MisRed caught in Zanu-PF fury

RADIO personality Samantha "MisRed" Musa has come under fire from ZANU PF activists after her show crowned former opposition legislator Fadzayi Mahere as "Zimbabwean of the Year" following a listener poll.

The award, voted for by listeners of ZiFM Stereo, sparked outrage among ruling party supporters who accuse the station and Musa of celebrating a vocal government critic.

Mahere emerged the overall winner from a shortlist of 10 nominees that included prominent ZANU PF figures such as gold dealer Pedzai "Scott" Sakupwanya, Youth Minister Tinoda Machakaire and businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

The poll was conducted on ZiFM's flagship afternoon programme, The Rush, which runs from 2pm to 6pm and is hosted by Musa, who is popularly known as MisRed. ZiFM Stereo is owned by ZANU PF politburo member Supa Mandiwanzira.

Following the announcement, several ZANU PF activists took to social media to vent their anger, accusing the station of glorifying opposition politics.

"Whining is not an achievement… a Zimbabwean who gave a neighbour a sweet is miles ahead of this screaming activist who couldn't stay in parliament but is demanding new leaders that she can't be… @ZiFMStereo should be serious," wrote Kudzai Mutisi on X.

Former student activist Wilbert Muzaruwetu also criticised the commercial radio station for recognising Mahere.

"Vanhu veku ZiFM mashaya zvekuita kaa, don't be carried away by nonsense. Execute your mandate; all these sideshows are of no relevance. Dzikamai," he posted.

The backlash against MisRed has once again highlighted Zimbabwe's deep political polarisation, where partisan divides increasingly spill into entertainment, media and social discourse.

With ZiFM Stereo enjoying strong urban listenership and an active social media following, analysts say Mahere's online visibility and appeal among younger, urban audiences likely boosted her chances in a public vote.

Responding to criticism from Jones Musara, a member of a ZANU PF affiliate group, MisRed defended the process and distanced herself from the outcome.

"It was the listeners who were voting, my brother. Public voting is an exercise in participation, not endorsement by a broadcaster or institution," she said.

"The ability for citizens to engage, choose, and respond openly reflects the democratic space that exists today. Debate is a feature of democracy, not a threat to it," MisRed added.

The controversy has reignited debate over the role of public participation in media platforms and the extent to which political sensitivities should influence entertainment and audience-driven initiatives.