HOUSE OF MUTAPA DECEMBER 2020 ISSUE by House Of Mutapa

HOUSE OF MUTAPA

CONTENTS 3 - Editorial 5 - #Reflections2020 Ben Sibanda – The Spirit of December Lives On Vonayi Nyamazana – Let’s Make it all Count 11 - Young Mutapa Charlene Vuyo of Treats & Giggles 16 - Great Zimbabweans: A Series of Portraits by Hannah Mentz 22 - Journey of The Young Entrepreneurs Mike Murisa & Peter Opincans 27 - Cover The Rise of Sharon Rose 36 - Minister Model Launches Watch Brand 38 - HoM News Cook Off The Movie Launches Online Shop Strive Masiyiwa, Founder of Econet, Joins Netflix Board of Directors Zimbabwean Cricket Prodigy Signed to Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club 44 - It’s Christmas Time Christmas Memories: A Chat With Mom A Carol for Christmas

51 - A Recipe for the Festive Season by Carl Joshua Ncube

All magazine layouts and designs by R R Chawota. Cover designed by R R Chawota. Picture by @shotbydujonna Editor In Chief - Rhoda Molife; Creative Design Director - Rodney Rumbidzai Chawota; Chairman - Godwin Chireka; Public Relations Director - Simba Harawa; Public Relations Executive - Vannesa Moosa HOUSE OF MUTAPA PVT LTD is a Registered Trademark. South Africa. Copyright 2020.

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EDITORIAL

f you’re reading this after I’ve written it, there is just one thing that’s certain, you and I have made it to the end of 2020. I had planned to write something profound and meaningful and thoughtful and retrospective for this last editorial of the year, but really there is no more that can be said for the past. The one thing that many of us have learnt this year is that the only thing that we can speak for with certainty is the now. For me, now is breathing, typing this editorial in bed on a sunny Sunday morning in December, taking glances out the window at the sunny blue sky and half-hearing the birds chirping but loudly and clearly hearing my belly grumbling. I’m now no longer interested in the fact that England, where I live, is back in full lockdown just in time for Christmas, as COVID19 infections rise again across the country and the rest of Europe. However, I am slightly in my feelings about the lives lost, those who have lost loved ones and the businesses that may not emerge out of this one in a viable state. When I think of the folk featured in this our last issue of 2020, my bucket of hope, which in fact never really gets empty, brimmed over with more hope and added inspiration, awe and a zest for what is to come. You know why? It’s because no matter what, after the dark must always come the light. No situation is permanent

Photo Credit - Mudiwa ‘Windmill’ Dzino

– even if you don’t know when it will end. And as one of our featured writers Vonayi Nyamazana says, when life gives you lemons, “squeeze the bitter lemons hard and make the sweetest lemonade you can.” This means that even through the traumas that lead to tantrums, we must continue to remain prepared for our rise, because rise we will. In actual fact, what I think #2020 has taught us is that even in hard times, victories can still be gained. The Great Zimbabweans, as featured by Hannah Mentz, who excel even as our country falls exemplify that. So do Sharon Rose, Mike Murisa and Peter Opincans of M.Op Ltd and Charlene Vuyo, who have all pivoted and found opportunities when their environment changed. In addition, Author Ben Sibanda and our very own Vannesa Moosa reflect on days past to urge us into 2021 on a positive vibe. So as we move into a new year, don’t dwell too much on how $*!!y 2020 has been. Let’s remain passionate, persistent and prepared for our dues to come. Let’s use the fact that because we remain standing, we still have a purpose to fulfil and something to give. However, don’t compare that purpose to anyone else’s – personalise it to what’s important for you and what brings you joy. And if it brings you joy chances are that it will give the same to others too, because it is in giving and gratitude that we will receive abundantly! Happy Holidays HOUSE OF MUTAPA

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#Reflections2020

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Let’s Make It All Count by

Vonayi Nyamazana

I HOUSE OF MUTAPA

t’s certainly easier said than done and it somewhat depends on your vantage point. Personally? I want to make everything count - the good, the bad and the ugly, but then I guess that’s because of my vantage point. When you’ve got a few years under your belt and there are more years be6

hind than ahead of you, well, let’s just say that you view life differently. Here’s how I see it. Life is a great adventure, one to be enjoyed. It is a beautiful gift that we wake up to every day. We have great expectations and most of us are spoilt for choice. There are people to see, places to go, lives to impact, love to give and more. Some days rush ahead of us at full speed with so much to accomplish in so little time! And yet some days go at a snail’s pace with not a happening in sight, nothing to look forward to and all we may want to do is hide.

But here’s the thing. This is what we call life. It dishes out oranges and lemons and we all have to get our fair share of both. People fail us, mistakes are made, losses are incurred, betrayal rears its ugly head. These experiences can come with pain but we need them because they make us who we are. We learn from these experiences even though at times they leave us drained of passion and courage with no strength to squeeze those lemons to make that lemonade. This is a clichéd quote but we really do only live once - and our lives are more valuable than all the riches of this world. We cannot afford to have a laissez-faire attitude towards it or wallow in a pity party when things don’t go the way we want them to. We cannot afford to give up on this one opportunity. We must therefore embrace the discomfort that comes with stepping out of our comfort zone and letting go of our comfort crutches.

As we come to the end of 2020, we will look back over the months and some of us my shed a tear, others may catch a sob yet others may smile over its happenings. History has been made this year and we have been a part of it. I will have a story to tell my grandchildren – the story of the year that was COVID19. I will have lessons to share. I will tell of the things that were birthed in this year of 2020. What will you have to tell of this year? Every experience shapes and remoulds us and we have the choice to be transformed into something better or something bitter. The ball is in our court. We have to find joy, peace and our happy place to keep running the race. For as long as we have breath there is still a lot of living to be done. It’s not over until it’s over so we make every experience count. Say yes to your life. Then go ahead and make every aspect of it count.

I am an advocate of doing all we can to make our lives count. It is important that we lift our heads out of the sand and open our eyes to the beauty of creation that surrounds us and the opportunities available each day. Soak in the glow and warmth of the summer sun and inhale the crisp, fresh air of an autumn morning while revelling at the rich colours of Mother Earth. See each day as a new page on which to write a memorable chapter.

Vonayi Nyamazana, also known as the Dreams Midwife, is the founder of Inspired Khaya, a platform dedicated to transforming lives for influence. Her mission is to inspire and empower other women to stretch themselves, to break down barriers and identify their God-given talents.

2020 has dealt us some harsh blows and been written off by most. Why? Because it has dished out more lemons than oranges and quite frankly has been a bitter pill to swallow. But how can we make it count? Well for one, you are here reading this. What that means is that you have:

www.vonayinyamazana.com

Zimbabwean-born, Vonayi is married and a mother to two young men. The Writer’s Suite www.facebook.com/vonayi’ slounge

 Played an active part in creating your life  Taken advantage of the silver lining on every cloud  Devised a solution out of a crisis God has not brought you here at the finish line for no reason. It is still your time, so celebrate and rejoice even in the weeping and hurt; grab hold of and feel the whole range of emotions. Squeeze the bitter lemons hard and make the sweetest lemonade you can. Make life worth living and worth looking forward to. Truly make every experience count.

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The Spirit of December Lives On by

Ben Sibanda

ecember feels different this year. Of course, one could argue that in Zimbabwe, December has felt different for several years, if not decades. It seems like it was just the other day that we were looking forward to Christmas 2019 and the start of a new decade with enthusiasm and that inexplicable optimism that comes from an expectation of the festive season and the new year to bring something different – some cheer at least. Twelve months later, I find myself looking back with longing for a time that once was and wondering whether we will ever have those feelings again. When I was a child, December was exciting because it signalled the start of the longest school holidays of the year - holidays that went on and on. Before that though was Christmas, which for many of us meant new clothes and much feasting: breakfast with an abundance of bread topped with margarine, jam, syrup, lots of tea with lots of sugar, then lunch of rice and chicken and for the lucky ones, lots of cake! This was followed a week later by New Year celebrations which started with, at midnight on December 31st, the strange ritual of rubbish bins being tipped over and sometimes being thrown onto the neighbours’ doorsteps or verandas. I never understood what this was for! HOUSE OF MUTAPA

I can remember the first Christmas I spent with my mother as a seven-year-old. At the time, I lived with my grandparents in Marirangwe Native Purchase Area but that year my sister and I spent a special Christmas with our mother and her sister in Bulawayo. She lived in the better part of Highfields African Township, known to this day as kuma six pounds because I think this was the rental for the houses at the time; houses or rather bungalows that boasted an inside toilet and bathroom and three bedrooms! It was during this time that I had my first encounter with a bath in which you opened the tap and water came out, and at the end of your bath you just pulled a plug and water disappeared. This was in stark contrast to lugging buckets of water into a bhavhu or bhavha – a large metal or plastic tub that used for bathing… or laundry before having a bath afterwards. That first experience of a bath was only spoilt by my aunt shouting at me for leaving scum behind. Who knew that a bathtub had to be washed and cleaned as well? (laughing) My aunt lived next door to a certain Mr Green Jangano and it was during this Christmas that I heard what I later learned was called The Harare Mambo Band, practicing. Over and over again, they played a tune that I later found out was Acker Bilk’s ‘Stranger on the Shore’. “I have never been able to forget the Christmas when I refused to eat, demanding that my mom got me a candy

cake.” Both my mother and my aunt baked well so cakes alongside all the other Christmas fare and cold drinks were plentiful. However, there was something missing for me. My cousins, who lived with their parents in what was then Salisbury, had spoken in such glowing terms about something called a chipondamoyo or chikondamoyo that they used to enjoy at this time of year. I had naturally expected such a delicacy to be a part of any good Christmas. Alas, it was not and in protest, I refused to eat anything until I had the said delicacy; not that I would suffer much as I had already had plenty to eat before my protest. Up until my aunt’s death a few years ago (21 years ago actually), I had never forgotten the Christmas when I refused to eat until I had had what I hear is called a candy cake these days! She would always remind me of what she called indaba ye s’kondamoyo! “The sombreness of 2020 could even be seen and felt in the decorations. They didn’t seem to reflect much cheer.” In the early years of independence, when many of us were able to get into jobs that hitherto had been reserved for whites, November was bonus (or thirteenth cheque) month. Early December was therefore a time of much partying and just as much shopping. It was always a joy to feast our eyes on the wonderfully festive decorations that adorned all the shop windows. Not in 2020, however. The decorations seem forlorn, quite sad and do not reflect much cheer. In the streets, one can see parents doing their best to buy new clothes for their children, to at least give them something special.

shoulders that asked, “What else is new?” Our economy, already ravaged by years of mismanagement (or Western sanctions depending on which side of the political divide one is), has taken a hammering. With unemployment already estimated at an incredible 90%, not many have noticed. The casual workers’ sector, which is where most are employed, yet goes unrecorded, suffered most from the effects of the lockdown; those who work from hand to mouth on a daily basis could not go out to work for weeks on end, and a government which has little imagination and no resources could not help. However, with zero statistics for this sector, it is difficult to know how many suffered or even died from the lack of work. Official figures, if they are to be believed, indicate relatively low rates of infection and very few deaths. All we can do is take all the positives that we can! “So, we trudge on into 2021. Many of us walking around in public wearing the ‘new normal’ masks. Many more, it seems to me, cannot be bothered.” Despite all this, I get the feeling that we are looking forward to 2021 with some optimism. The rains have started well, which may mean good harvests for many and that always brings good cheer to a battered nation. And a new year, as we all know, is a chance to reset and start anew. The only creatures not looking forward to Christmas are a few turkeys, many chickens and a lot of goats!

In Marirangwe, where I have returned to live, the rainy season which is also the farming season is upon us and we are inundated with requests from people looking for some farm work to be paid, not in cash, but in second hand clothing for their children for Christmas. The spirit of Christmas, it seems, lives on in spite of the difficulties people are facing. Of course this December marks the end of a strange and difficult year for the rest of the world. In Zimbabwe and perhaps most of Africa, we have had so many challenging years that the arrival of the COVID19 was met with resignation - a collective shrugging of the HOUSE OF MUTAPA

s n o i t c e fl e R r o h t u A Hennings Wiriranai Masikati – author of the Adult Colouring Book, artist, singer and motivational speaker. “2020 I will describe this way: it has been like a long flight of steep stairs that are very difficult to climb, but if you do, you get to the top. Any slight mistake and wrong step you make sends you tumbling back to the bottom to start all over again. These are my reflections and I relate a lot to them. It’s been a challenging year that perhaps catapulted you to set you on the right course for your life. At the same time it was a tough fight to see how persistent we were as many of us had to start all over again after the losses we made in the year.”

Siphosenkosi Jedidiah Kadzutu - author of Becoming 19 “I personally think 2020 was exactly what you made it. There is that quote that says if ‘life gives you lemons make lemonade’. 2020 was an opportunity for people to make lemonade although it was very difficult. 2020 taught me to be grateful because there were so many things that I took for granted.”

What are your reflections on #2020? Share them with us on our Facebook page House of Mutapa You might be an inspiration to someone out there!

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YOUNG MUTAPA

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CHARLENE VUYO of HOUSE OF MUTAPA

Treats & Giggles

y Rhoda Molife rhoda@houseofmutapa.com

Twenty-seven-year old Charlene Vuyo is a Harare-based cake artist and entrepreneur. In 2018, she founded Treats and Giggles in South Africa. Treats and Giggles came to life while she was still working a 9-5; the vision was to create a one-stop online shop for kids’ baked goodies, party props and sweet treats and provide a shopping experience for children. However, she soon streamlined the business to baked goods for all age groups until the opportunity came to fully realise and expand that initial vision. It was a great move because the business reached its yearly targeted sales projections within eight months. In early 2019, she moved back to Zimbabwe and continues to run the business from Harare. “I wasn’t really interested in baking and only looked forward to stuffing my face with my mum’s delicious bakes.” The eldest of two girls, Charlene was hardly interested in baking as a child though her mother did bake a lot and her grandmother was superb at cooking her native South African traditional meals. Her family described her as creative and artsy though she didn’t really think of herself that way growing up. After completing her A Levels at Gateway High School, she moved to South Africa in 2013 to study Hospitality Management at The Cape Town Hotel School. After three years she obtained a National Diploma and it was then that her passion for cooking was ignited. She took things a step further and decided to monetize her skills by opening her own business.

Cupcake Jemma who owns a fabulous bakery. Her designs are so unique, fun, creative and inspiring.” However, as all entrepreneurs know, passion is no protection against challenges though it certainly helps one to push through them. One major challenge the business faced as she tried to establish a name was the unstable economic climate in Zimbabwe. The high inflation rates undoubtedly had a negative impact as it does on most businesses, and this didn’t leave much room for investment or long term expansion goals. How did she handle this? “One way we have managed to combat this on-going challenge is by sourcing most of our dry goods and supplies from outside the country. This has been helpful with our budget planning as prices are a lot more stable abroad.” Nevertheless, not all things are bad in Zimbabwe. I asked Charlene about her experiences of working in South and in Zimbabwe. “My experience as a young female entrepreneur in Zimbabwe has been great in comparison to my experience of working in South Africa. Before establishing Treats and Giggles, I spent a couple of years working as an operations manager and consultant for a few restaurants and hotels in Johannesburg. This was great in kick-start-

Charlene says that although she had a degree in hospitality management, she strongly believes that the only qualification required to start a successful baking business is passion. “My passion for creating unique experiences through my craft has been the lifeblood of this business.” Along the way, she has had some inspiration of course. “A lot of my inspiration comes from the creations of the British baker HOUSE OF MUTAPA 13

ing my hospitality career. However, the culture made it very difficult to establish and progress as the industry is heavily male-dominated. Moving back to Zimbabwe was a no-brainer in terms of gender equality as it’s so much easier to establish yourself as a female here.” Who would have guessed? “I’d like to think of myself as a cake artist and not just a baker because I aim to create a unique luxury experience in every cake creation.” What’s life like for a cake artist and entrepreneur? A typical day starts with a morning prayer, attending to enquiries, confirmation of bookings, updating of inventory lists and baking prep. Afternoons are usually spent away from home, sourcing fresh ingredients. Charlene then spends her evenings baking. “I prefer to bake in the evening, in a calm quiet environment.” So you know what that means? All of Treats and Giggles’ cakes and goodies are freshly baked in-house. And what does she like to make the most? “My favourite treat to bake has got to be our traditional lemon and strawberry sponge cake. I absolutely love making this because our clients always have nothing but praises for the moist melt-in-your-mouth experience.” Although starting and running a business comes with a lot of risk, long nights, bills and responsibilities, Charlene says she enjoys the peace of mind that comes with being in total control of her own brand and vision. Her advice to anyone who wants to go into the baking business is “quite simple. Have passion. Be passionate about what you do because when you’re doing what you love, it makes the sweat and tears all worth it. Make sure you know what your vision and long term goals are. Be consistent even though some days will be great and others won’t be so good. The only businesses that make it are those that are consistent and work on maintaining a set standard.” For more on Treats and Giggles go to: IG: @treats_and_giggles Facebook: Treats & Giggles YouTube: Charlene’s Cook Book HOUSE OF MUTAPA

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A SERIES OF PORTRAITS BY HANNAH MENTZ

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Hannah Mentz

y Rhoda Molife rhoda@houseofmutapa. com

Great Zimbabweans is a photographic and visual media project created by the award-winning commercial and reportage photographer Hannah Mentz. It is her personal project to commemorate extraordinary Zimbabweans - 40 Great Zimbabweans for 40 years of our independence that we celebrated this year. The vision is to create a positive portrayal of Zimbabwe’s diverse and talented folk - from musicians, artists, actors, writers and athletes to humanitarians, scientists, entrepreneurs, activists and conservationists. As well as showcasing well-known Zimbabweans, the project HOUSE OF MUTAPA

shines a light on important work being done at a grass-roots level. Because of the severe economic crisis in the country, this is a much needed project to remind us and others of the inspiring achievements of great Zimbabweans who have made our country and the world a better place to live in. It also gives a message of hope about what is possible. The full project, including interviews with each Great Zimbabwean, will be featured in a coffee table book to be published by Hannah herself in January 2021. On 25 November 2020, Hannah launched a crowdfunding campaign to take pre-orders for the book which will also feature an introduction by Petina Gappah and foreword by Douglas Rogers. In the meantime, excerpts from the project can be seen on Instagram @ greatzimbabweans2020 and Facebook at Great

Zimbabweans2020 “I hope this project will offer a glimpse into Zimbabwean identity, resilience, the nature of the people and the power of hope.” Hannah Mentz was born in Norway and grew up in Zimbabwe. After finishing university in South Africa, she launched her photographic career in London where she lived for ten years. Now based in Cape Town, she travelled back to Harare to launch the Great Zimbabweans project. So, why this particular project? “The idea to create Great Zimbabweans came from my desire to use the skills I’ve learned as a photographer to create a project that presents an opportunity for Zimbabwean voices to tell their own stories about the current situation while highlighting their achievements. Returning to Zimbabwe to make this project, I witnessed the force of many people - determination, hardwork, humility and an ability to make great things happen despite the difficulties. “So the basis of my project came from loving Zimbabwe, growing up there and then witnessing it falling apart from afar. I went off to university in South Africa and then headed over to the UK for ten years before coming to live in Cape Town with my family. I wanted to do this project to show how incredible the people are and find something to celebrate on this 40th year of independence in Zimbabwe.” This is very much a personal project. Hannah started off with a long list of individuals gleaned from the web, personal recommendations and clips of inspirational Zimbabweans she had seen on YouTube. Once she had made the first trip to Zimbabwe, her selected participants shared who their own ‘great Zimbabweans’ were. Kubatana ran a people’s vote of their own great Zimbabweans and the names that kept coming up were always the same. To Hannah that meant that people were on the same page. “I’ve taken into account racial and tribal representation and gender and not included anyone who is in politics. However, some of my participants have faced repeated arrests because of the work that they are doing.”

a list of the famous but one that included people from all walks of life and different stages in their career. Perhaps the project could help them in some small way by highlighting the plight of many Zimbabweans who have suffered because of the economic situation in Zimbabwe. As the photographs were taken in Cape Town and Jo’burg as well as Harare, the collections also features some diasporeans. “It’s definitely not the definitive list. It’s a personal view of people who I thought were inspirational and doing wonderful work in Zimbabwe; it also came down to availability and if people were interested in the idea of the project.” For your order of Great Zimbabweans go to: https://igg.me/at/greatzimbabweans2020 Pre-orders will run until the end of December only. For more on Great Zimbabweans go to: IG: @greatzimbabweans2020 Facebook: Great Zimbabweans 2020 For more on Hannah Mentz go to: IG:@hannahmentz Facebook: Hannah Mentz Photography http://hannahmentz.com/ The project was also featured in UK’s The Guardian online here on 17 December 2020: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/gallery/2020/dec/17/we-rise-by-lifting-others-outstanding-women-of-zimbabwe-in-pictures

Hannah also decided that it would not only be HOUSE OF MUTAPA 19

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HANNAH MENTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

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Journey of the Young Entrepreneurs:

Mike Murisa & Peter Opincans

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Photo Credit - Dean Lee Kiromo

y Rhoda Molife rhoda@houseofmutapa. com It’s just before the great lockdown of 2020.

You’ve always wanted to become a footballer. Now after having missed out on a few opportunities in the past, you are scouted to play semi-pro with a team in the north of England. This team has international players and you get to play against the big academy teams. Then lockdown hits. Football shuts down. Fortunately, you had followed your parents’ advice to always have a back-up plan. That back-up plan meant that you already had a BEng in Civil Engineering and even though you hadn’t really planned on doing it, you were about to complete an MSc in Project Management. So now what will you do? Well, naturally, start a car restoration enterprise with your friend from university that before you know it, is opening all sorts of doors. It so happens that this is exactly what 22-yearold Mike Murisa did in the crazy year that was 2020. Mike was born in Harare and moved to England at the age of six with his parents. He grew up in Stoke, now lives in Wakefield and is the eldest of six children. As a youngster his dream was to become a footballer; however as good as he was and despite a plethora of opportunities, he seemed to just miss the mark. Though disheartened, he pressed on and eventually ended up playing semi-professionally in Stoke. His parents were always very supportive of his aspirations but encouraged him to have a back-up plan. How did he handle the disappointments? ‘To me, I’ve learnt that what counts is how you handle situations. If something doesn’t work out, then it may mean it wasn’t meant for you and you just have to trust the process.”

ly. It so happened that a football scout that he’d known for some time contacted him with an opportunity. Soon after, Mike was signed up as a striker with Wakefield FC, a team with a plethora of international players. The team played with a lot of ‘big’ academy teams increasing the chances of being signed up as a professional player. And all this he did whilst on the master’s programme. Then just as things were getting hot, the pandemic hit and the world went into lockdown. Football stopped and players went back home. “I didn’t know what to do. Should I wait for things to get back to normal? But then again, I couldn’t sit around waiting. So to me this was a sign to find something that was under my control and that meant starting my own business.” “In life, I’ve learnt to trust the process.” First, he needed capital, so he started to work at his mother’s care agency. “I had to earn and save money so that when an opportunity came, I was ready.” He also started reading a lot. “Rich Dad, Poor Dad motivated me to get started. Even though I already had the mindset described in the book, after reading it I could see things clearly.” So he revisited a business idea he and Peter had come up with whilst studying for their master’s degree.

Fast forward to 2019 and following on from his parents’ advice, Mike graduated from Leeds Beckett University with a 2:1 degree in civil engineering. Although he had no plans to, he enrolled on an MSc program in project management after his close friend from Leeds Beckett, Peter Opincans, suggested the idea. In October this year, they both got their MScs with merit. “Looking back, that was the best decision I made as it has played a huge part in getting me here.” This year, his plan was to take football serious-

Photo Credit - M.Op LTD

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Photo Credit - M.Op LTD

About three years earlier, Peter’s brother had bought and restored himself a luxury car. Mike and Peter decided to propose restoring cars as a business idea to their tutor. As it turned out, the tutor was impressed and encouraged them to bring it to life. At the same time, ideas started to flow seamlessly. “Markets are usually emotionally driven. With the fear of getting COVID19, I thought that people may buy more cars so as not to use public transport. So we could be the supply for the demand.” For Mike, everything was adding up and by this time he had saved a sizeable amount of money. “It’s about applying the science of supply and demand.” In May of this year, the friends founded M.Op Limited to buy cars at auctions then restore them. Mike would then source parts for Peter and his brother. Within six months, they had restored 14 cars that they sold on at affordable prices. Not all were sold though; to generate more income, they rented out some of the cars. At the same time, as the vision was growing, they cut down on their liabilities with Mike even selling his own BMW. When lockdown lifted, Peter went back to Russia for a vacation and whilst there decided to lay decking in his grandma’s garden. Mike had always wanted to do the same for his mother,

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Erica, at her house and they agreed that Peter would help him when he got back to the UK. Mike’s head was now fully in the entrepreneurial zone. “I started to see this as an opportunity. A lot of people were at home so they would want to do some home improvements. They could very well want to deck their gardens.” (laughing) As it turned out, creating the decking for Mike’s mother was the start of another leg on the young men’s business journey. “When the builder delivered the wood we decided to find out where he got it from. We figured either he was going to tell us or not. So we just asked him and fortunate for us he told! We grilled him no end. Guess where the wood was from?! Latvia – where Peter’s parents went to university and where his older siblings still lived. On top of that, one of his brothers there worked in construction. Obviously, Peter had to get over to Latvia to get the ball rolling and that he did around July/August.” The young men decided to invest their profits from the car restoration and rental business into buying and shipping the wood from Latvia. Whilst Peter was in Latvia, Mike went into marketing drive using the work they did for his mother. “I was lining up customers as far as London even before we got the wood”. In the first month, they designed and built eight gardens, finishing £15, 000 worth of wood. They

are now operating nationally and already charting the next course on the road to business excellence. “Spending time with the right people is so important.” It’s clear that Mike and Peter are incredibly fearless and driven even though they both make it look so easy. Just how do they make it look so easy? “Spending time with the right people is important.” Apart from the great dynamic and energy the friends share, their MSc tutor has been extremely supportive of their ventures. They have a business mentor who is proactive in his guidance too – they actually worked on their mentor’s home. Then, the photos featured with this article were taken by a photographer friend of theirs.

For Mike though, his drive was nurtured at home. “My mum is a huge inspiration. She came over to the UK first then brought everyone over. I grew up watching her working and studying at night and my Dad retrained as a nurse too at an older age. So for me, I always knew that to get what you want you have to put in.” However much inspiration and focus anyone might have though, one thing is essential – the ability to execute. “Execution is the tough part. A lot of people have ideas and opportunities are everywhere, but you have got to be able to act.” And the ability to execute is one thing this duo have mastered! For more on Mike and Peter, follow: IG: @m.oplimited, @m.opdecking Facebook: M.opdecking

Photo Credit - Dean Lee Kiromo

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HANNAH MENTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

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Photo Credit - Hannah Mentz

COVER STORY

The RISE of

SHARON ROSE

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HOUSE OF MUTAPA 29 Photo Credit - @SamuelBlackPhotography

y Rhoda Molife rhoda@houseofmutapa. com

They hardly come any more gracious or any more regal a #ZimQueen than the beautiful Sharon Rose. On a recent autumn’s Saturday afternoon, I had the pleasure of chatting with the star of West End’s Hamilton – yes, the hottest stage musical before lockdown – and Netflix’s current musical Christmas extravaganza Jingle Jangle. Here’s her heart-warming tale of how family talent, persistence and preparedness met with opportunity to get her to a space where her talent is being sought and championed. “Our parents encouraged us to follow our dreams but still have a plan B.” Sharon Rose is the stage and screen actress that not enough of us know about. At the age of ten, she emigrated to the UK with her musical family from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Her parents met whilst members of a band back home and after moving to the UK, as children, Sharon and her three siblings followed in their footsteps performing and travelling around the country, gigging at venues like the Jazz Café and O2 Islington. Later on, a sister-in-law and godbrother joined the group. About eight years ago, a friend of hers who had been following their journey recommended her

to a theatre company in Southend in Essex. The company had been trying to find a black actress to play the role of Sister Mary Clarence in a stage version of Sister Act – the film that starred Whoopi Goldberg back in 1992. “I’d just finished my first year at university but thought why not just roll with the punches?” And why not? “I thoroughly enjoyed myself, “ she said of her experience. Not long after this opportunity, another theatre based in Kent invited her to appear in a stage production because they too needed a black actor. She accepted and after one of the performances, an agent who had been in the audience approached her and offered her some auditions. “I ended up going up for three jobs and ended up with two, both in London’s West End.” For the last five years, she has been working continuously with a few breaks in between and was even a contestant on the reality show X Factor back in 2015. The Call for Hamilton In 2018, Sharon got a call from the team of Hamilton one of America’s biggest musicals for decades. It tells the tale of one of America’s founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton, through song and rap, and features non-white actors in the roles of the founding fathers. Sharon was initially called to audition for the role of one of the Schuyler Sisters in the UK production. “I had so many rounds of auditions. I wondered whether I was right for the role and whether I could handle the workload.” Initially

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to the stage. “The atmosphere was strange, especially with the theatre being empty. We had no idea what was happening. Then we were told. The show was being shut down. To shut down a show is a big deal not least because they can make millions per week. Something like this only happens once or twice in a 10-20 year career. To say we were shocked is putting it lightly.” Sharon talked about how difficult it was for the team particularly with the uncertainty of when they would be back on stage. “As actors, we wear our hearts on our sleeves, so the whole thing took it out of us.” However, they stayed connected; there were Zoom calls with the US where they would just chill and talk through their feelings. “Lin (Manuel-Miranda who created the show) even gave us his number to call if we were ever stressed out.” “We as performers went in survival mode as rejection is normal. Everyone has found alternatives.”

Photo Credit - @ShotByDujonna

she did not make the final cut but out of the blue, she got a call back. The producers said someone was really fighting for her. With that she finally got the role as cover for the sisters and joined the production halfway through the one year contract to replace an actor who was moving on to something else.

Without knowing when theatreland would open up again, Sharon and her colleagues have had to find alternatives. For Sharon this meant starting a company, B Major, an online teaching platform where West End actors can teach bud-

So what was it like to work on one of the most sought after tickets in modern theatre worldwide where seats are sold out months and up to a year in advance? “The team is amazing and kind and great to work with. One thing I learnt is that you never knew who is on your side; you never know who is watching so you just have to be kind to everyone.” “Especially as an immigrant, I’m conscious of how I represent my culture and family. Integrity is important and I believe in being and doing good even when no one’s watching.” Chatting with Sharon, there’s no doubt that it’s this professional and artistic integrity on top of her beautiful voice and presence that led to her being promoted in November 2019 to the lead role of Eliza, Hamilton’s wife. However, just three months later, in March 2020 as they prepared for a performance, everyone was called HOUSE OF MUTAPA 31

Photo Credit - Netflix

ding actors from all over the world. “My thing was how could we bring the West End and the world together?” B Major launched recently, and Sharon worked on the project with her brother, a web developer who runs One Moon Digital. Enter: Jingle Jangle In late 2018, the African-American playwright and director David E Talbert, came to the UK to find new talent for a musical he was working on for Netflix. Sharon had seen the casting breakdown (a call out for actors) for the film and asked her agent to connect her with the film’s casting director. She was called in and went through three to four rounds of auditions. Though she was yet to be offered the part, Sharon was invited to be part of a series of workshops where she had the chance to see how a film was developed. “It was a risk to do a workshop without a part, but it was about my love for the process more than anything.” Besides, with her aspirations to get into TV and film scriptwriting, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. At the third workshop in early spring 2019, she was offered the role of Joanne Jangle, wife of the main character Jeronicus Jangle played by Forest Whittaker. By April, filming started near Reading in the UK. “Netflix bought out a huge airplane hangar and created an entire village for the set.” What was this experience like for Sharon? “Well working with a whole host of black creatives in front of and behind the camera was phenomenal.” And with Forest Whittaker and the grande dame that is Phylicia Rashad aka Mrs Huxtable? HOUSE OF MUTAPA 32

“It was surreal even though I had no scenes with them. Forest was the nicest and kindest person and so chilled. He’s a quiet man but it was so wonderful to see him in his element. “Miss Rashad ooooh! I grew up on The Cosbys so meeting her was a dream come true. She too was kind and wonderful and genuine.” Sharon Rose recalled a particular moment with Miss Rashad. “I had a sit down with her after a table read which is where the entire cast met for the first time to read through the script. She started talking to me about when they first did A Raisin in the Sun on Broadway and though it was just ten minutes with her it felt like a lifetime. She gave such good advice. She didn’t have to fake it at all.” “Everyone was phenomenal.” And neither does Sharon Rose have to fake it. And she too is phenomenal, humble and full of gratitude – a perfect combination for success. Listening to her story you can just tell that this is a queen that will continue to rise and reign for quite some time. Now you get it when I say that they hardly come any more gracious nor any more regal than Miss Sharon Rose? Check her out here: In Jingle Jangle now showing on Netflix IG: @sharonroselive, @bemajoracademy Facebook: Sharon Rose Twitter: @SharonRoseLive YouTube: Sharon Rose

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HANNAH MENTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

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Minister Model Launches Watch Brand

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y Rhoda Molife rhoda@houseofmutapa. com

Liverpool-based Zimbabwean pastor and model and our November 2019 cover feature Walter ‘Minister Model’ Chahwanda is a prime example of what it means to be entrepreneurially creative. As well as being a pastor and model whilst working full time, he recently launched, in the year of a pandemic, a chic and stylish watch brand, Kingdom Agents Watches. He gives us the back story to his new venture and how he bagged internationally-renowned gospel musical artists as brand ambassadors. “Because I’m a model, I’m always being approached to promote brands. After being approached a few times to model watches, I thought why don’t I do this for myself?” He’d always had ambitions to diversity in the fashion industry, with a Christian angle, but he knew that to do this he needed to go behind the scenes to control the narrative. Walter did not let the chaos of 2020 stop him and in October, he launched Kingdom Agents Watches; the meaning behind the name speaks to the fact that we are all on assignment from God. Each edition comes with a message. ‘God’s Time’ was the first one. “I think the way we were hit with the pandemic and all its ramifications is a reminder that this life and what happens is all on God’s time and not ours.” The most recent model is ‘The Five Fold Model’ that comes in five different colours. “I named this model after the concept of the five folds ministry that says there should be different

types of leaders within the church. This to me equates to diversity so this model comes with different looks for different occasions and feels.” What has Walter had to do differently in getting his brand off the ground in the current climate? “As sales are all online, it means that social media marketing has got to be on point. The graphics have to be slick and we have to use paid ads. One great thing is that we can also have an international sales team because we are not limited by geography or technology.” Another great move that Kingdom Agents Watches has done is to bag brand ambassadors who are prominent in the gospel music arena. Walter is also in music ministry (he sings and plays the piano) and back in 2015 he made some great connections in the industry when he toured the US. JJ Hairston, the Grammy-nominated and multiple award-winning gospel artist was the first ambassador. Others are equally well known and include Jekalyn Carr, Vashawn Mitchell and Michael Stuckey. What’s next for Kingdom Agents in 2021? “Right now, we are working on building a sales team to really push the brand to the next level. And, our 3rd edition will launch in February 2021 too.” We’re excited to see the next instalment. For more on Kingdom Agent Watches go to: IG: @kingdomagentsmovement Email: kingdomagentmovement@gmail.com HOUSE OF MUTAPA 37

HoM NEWS

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HoM NEWS

Cook Off The Movie Launches Online Shop

Photo Credit - https://cookoffthemovie.com/shop/

The team at Cook Off, the first Zimbabwean film to feature on Netflix, is spreading some more feel good vibes with the launch of their online shop. They’ve put together some classic lines from the film, along with designs from the team, to create a range of t-shirts, mugs and other accessories that celebrate Cook Off – and Zimbabwe. The move to bring their fans these souvenirs is in partnership with print-on-demand companies in the UK, Europe, Australia and North America. For all orders made until the end of December, 50% of profits will go to Kuchengetana Trust, which is doing essential work to help provide meals to vulnerable people in Chitungwiza and Epworth in Harare. The trust opened up to serve those in need during the COVID19 pandemic lockdown and now serves up to 3,000 meals per day. Additional territories will soon be available especially South Africa and Zimbabwe in partnership with local suppliers. To be kept informed of when certain Cook Off items become available in southern Africa, you can subscribe to updates here: https://cookoffthemovie.com/shop/ For urgent, premium shipping, email info@cookoffthemovie.com. The film is also now available to download from the iTunes Store, Google Play and Amazon Prime.

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HoM NEWS

Strive Masiyiwa, Founder of Econet, Joins Netflix Board of Directors

Photo Credit - The Rockefeller Foundation

This has been the year Zimbabwe made its mark on Netflix. We know about Cook Off streaming in June as the first Zim film on the platform and of course our cover girl Sharon Rose features in Jingle Jangle this month. Now one week ago, it was announced that Strive Masiyiwa, Zimbabwe’s billionaire telecoms mogul was appointed to the board. Co-chief executive Ted Sarandos is reported to have said of the appointment, “I’m thrilled to have Strive join our board as we expand more across Africa and the world.” In response to his appointment, Strive said, “Netflix is at the forefront of bringing great entertainment from anywhere in the world to everyone in the world, and I look forward to working with the board and all stakeholders to continue its traditions of innovation and growth.”

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HoM NEWS

Zimbabwean Cricket Prodigy Signed to Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club

Dane Schadendorf who made ten appearances for the Zimbabwe Under-19s was this month signed to a professional two-year contract with the British County Cricket Club, Nottinghamshire. He was recently with the rest of the Zimbabwe team at the ICC Under-19 World Cup squad in South Africa earlier this year. There he earned widespread acclaim for a back-handed stumping in a warm-up fixture against New Zealand that preceded the tournament. He was also a non-travelling reserve for the 2018 World Cup held in New Zealand. The former St. Johns College student is the latest Zimbabwean prodigy to sign a county contract after former national Under-17 cricket opener, Nick Welch, also signed with Leicestershire County Cricket Club this year.

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HANNAH MENTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

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Photo Credit - Hannah Mentz

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas Time

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chistmas memories A Chat with Mum

y Vannesa Y Moosa vannesach@gmail.com

Another year is coming to an end. A lot has happened, a lot has not. With many thoughts and emotions twirling, I decided to take a different approach to reflecting on life and what could be or could have been - take a look at it all through different eyes. So I took a trip down memory lane with my mother to find out how Christmas was back in the day. What happened, where, how, when and what it meant to her and the family. My mum turned 70 this year on November 27 and so I figured that as it was also towards the end of another year it would be good to share her memories. As we started chatting, mum had a nostalgic look in her eyes… Growing up what did Christmas mean to you? Christmas was a time for love and a time for family. A time to gather in one place almost

always in the rural home, which in the old days was home to most people as only a few were in the cities. People would mostly gather at the grandparents’ home and we would get to meet all our relatives - cousins, aunties and uncles, brothers and sisters, some from other homesteads or other towns or those few who worked in the cities. What was the highlight? The food and the presents of course. Each year we knew we would get a Christmas dress and new tackies. If your parents had money you would also get shoes. We would wake up early in the morning, bath and get dressed in our new clothes and take a walk around the neighbourhood obviously to show off to each other. The day was spent… … Laughing, eating, walking, running, eating, playing, dancing and eating some more (laughs). We made sure we cleared all chores to make space for preliminary preparations for the big day. What was on the Christmas menu back then? HOUSE OF MUTAPA 45

It depended on what the family could afford. Things like bread, rice and soft drinks were luxuries. But this was the one time that we would eat without restraint, without Mommy saying she was saving for tomorrow. Families would cook enough to share with others. Parents sacrificed to ensure each child would have what we called a little bit of heaven (laughing), meaning a bottle of Coke or Pepsi. There would always be traditional brew ready for the huge family gathering as well. Brunch was different dishes from chimodho (corn bread) and magwinya (fat cooks) with tea. Mommy would make strong tea with lots of rich milk… not this milk of these days which is watered down (chuckles). We would fill up Mommy’s rusero (winnowing basket) with bread cut up and filled with Stork margarine and Sun jam. Then we would all sit around usually under a big tree on marupasa (reed mats) and Baba or Sekuru would give grace and everyone would dig into the special yet simple meal. “Soft drinks were a luxury back in the day… Christmas was the one time we would have a full bottle or more each. This was when Coke and Pepsi were real good and would fizz a lot and if you drank it too fast it would bubble up and come back through your nose” What else did you eat? For dinner we would almost always have road runner stew with sadza and rice. Back then there was no spaghetti or macaroni; it was too expensive for most families. Different types of sadza would be prepared from gorosi (wheat), zviyo (finger millet), mapfunde (sorghum) or mhunga meal (bulrush millet). There would also be different types of mufushwa (dried food stuffs including vegetables, fruits or meats) including biltong. Dessert would be manwiwa (watermelon) chilled under the trees. Then after the meal we would have our soft drinks while the grownups would wind it all down with their hwahwa (traditional brew). What type of entertainment was available? You children have it easy nowadays. We didn’t have the luxury of CDs and movies. We had our own sing-alongs to popular township music. Yes, we would have the radio on here and HOUSE OF MUTAPA 46

there and dance to different songs. If the family had money, they would have the old long play records blasting on those old-fashioned gramophone radios. We would play field games, always careful not to get our Christmas clothes dirty. In the evening after supper, we would be dancing and laughing and merry making until the wee hours of the morning. What was your favourite moment through it all? The prospect of meeting all these new people, trying different dishes and of course my new clothes. Why do you think we no longer gather for Christmas? The times have changed. The family unit has been split due to different reasons as people die or emigrate for work. Families now travel around the country or abroad to holiday resorts and so forth. Others do not want to relive their ‘poor’ upbringing and would rather go and spend a lavish time out and about. Then there are those that are so afraid of gossip and jealousy and so-called satanism and witchcraft they don’t go to the rural areas anymore. But what can one do? I guess at the end of the day people just want to live their lives how they want and enjoy their holiday as they please. What do you want for Christmas?

(A huge sigh). What I would like now is to travel and spend time away from home, eat food cooked by other people, not make my bed, not sweep the house, not do the dishes, put my feet up and just spend the day relaxing and enjoying nature and my drink (chuckles mischievously). A word to people out there about family and holidaysâ&#x20AC;Ś Even if near or far, try to make time for family. The holidays are good as you have a lot of free time. Whether you are local or abroad, even a phone call speaks volumes, or with technology,

now you can make a Skype call and video chat and actually see your family on the other side of the world. Cherish those little encounters. Love and cherish your family Have a chat with your elders and have them share their experiences with the kidsâ&#x20AC;Ś traditional knowledge systems are after all, the key to our memories. Enjoy your family and loved ones and Happy Holidays!

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A Carol for Christmas

y Vannesa Moosa vannesach@gmail.com

Nearly everyone’s childhood memories of Christmas features carol singing and one carol that was always on the roster was ‘Silent Night’. It usually featured at the end of any sing-along and is one of the most popular, most loved, most performed, most sung, and most enjoyed carols of all time. It was initially written as a poem by the Austrian Joseph Mohr in 1816 and was inspired by the Christmas story of Jesus’ birth. Mohr wrote it as a celebration of the anticipation of the arrival of the newborn savior. The melody was arranged by Franz Xavier Gruber, a schoolmaster and organist in Arnsdorf, Austria, in 1818. Today, it has become strongly entrenched into popular culture and is the third best-selling music single of all time. It has been translated into over 300 languages and dialects including several regional African ones and here are some for you to enjoy.

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Silent Night Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin Mother and Child Holy infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace x2 Silent night, holy night Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing hallelujah Christ the Saviour is born x2 Silent night, holy night Son of God, loveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus, Lord at thy birth x2

Usiku Ihwohwo (Shona) Usiku ihwohwo! Vose vovatapo Bva vorinda ndiBambo naMai Vasvinura pamwana onai! Tisvinure nesu! x2 Usiku ihwohwo! Jesu wakatida Wakauya panyika kudai Wakaberekwa nhasi, farai Ngatifari nesu! x2 Usiku ihwohwo! Vouragu uko Vakaona vatumwa vaSHE Vachiimba svikai: Rugare Rwakasvika pasi! x2

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Busuku Obuhle (Zulu) Busuku obuhle

Bosigo Jo Bo Itshepileng (Setswana/Tswana)

Kuthulile konke nya

‘Sigo jo bo itshepileng

Emuzini eBethlehema

Tsotlhe di sisibetse

uMsindisi azelwe kuwo

Mme wa lekgarejane le Ngwana

Akadunyiswe uJesu! x2

Lesea le boitshepo le bonolo Robala kagisong ya selegodimo

Busuku obuhle

Robala kagisong ya selegodimo

abelusi nampaya bethandaza eBethlehema Nengelosi zihuba zithi

‘Sigo jo bo itshepileng,

“Gloria, Gloria, Gloria

Badisa ba a roroma ke pono eno

in excelsis Deo” x2

Dithoriso kgakala legodimong Baengele ba opela Haleluya

Busuku obuhle,

Kereste Mogolodi o bonwe

uMsindisi nanguya

Kereste Mogolodi o bonwe

Eze kithi eBethlehema Uze kusisindisa thina

Bosigo jo bo itshepileng

Asimdumise simbonge

Morwa Modimo, lesedi tota la lorato

kuze kube nini x2

Kgalalelo e benya ‘fatlhegong se boitshepo Ka tshwaro e re e lefelwang Jesu, Morena, tsalong jwa’go

- Happy Caroling -

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A Recipe for the Festive Season by

Carl Joshua Ncube

Beef Casserole Ingredients 1kg beef cuts and fillets 2 carrots 2 onions 10 cherry tomatoes 1 litre chicken stock 1/4 cup masala spice mix 5 spring onions 1 cup coriander 5 tsp chopped garlic Method In hot oil sear the beef pieces. Add onions, garlic and mix well until the onions are translucent. Add the spice mix and toast. Add carrots, cherry tomatoes and mix well until the tomatoes begin to break down. Add chicken stock and leave to simmer for 2 hours. Just before serving, add corianderfor a fresh taste HOUSE OF MUTAPA 51