Sizwe Dhlomo became a topic of conversation after posting a video that critiques the print media scenario in Zimbabwe. On 23 October 2026, the media figure uploaded the clip to X, tagging colleagues @UncleCul and @StaggaSays, accompanied by three crying emojis, allowing the video to convey its message. The footage reveals that most pages are filled with congratulatory ads and portraits of a political figure, which overshadows actual news content.
The clip, initially released by @Moooldridge, depicts someone browsing through a physical newspaper in what seems to be a private setting, accompanied by the following remark:
“Reason why Zimbabweans don’t buy newspapers.”
Concerns over Zimbabwe’s media environment
In Zimbabwe, the media environment has long been scrutinized for its political affiliations, as state-run newspapers frequently provide extensive coverage of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his ZANU-PF party. Detractors have likened this practice to media capture, where government influence on media ownership, financing, and editorial policies restricts independent journalism, thus placing political figures at the forefront of public discourse. Worries about press freedom intensify amid reports of journalists facing harassment, detentions, and pressure to censor themselves regarding delicate political matters. Although not every newspaper in Zimbabwe operates under direct governmental oversight, the prevalence of pro-state media has prompted doubts about whether citizens can access an accurate representation of their political climate.
Public reactions
The video garnered significant attention, with tens of thousands of views and diverse reactions from users on X.
@zondo_sikhumba commented:
“Imagine every page just reminders of who’s robbing you daily. 😡”
@Luvo_iJali remarked:
“If it wasn’t for the white population in SA and their well-funded private sector, unfortunately ANC could’ve done the same thing here in SA too.”
@dngaru simply expressed:
“Zimbabweans are tired.”
