Local radio station ZiFM Stereo has downplayed the controversy surrounding the “Rush Awards”, in which opposition activist Fadzayi Mahere was named overall winner, ahead of nominees including Wicknell Chivayo and Pedzai Sakupwanya, who are both associated with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and ZANU PF.
The awards, hosted by presenter MisRed, drew sharp criticism from pro-ZANU PF social media activists, who accused the station of being unpatriotic and called for its closure.
In response, ZiFM Stereo said the Rush Awards are not an official station awards platform. Rather, they are a light-hearted, audience-driven feature that reflects the opinions of “The Rush” listeners, not the views of the station as a whole. The statement reads:
“We have noted the reactions and questions surrounding content aired on The Rush this week. For clarity, The Rush Awards are not an official ZiFM Stereo awards platform. They are a light-hearted, audience-driven content feature reflecting the views of The Rush listeners, not the station as a whole.
“Winners in selected categories included Marshall Munetsi (Sports, Arts & Culture), Loveness Mainato of the Albino Charity Organisation of Zimbabwe (Community Impact), Andre Zitsman of Bitumen World (Leadership & Influence), and Chido Dzinotyiwei of Vambo AI (Innovation & Entrepreneurship).
“For the Overall Zimbabwean of the Year category, audiences were invited to nominate and vote for Zimbabweans who dominated headlines or generated significant public conversation during the year. Nominees included Tino Machakaire, Wicknell Chivayo, Hilton Mudariki, Sikandar Raza, Scott Sakupwanya, among others.
“Votes were received and the outcomes were discussed on air in the light-hearted spirit intended. We welcome the dialogue this content has generated and invite continued public engagement on who you believe deserves to be named Zimbabwean of the Year.”
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