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Melissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
POPULAR ZiFM Stereo personality Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa has opened up about being canned from her current affairs programme – The Platform.

Ruvheneko was last heard presenting The Platform on May 16 – the day her interview with controversial Pastor Evan Mawarire of the #ThisFlag campaign and Zanu-PF activist-cum political analyst Tafadzwa Musarara spiralled out of control.

The two men went at each other on air and lost their cool. While they were at it, Twitter went into overdrive with people attacking Musarara for unprofessionalism and blaming Ruvheneko for failing to moderate the discussion.

Through her interview, Pastor Evan– who is viewed as an ally of the West bent on demonising the Government – was catapulted to fame – giving the station a headache as to how to manage the situation.

As a result of the interview, Ruvheneko had to be immediately taken off air, leaving her to focus on her job as programmes manager.

On Tuesday, as ZiFM Stereo employees celebrated the radio station’s fourth anniversary, Ruvheneko used that platform to tell her followers on social media networks that she was no longer hosting The Platform.

“Wow. Four years ago, my journey on Zim radio began. How time flies and how things change. I’ve been taken off air so I’m no longer hosting The Platform on ZiFM but every minute that I did was always so worth it,” posted Ruvheneko on her pages.

In an exclusive interview with Chronicle Showbiz, Ruvheneko said The Platform was still being aired on ZiFM Stereo – but with a new presenter.

“The Platform still exists but I no longer host it. My last day on air was on May 16 when I interviewed Pastor Evan and Tafadzwa Musarara. After that, there were complications and I was informed I’d been taken off air.

“Farai Mwakutuya who presents – Ask The MP and Enterprise Zimbabwe, now presents The Platform.”

Ruvheneko, who was promoted to programmes manager last year, had been responsible for The Platform– a programme she took over from the station’s founder – Supa Mandiwanzira in 2013 after he resigned to avoid conflict of interest when he was appointed Deputy Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services. Mandiwanzira had named the programme – Head On – before Ruvheneko rebranded it.

“I decided to rebrand the programme as I wanted to give it my personalised touch. The purpose of The Platform was to give people a platform to talk about the things they can’t always talk about to the people they can’t always talk to.”

The Platform, which airs on Mondays and Wednesdays between 7:30PM and 8:30PM, saw most decision makers and government ministers including her father – David – the Minister of Health – being put on the spot.

Her memorable interviews included that of Zifa president – Philip Chiyangwa – who got emotional after a caller requested that he tells the nation what acronyms Zifa, Caf and Fifa meant; pompous Sir Wicknell Chivhayo who was reduced to size when he failed to state his net worth; Acie Lumumba who dug deeper and clashed with Ruvheneko in the process; Mines Minister Walter Chidhakwa on the missing $15 billion diamond revenue saga and Primary and Secondary Education Minister – Lazarus Dokora when he was referred to as Dofora for his policies. Her other interviews were with a sex worker from Epworth and transgender – Tatelicious.

Through Ruvheneko’s unapologetic character on air and nose for news, she popularised The Platform– making it one of the station’s most sought after programmes. Her hard work saw her being recognised by various organisations who rewarded her and the radio station. She thanked followers for supporting her saying she had enjoyed each moment on the show describing the experience as rewarding.

“It took me a long time to talk about going off air but I’m now at peace. The show had become a part of me as my topics came naturally. I looked forward to it every week as I was passionate about it.”

Followers of the vibrant personality can still watch her on ZBCtv where she hosts another current affairs programme – My Future.

“My Future airs every Wednesday at 6:30PM. I’m glad that the show is gaining momentum and I’m confident it’ll change the game,” said Ruvheneko.

Last night on My Future, Ruvheneko interviewed tycoon, Frank Buyanga.

– Twitter @maffarro