By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Lewis Machipisa, a Zimbabwean veteran journalist and long-time correspondent for the BBC World Service, was laid to rest on Thursday, almost two months after he passed away on January 7, 2025, at the age of 52.
Machipisa died in his sleep at his home in Catford, Southeast London where he was also interred.
Born in Zimbabwe, Machipisa began his journalism career in 1991 at Harare Polytechnic’s School of Journalism. He started working as a correspondent for Inter Press Service (IPS) in Harare in 1993. His reporting focused on human rights, governance, and social justice, earning him recognition for giving a voice to marginalized communities and holding powerful figures accountable.
His talent soon caught the attention of the BBC World Service, where he joined the Zimbabwe bureau. During a time of tightening media restrictions in Zimbabwe, Machipisa reported on political and economic developments with integrity and courage, gaining respect from colleagues and audiences alike.
In the early 2000s, due to the increasingly hostile political environment for independent journalists in Zimbabwe, Machipisa moved to London.
There, he joined other exiled Zimbabwean journalists and continued his work with the BBC World Service, providing insightful coverage of regional affairs.
In addition to his journalism, Machipisa actively supported efforts to empower Zimbabwean journalists and advocate for press freedom.
As the community reflects on the loss of this influential journalist, his legacy of integrity, mentorship, and commitment to truth will continue to inspire future generations in the field of journalism.