ZiFM Stereo presenter MisRed, whose real name is Samantha Mary Musa, has defended a controversial listener poll that determined the winners of the station’s Zimbabwean of the Year awards across various categories.
Opposition politician and lawyer Fadzayi Mahere was named Overall Zimbabwean of the Year after securing an overwhelming number of votes through a public WhatsApp voting process.
Responding to criticism on X, MisRed said she did not influence the outcome, stressing that the final results were decided entirely by listeners. She wrote:
“This was probably one of the most interesting things for me this year. Zimbabwe is diverse in thought & opinion, and that diversity will always come with debate.
“The ability to host open conversations, public voting, and differing reactions reflects the democratic environment we operate in today.
“Dialogue is not division. Every name here did well in 2025 according to the listeners, THEY NOMINATED, THEY VOTED.”
MisRed and ZiFM Stereo have come under intense criticism from pro-ZANU-PF social media accounts, with some even calling for the government to revoke the station’s broadcasting licence. Jones Musara wrote:
“It is in the national interest for the responsible authorities to seriously consider cancelling ZiFM Radio License following ZiFM Radio complicity in rewarding elements hostile to the State, the President and the Revolutionary Party. We need new patriotically unapologetic Radio Stations!”
This criticism comes despite ZiFM Stereo being owned by AB Communications, a media company founded by Supa Mandiwanzira, a ZANU-PF MP and Secretary for Local Government in the party’s Politburo.
Other nominees in the Overall Zimbabwean of the Year category included Tino Machakaire, Wicknell Chivayo, Vee Kativhu, Kirsty Coventry, Hilton Mudariki, Ken Sharpe, Samuelle Dimairho, Pedzayi “Scott” Sakupwanya, and Sikandar Raza.
Pindula WhatsApp Channel
Facebook Page
Leave a Reply