By Vincent Mungofa – Harare | December 18, 2025

Celebrated lawyer and public figure Fadzai Mahere has been crowned Zimbabwean of the Year in a poll run by local radio station ZIFM Stereo.

The award is a listeners’ choice accolade based on Miss Red’s show The Rush on ZiFM Stereo, “The Rushians Zimbabwean of the Year Awards.”

Posting on their social media pages, ZiFM Stereo announced Mahere as the winner, citing her unconditional love for Zimbabwe and her relentless fight for fairness, justice and human rights for every Zimbabwean.

“The Zimbabwean of the Year, as voted by you, is Fadzai Mahere. A lawyer and political figure, Fadzai Mahere has become a voice in Zimbabwe’s political space, known for her advocacy, policy-focused engagement and emphasis on accountability in public life. Using her platform to champion transparency, justice and citizen participation, particularly among young Zimbabweans and women,” reads the post.

Known for her fearless commentary and policy-driven engagement, Mahere has carved out a strong presence in Zimbabwe’s political space, where she continues to champion transparency, ethical leadership and citizen participation, particularly encouraging young people and women to take part in shaping the nation’s future.

She surpassed a heavyweight list of nominees that included Tinoda Machakaire, Wicknell Chivayo, Vee Kativhu, Kirsty Coventry, Hilton Mudariki, Ken Sharpe, Samuelle Dimairho, Scott Sakupwanya and cricket star Sikandar Raza.

Despite Wicknell Chivayo disbursing a number of high-profile vehicles to several Zimbabwean public figures, Mahere still outclassed him.

Mahere took to social media to react to the honour, describing it as both humbling and motivating.

“What a beautiful surprise. It is a huge honour to be voted Zimbabwean of the Year by the people,” she said.

Mahere said the recognition strengthened her resolve to continue speaking for Zimbabweans who yearn for a nation built on fairness, opportunity and global competitiveness.

“This is the only Zimbabwe we have, so we must join hands to build it, champion excellence and demand competent, ethical leadership that drives our great nation forward,” she added.

She also congratulated her fellow nominees and applauded Miss Red and ZiFM Stereo for giving ordinary Zimbabweans a platform to celebrate impactful leadership.

“Let us work hard to ensure the Zimbabwean dream becomes a reality for everyone,” Mahere said.

The award signals growing public admiration for leaders who speak boldly, challenge injustice and place the interests of citizens at the centre of national discourse.