Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Ltd, widely known as Zimpapers, is Zimbabwe’s largest and most influential media conglomerate. Originally launched as a state-controlled newspaper publisher in 1980, the company has since diversified into radio and television broadcasting, becoming a multimedia powerhouse. Its origins trace back to the late 19th century, when British publisher William Fairbridge established the Mashonaland Herald and Zambesian Times, the precursor to today’s Herald newspaper.
Currently, Zimpapers owns and operates over a dozen newspapers and magazines, including national dailies The Herald and The Chronicle, as well as a growing portfolio of radio stations and a television network (ZTN Prime). It remains the undisputed leader in Zimbabwe’s print media landscape.
Media assets
Newspapers: Dailies- The Herald, The Chronicle, H-Metro, B-Metro; Sunday papers- The Sunday Mail, The Sunday News; Weeklies- The Manica Post, Kwayedza, Umthunywa, Business Weekly; Regional- Southern Times; Local- Suburban; Other- Zimtravel Magazine
Radio: Star FM, Diamond FM, Capitalk FM, Nyami Nyami FM
Television: Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN)
State Media Matrix Typology
Captured Public/State-Managed (CaPu)
Ownership and governance
Zimpapers is formally listed as a public company, but its controlling interest is held by the Government of Zimbabwe, making it effectively a state-owned media enterprise. The company’s governance is enshrined under the country’s Constitution, which categorizes Zimpapers as part of the public media sector.
Historically, editorial independence was intended to be safeguarded through the Zimbabwe Mass Media Trust (ZMMT), a board of trustees designed to act as a buffer between the state and Zimpapers’ newsrooms. However, that independent trust was effectively dissolved in 2000 and transformed into a government-controlled holding structure. The ZMMT still exists in name, but today it functions primarily as a governing entity serving government interests.
The company is overseen by a six-member board, appointed directly by the President of Zimbabwe. The most recent board appointments were made in February 2020. In 2019, the government announced its intention to revive the ZMMT as a truly independent trustee board—a promise that remains unfulfilled.
On 9 January 2024, seven non-executive board members were named, including Doreen Sibanda, Alexander Rusero, Gift Machengete, George Chisoko, Raphael Mushanawani, Rutendo Mangudya, and Phillip Mbano.
Source of funding and budget
Zimpapers operates largely as a commercial entity, deriving the bulk of its revenue from advertising, print circulation, digital subscriptions, and commercial printing. The company’s audited reports do not reflect any direct government subsidies or cash injections.
In 2024, Zimpapers delivered a standout financial performance, marking a significant turnaround in its commercial trajectory. The media group recorded inflation-adjusted revenues of ZWL 71.6 billion, driven by strong performance across its print, broadcasting, and commercial printing divisions.
Profits surged dramatically, with segment net profit rising by 308% to reach ZWL 4.9 billion, while total profit for the period stood at ZWL 9.36 billion. Headline earnings, after adjustments, hit ZWL 20 billion, reflecting robust operational and financial health. These results build on the company’s 2023 growth momentum and reaffirm its position as Zimbabwe’s most profitable media conglomerate.
Nevertheless, in 2025, the company was rocked by a business-related scandal. An internal audit, revealed in April 2025, uncovered a potential US$13 million gap in Zimpapers’ financial records—raising serious concerns about possible fraud and corruption. Reports indicate inflated asset valuations (e.g., equipment recorded at US$ 4 million that allegedly is worth less than US$ 1 million), prompting demand for a forensic audit to trace fund flows and identify accountability.
Following the audit, three senior executives—Group CEO Pikirayi Deketeke, CFO Farai Matanhire, and CMO Tapuwa Mandimutsira—were placed on forced leave, allegedly for resisting the financial review. The board installed acting executives: William Chikoto (Acting CEO) and Annah Kufakunesu (Acting CFO).
Editorial independence
Since the dismantling of the ZMMT as an independent oversight body, Zimpapers has consistently faced criticism for its overtly pro-government editorial stance. Numerous reports suggest that Zimpapers functions as a de facto state mouthpiece, frequently aligning its news coverage with the ruling ZANU-PF party’s policies and political agenda.
Editorial control is often exerted indirectly—through board-level dismissals, managerial interference, and internal directives compelling journalists to adopt partisan narratives. According to local media analysts interviewed for this report, these practices severely undermine journalistic integrity within the organization.
As of June 2025, no statute guarantees Zimpapers’ editorial independence, no independent oversight mechanism exists to assess or enforce editorial impartiality and investigations and testimony from former insiders reinforce the perception that the ruling party exerts significant control over editorial decision-making.
June 2025