ZTV news anchor fired

THE firing of ZBC news anchor Rumbidzai Takawira has riled fans who took to social networking sites declaring they would no longer watch the national television station unless she is reinstated.

Takawira is one of the close to 300 workers whose contracts were terminated by the national broadcaster this week following the recent Supreme Court ruling which allows employers to terminate contracts on three months' notice.

The national broadcaster has also shut down Gweru-based Voice of Zimbabwe and Ztv Channel Two.

Marion Shaba, another eloquent news reader and a loved favourite was also axed from ZBC.

News hour has never been the same since Takawira took over as the 8PM news anchor last year. Her good looks and immaculate presentation skills had stolen the hearts of many who had lost interest in the national broadcaster before she joined the station.

Takawira's news reading, for some, showed that ZBC was headed in the right direction in terms of hiring professional and eloquent news casters that could match international standards.

Some viewers had started watching news hour because they wanted to see Takawira and had grown fond of her infectious personality.

When the news of her sacking filtered, social networking site Twitter went into overdrive with many calling for her immediate reinstatement.

Hashtags NewsBae and #BringBackOurNewsBae were created in solidarity with Takawira.

Some said they would stop watching News Hour if Takawira was not given her job back.

Kuda Chizura who uses the Twitter handle @Kuda_Chizura said: "No more watching news can't be cheating on Newsbae lol".

Topher, using the Twitter handle @Chrisposure said: "@ZBCNewsonline shame on you for sacking Newsbae. What's wrong with you?"

Also dismayed by Takawira's abrupt departure, Empress 3/4 @patphiri said, "Hawu, was eye candy really fired? She raised the ratings."

Others suggested that Takawira team up with Zororo Makamba in hosting his online talk show, Tonight with Zororo.

Aleck @stupendousA tweeted,"Newsbae should just team up with Zororo on TWZ . . . Or start her own show."

Makamba offered Takawira his sympathy at the loss of her job saying he wished her well in the future.

Said Makamba #MyAfricanStory @ZororoMakamba: "To @Newsbae I say you've a bright future, every cloud has it's silver lining. I can't wait to see you flourish in your next chapter."

NewsBae began her career at Ztv as a presenter on Good Morning Zimbabwe in 2012 and quickly became popular. She earned herself a slot on prime time television and started reading the 8 o'clock news. She was labelled NewsBae by her followers on Twitter in reference to her beauty.