis join DA GPL in giving back through hands-on service. Through acts of service, the Julis are living out the spirit of Mandela, showing that every individual has the power to make a difference. #MandelaDay #67Minutes #JulisInSA #YouthForFreedom #FNFSA #LiberalValuesInAction #CommunityService #YouthInAction #Up4Democracy
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🇩🇪🇿🇦 Day 2: On the Ground with the Democratic Alliance Gauteng (DA)! This morning, the Junge Liberale JuLis visited Nkululeko House, the DA’s Gauteng Provincial Office in Bruma, for an inside look at the party’s operations. 🗳️ They met with DA Gauteng leadership to learn how the team prepares for elections in South Africa, from strategy and messaging to grassroots mobilisation. 🤝 The Julis also joined DA Youth and DASO for a powerful roundtable on youth political influence and campaign engagement. It was a morning full of insight, connection, and the exchange of ideas across continents. Next up: In honour of Mandela Day, the Julis are rolling up their sleeves for a day of service, preparing ‘Jars of Hope’ to support food-insecure communities and helping with a creche painting project as part of a broader commitment to community upliftment. 💙🇿🇦 #MandelaDay #JulisInSA #YouthForFreedom #DAYouth #DASO #LiberalVoices #FNFSA #67Minutes #YouthInAction #CommunityUpliftment #Up4Democracy
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🇩🇪 🇿🇦 The German-South African Youth Exchange is happening now! Members of the Junge Liberale JuLis — the youth wing of Germany’s Free Democratic Party are in South Africa for a dynamic study tour hosted by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. During their visit, they will engage with young leaders from the Democratic Alliance Youth and DASO, diving into conversations on liberal governance, youth activism, and civic participation. Through workshops, debates, and learning exchanges, they spark new ideas and strengthen international liberal ties — building the next generation of change-makers. Follow along as this powerful youth exchange unfolds! #JulisInSA #YouthForFreedom #LiberalVoices #GlobalLiberalism #FNFSA #DAYouth #DASO #Julis #YouthExchange #Up4Democracy
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