Varakashi4ED Accuse ZiFM Presenter MisRed Of Rigging Zimbabwean Of the Year Poll Results

Varakashi4ED, a group of activists closely associated with ZANU PF, has called for ZiFM Stereo to dismiss presenter MisRed, whose real name is Samantha Mary Musa.

MisRed hosts the popular programme “The Rush Drive Time”, which recently conducted a listener poll in which opposition activist Fadzayi Mahere was named “Overall Zimbabwean of the Year”.

She beat nominees including Wicknell Chivayo and Pedzai Sakupwanya, both linked to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and ZANU PF.

In a statement, Varakashi4ED National Chairman Godwin Nkatha alleged that MisRed manipulated the results to ensure Mahere’s victory. Said Nkatha:

“The recent results released by Misred have raised serious concerns regarding their accuracy and credibility.

“It is evident that the rightful outcome reflected a tie between Tino Machakaire and Wicknell Chivayo, with Pedzayi Sakupwanya securing second place.

“The figures presented by Misred, saying Fadzayi Mahere won, are misleading, lack integrity, and must be disregarded by all right-thinking Zimbabweans.

“Such distortions undermine public trust and compromise the values of fairness and transparency that our nation upholds.

“We therefore call upon the Government to urgently intervene and request ZiFM to replace the controversial Misred with immediate effect.

“Zimbabweans deserve results that are truthful, credible, and reflective of the people’s voice.”

ZiFM Stereo has since clarified that the Rush Awards are not an official station awards platform. The broadcaster said the awards are a light-hearted, audience-driven feature reflecting the views of The Rush listeners, rather than the stance of the station itself.

Varakashi4ED is a digital army or social media brigade that supports and defends President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa (ED) and the ruling ZANU-PF party.

The group actively monitors platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) to criticise, troll, and delegitimise individuals who challenge the President’s policies or leadership.

The organisation gained prominence following a May 2018 rally, where President Mnangagwa urged young party supporters to treat digital chatrooms as “war rooms” and to defend the party online.

Human rights groups and researchers say Varakashi4ED’s aggressive tactics, particularly those targeting female activists and journalists, contribute to a climate of fear that discourages free and open online debate.

Related:

Chivayo was a corrupt tenderpreneur, not bona fide businessman – Mahere South African Police Say No Active Investigation Into Wicknell Chivayo