Popular radio and television show host Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa’s fans want her back on air after she publicised that she was no longer hosting ZiFM’s show The Platform.
By Kennedy Nyavaya
Parirenyatwa, who rose to stardom due to her eloquence and objective approach won the hearts of many radio listeners and became a darling, especially among the youths.
Her colourful stint, however, came to a grinding halt in May when she hosted Pastor Evan Mawarire of the #ThisFlag movement along with Zanu PF activist Tafadzwa Musarara in a debate that later drew nasty criticism.
Consequently, the debate also cost her The Platform show under unclear circumstances and for the past months many had hoped she would be back on air.
The uncertainty, ended on Tuesday when she officially announced via social media that she was no longer hosting The Platform.
“I’m no longer hosting The Platform on @ZiFMStereo, but every minute that I did was always worth it,” read the tweet along with a screenshot of a Facebook post.
This quickly drew reactions from some of her followers who felt that she has to find her way back to the airwaves with some even planning to abscond listening to the show unless she was reinstated.
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“@RuvhenekoP I haven’t listened to @ZiFMStereo since e [the] last Platform show and I don’t plan on tuning in. Bring it back,” posted one follower.
One Sibbs Chuxy, who uses the @sibbschuxy echoed the same sentiments: “@ruvhenekop @zifmstereo. And that was the last time l ever listened to that programme, you had good interrogating skills, such loss.”
Some took the time to advise her to start another similar show: “@RuvhenekoP. Its a shame. You may be equally good behind scenes but The Platform with you hosting was a gem. You need to find another platform,” wrote Gilbert Makore.
ICT guru popularly known as Sir Nigel said: “Huge loss for @ZiFMStereo IMO”
Even Highlanders chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede weighed in, suggesting the move would be regretted: “@SirNige @ZiFMStereo @RuvhenekoP Small minds act strangely. Funny enough I have always thought you do well on Radio 702 in South Africa.”
When contacted for comment by The Standard Style on Friday, Parirenyatwa said she was happy at ZiFM.
“It came as a big surprise, but now it is what it is. I respect my institution and I am still a part of ZiFM, which made me what I am in Zimbabwe. So, I will always be grateful,” she said, adding that she owes all her success to the institution.
Although she could not shed more light on when she would get back on radio, Parirenyatwa said she was happy with her new television show on ZTV.
“I think we need to fight to be progressive and as a media person one needs to be able to cut across, now I host a television show and I owe that to this institution,” she said.
The incident is a reminder of a similar row which ensued last August when the country’s only television station reportedly sacked prime time news host Rumbidzai Takawira, she was later brought back.
