Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa is her own woman, the woman of the moment, a media celebrity, an icon who has become a house-hold name both in Zimbabwe and the vast Diaspora. Through her cutting edge interviews, carried out with style, poise characterised by graceful deportment, whatever the subject she is tackling, however vexatious – she stands out!
The programmes manager at Zimbabwe’s first private radio station ZiFM, tackles all issues sensitive or not with balance. Ruvheneko is able to do this not because she is a Parirenyatwa grand-daughter to the late nationalist Samuel or daughter to her father David, but because destiny seized her. Her talent speaks for itself.
All things being fair this girl has it, and has captured hearts of both foes and friends.
Exposed to the limelight at a tender age, years later Ruvheneko is still breaking new ground. ZimEye.com’s Grace Kwinjeh caught up with Ruvheneko, and below was the discussion.
WOS – Who is Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa ?
RP – Ruvheneko is a passionate Zimbabwean. She is a media and communication specialist who currently hosts two talk shows on radio (ZiFM Stereo) and on TV (ZBC).
WOS – What inspired you into journalism?
RP – I was inspired by two things; watching journalists on TV as I was growing up and thinking, “I could do that. In fact, I want to do that!” Then finally my English and History teachers in high school who always told me they can just see me up on Television one day convinced my mother of this and here I am…even though I left my parent’s house at the age of 18 for University to study law.
WOS – What would you say are the main challenges you face as a journalist in a polarised society like ours in Zimbabwe?
RP – The main challenge for me is being a Parirenyatwa because listeners (& guests) always believe I have an agenda or have been sent by someone so it is impossible to appear objective as a journalist should be.
WOS – Can we discuss that a little more, I read a letter on one of the sites which published an interview you had with one prominent member of society, basically this person argued that as a Parirenyatwa there is no way you can understand or identify with the suffering masses, what is your take?
RP –I am human. I am Zimbabwean. I feel like any human. I feel like any Zimbabwean.
I was blessed to have my parents give me the childhood they gave me and never do I take that for granted, but it does not make me heartless, naive or ignorant to the suffering of our people. I see what we are going through and I just wish it was easier to believe that I too have challenges. It is unfair to assume my life is roses.
WOS – Your family lineage is a family of successful doctors. You could have been on a nice well paid, rewarding job right now. Why on earth did you go for jelly-journalism?
RP – Lol! I don’t do what I do for the money.
WOS – Thank you that is really humbling. Let us talk a bit about the situation of Zimbabwean women in the media. I have been there and know for certain it is not a bed of roses. Tell us more about your experiences and that of other female journalists?
RP – Journalism is a risky profession but so fulfilling regardless of one’s sex. Being a female journalist in Zimbabwe is not easy; not just from within the profession but from outsiders who think we are “a certain kind of woman” who doesn’t deserve much respect. I therefore do my best to defy all that.
WOS – For instance female journalists face sexual harassment in the newsroom and even by sources; What mechanisms are there to raise awareness and guard against this?
RP – There are organisations that are there to protect us but impunity is a real thing on all levels of our society.
WOS – Tell us more about the culture of impunity. Any cases you have stumbled across or that you have had to deal with?
RP – No cases that I have had to deal with personally.
WOS – Tell us more about your show
RP – My show was inspired by my passion for my country. I felt that the average person had no access to the people in high offices to ask questions, to hold them accountable for their actions or lack of thereof and simply to praise their efforts where due. So I thought, “The Platform” could become a platform for just that.
WOS -You have a big heart and carry a burden of the daily struggles Zimbabweans are enduring, in your routines as you talk to politicians and other important stakeholders. Do you see an easy solution in sight?
RP – Ideas, plenty. Solutions, I don’t know. We need more than just solutions; we need implementation.
WOS – I read somewhere that you are a born again Christian, how does your spirituality connect with your daily life?
RP – My spirituality does not need to connect with me daily because I stay connected with it constantly. It’s the only way I can sleep at night and the only thing that gets me out of bed in the morning. I attribute none of what I have achieved to myself; it’s ALL HIM. All of it.
WOS -As a journalist which is your memorable moment? You were the first woman for instance in decades to host the ZITF tell us more about this and much more.
RP-My memories are separated; Ruvheneko the journalist and Ruvheneko the MC. Granted my talk shows and experience in radio got me onto the stage as an MC but the memories are different. My most memorable MC moments are: The First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe’s 50th birthday party. The other was Miss Zimbabwe 2014. Epic! As a journalist, it had to be the day I interviewed a strong young woman called Precious.
WOS – What are your hobbies, what do you do when you are not in the studio, what makes Ruvheneko relax and unwind?
RP – My hobbies are travelling, kick-boxing and cooking. They make me relax. Instantly! Lol. I also enjoy just sitting in the sun with people I can laugh with – friends, family or complete strangers.
16 Replies to “Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa Seized by Destiny | EXCLUSIVE”
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Are you daydreaming her with you usual pastime wank?
Are you daydreaming her with you usual pastime wank?
Oh please another Zanu spoiled brat who sings for her supper.this too shall pass what do you know about an average joe suffering on the street?
Oh please another Zanu spoiled brat who sings for her supper.this too shall pass what do you know about an average joe suffering on the street?
Ko why don’t u ask kuti akazoita small house ya Minister vanosevenza nababa vake sei??? U guys hamuzive zvinhu zviri pupublic knowledge in Zim and u say u r journalists? Ko why did she fight naMs Red kubhawa over Minister nhingi???? U make celebs out of nothin
Ko why don’t u ask kuti akazoita small house ya Minister vanosevenza nababa vake sei??? U guys hamuzive zvinhu zviri pupublic knowledge in Zim and u say u r journalists? Ko why did she fight naMs Red kubhawa over Minister nhingi???? U make celebs out of nothin
The title of Celebrity you bestow on this young lady is just not befitting. Here is someones who has a platform that she abuses to peddle the ZanuPf agenda. Her radio station obviously has stance as dictated by her governing body as run by Super Mandiwanzira. He, Supa dictates policy and the editorial stance the radio station takes. I have listened to interviews where Ruvheneko had Acie and the dear Pastor Evan. There was a clear bias on how she moderated the debate. Acie was not given a chance to explain a thing. Her questions and statements were out there to embarrass and disgrace Acie and the dear Pastor. This is a right wing radio station used to gauge the anti government sentiments of the people. They interviewed the dear Pastor and harassed him on his way out. These men: Acie and Evan were brave enough to attend these lynching radio talk shows and l suppose its the only space available to reach out to the majority but I urge the men, next time don’t accept any invitation from this radio station. I do question Ruva’s impartiality and objectivity in all her presentations because she cannot stray beyond the radio station’s editorial stance which is pro-ZanuPf and pro-government. I’m sure there is other better talent out there who just don’t have an opportunity. Ruveneko is a beneficiary of the status quo; she grew up with a golden spoon in her mouth. Her father is a minister in the same government that’s corrupt and oppressing the people. History will judge you.
The title of Celebrity you bestow on this young lady is just not befitting. Here is someones who has a platform that she abuses to peddle the ZanuPf agenda. Her radio station obviously has stance as dictated by her governing body as run by Super Mandiwanzira. He, Supa dictates policy and the editorial stance the radio station takes. I have listened to interviews where Ruvheneko had Acie and the dear Pastor Evan. There was a clear bias on how she moderated the debate. Acie was not given a chance to explain a thing. Her questions and statements were out there to embarrass and disgrace Acie and the dear Pastor. This is a right wing radio station used to gauge the anti government sentiments of the people. They interviewed the dear Pastor and harassed him on his way out. These men: Acie and Evan were brave enough to attend these lynching radio talk shows and l suppose its the only space available to reach out to the majority but I urge the men, next time don’t accept any invitation from this radio station. I do question Ruva’s impartiality and objectivity in all her presentations because she cannot stray beyond the radio station’s editorial stance which is pro-ZanuPf and pro-government. I’m sure there is other better talent out there who just don’t have an opportunity. Ruveneko is a beneficiary of the status quo; she grew up with a golden spoon in her mouth. Her father is a minister in the same government that’s corrupt and oppressing the people. History will judge you.
@ Max there is nothing that she can be proud of here, to start with if it was not of her father angadai asiko kuZifm or being allowed near zbc. Thats totally madness what you are saying, This girl smells zanu pf blood in her. She is not doing for money thats what she said so is her god mugabe he is there at the helm for the poor not for money. thats a white lie. If things being fair she would not be anywhere near that spot. This girl or woman is 10% of Debora Patta. Its just pathetic to the core guys. For her to be where she is is the blood of the innocent that her father has shed and money that they obtained through corruption.
What I am saying there are better people than her that are and will never be given opportunities, its just like saying that Chiyangwa is a businessman
@ Max there is nothing that she can be proud of here, to start with if it was not of her father angadai asiko kuZifm or being allowed near zbc. Thats totally madness what you are saying, This girl smells zanu pf blood in her. She is not doing for money thats what she said so is her god mugabe he is there at the helm for the poor not for money. thats a white lie. If things being fair she would not be anywhere near that spot. This girl or woman is 10% of Debora Patta. Its just pathetic to the core guys. For her to be where she is is the blood of the innocent that her father has shed and money that they obtained through corruption.
What I am saying there are better people than her that are and will never be given opportunities, its just like saying that Chiyangwa is a businessman
Mwana wenyoka inyoka.
Mwana wenyoka inyoka.
You must be sick. You cannot hold her responsible for what her father has or has not done. The girl is a star, period. In fact, in her short carrier she has actually achieved and done more for Zimbabwe than her so called thieving father. I don’t think she needs to apologize to anyone for being a Parirenyatwa. I listened to her when she hosted, on radio, Pastor Evan Mawarire and Tafadzwa Musarara. You cannot find fault with her. That girl is her own person and she has my best wishes for the future.
You must be sick. You cannot hold her responsible for what her father has or has not done. The girl is a star, period. In fact, in her short carrier she has actually achieved and done more for Zimbabwe than her so called thieving father. I don’t think she needs to apologize to anyone for being a Parirenyatwa. I listened to her when she hosted, on radio, Pastor Evan Mawarire and Tafadzwa Musarara. You cannot find fault with her. That girl is her own person and she has my best wishes for the future.
Haiwawo celebrity of the moment pakudini. She should interview her theiving Ali Baba Father first and her success is partly a by product of the Zanoo patronage system.
Haiwawo celebrity of the moment pakudini. She should interview her theiving Ali Baba Father first and her success is partly a by product of the Zanoo patronage system.