Zim Abroad Magazine issue 1 by Zim Abroad Magazine

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ZiM-ABROAD MAG AZI NE

ISSUE NO. 01 May 2017

Judy Goddard’s

Mufakose Ladies

Masiwela leads events industry

Give back to community

in Africa

TAPONESWA MAVUNGA

S. Gabriel Shumba INSPIRES “waterhole millionaires”

Taking Zimbabwe’s Music To The World Stage

Zimbabwe And Its Diaspora

Esther Zeigler-Mano living her soccer dream 2397-2173

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A LETTER FROM EDITORIAL Ignat enditatiorae endic te nim etur, quodicto mint is alis ulliquatia derciunt mod que eatolorei cipsuion poreicil iuntis expernatur arciam Dae pore exerundit hit enturis sinto mo vendandem. Nam que omnihil ipsa sunt et, volor reprorio tectur sus qui dolorporit Igenimus sit etur molentiur, nos et prestios moluptatusNobitat. Us venimin providel estiandem sinctem facit aut laborat atempore id quia natur? Ihic tesecus sus. Volores sequiam, aciusam esciis exerfer estemporae inm fugiat undam fugias qui tecus dolorem enit volo beatiam qui repuda dolestrumqui ideste consequi re volorem reptatet officiis earuptat ipsa sam, tem idest, cullore puditatur audandi si volorep eligendam, ommoloribus re qui dolupta que dolupta vellitatem qui dolut verorep tionsequBis incipsa quis nobitium rerfers pelique nimi, qui dus, quis mo quos andi voluptat. Lorum eos accatur ionsequis et, eicite volut etIquame dero beatureicium isque mos moloremVidebit quae. Ari dellorem inturibus que commodi non pressi des perum volo vel ipsaniscius abo. Namet, nihil eum ulliquam, voloreius. Re dolland itaquunt od expe volluptatem que perem explaut autem imporpo remque dollora voloria dolores equam,

John Doe Anything Executive johndoeanything@kingtown.com

FEATURING

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CONTENTS CREDITS

CONTENTS 09

Publisher Conrad Mwanza - conrad@cmgmedia.co.uk

UK Diaspora Holds Great Potential For Zimbabwe’s Development

Group Business Director Louis Charema - louis@cmgmedia.co.uk

Editor

Zimbabwe and Its Diaspora

Martin Chemhere - martin@zim-abroad.com

Global Health Expert And Business Mogule Taponeswa Mavunga: Taking Zim Music To Global Stage

Mufakose Ladies. UK Gives Back To Community

Masiwela Leads Events Industry in Africa

Sub Editor Yolanda N Chavi Contributor/Content Advisor Chofamba Sithole

Photography Michael Stafford Felix Moyo Star Baptista

Design Charly Makwanya - www.hustleandfunk.com

Website Edwin Bonono

Published by

S. Gabriel Shumba Inspires Waterhole Millionaires

Meet Musa Saurombe One of Africa’s Leading Brains

CMG International Media Group 27 OldGloucester Street, London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3AX 4 Northgate View Douglas Crescent Johannesburg Advertising Enquiries info@zim-abroad.com

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE A new publication set to bring excitement

“

“Dream your dream; and realize that you’re more than just a dreamer. You are the point of origin for its reality,” from the multiple award winning American Doctor Steve Maraboli.

Now I can say “warm welcome” to the first edition of the Zim Abroad Magazine. This new publication is set to bring excitement and respect among Zimbabweans while also helping further transform the international media publishing landscape. It derives its term from “Zimbabwean diaspora” a reference to nationals from Zimbabwe who left after independence beginning in 1980 to live in other countries in southern Africa, Africa or overseas.

Years after establishing the ZAA, I envisioned another dream of developing a publication which would complement the awards brand but I had to hold back for a while. I pondered on how best to unleash it, as well as how the readers (especially my fellow Zimbabweans and others) will receive it. I am more than just a dreamer, a personal mantra that has defined my success as I have managed to make the ZAA brand a reality. As the visionary of the ZAA trademark, I was in a better position to be the initiator of the Zim Abroad Magazine. However, it was not always smooth sailing as I procrastinated setting the wheels in motion. I had to remind myself of the early stages of the ZAA event and how that had succeeded to reach the entire globe. Therefore, the publication would start the same way – small but cautious. Together with my business partner, Louis Charema, affectionately known as “Chief of Staff” we are delighted to have embarked on this journey which we hope you will all enjoy.

This magazine is published by CMG International Media Group (www.cmgmedia.co.uk) that I founded in the United Kingdom, the birth place of the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards International brand. Articles included in this magazine will promote the Zimbabwean communities abroad; be non-partisan; apolitical editorial and progressive in nature. We will also talk about non-Zimbabwean people or organisations involved in one way or the other with our beautiful country wherever they are. The magazine will be brought to you in various forms including print, online and mobile platforms. Content will mainly be based on biographies, profiles as well as the news since many people in far flung corners of the world or back at home would are keen to be in the know. From now on you will be regularly informed, educated or entertained by Zim Abroad Magazine as different personalities in the Zimbabwean Diaspora community continue to excel abroad. My dream has come true, it now needs your support.

Conrad Mwanza

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EDITOR’S NOTE Tell us about Zimbabweans doing wonders in what may be viewed as “unusual” corners of the world such as Mongolia, Vanuatu, Djibouti, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, Malta, Pakistani, Iran, Iceland, Jamaica, Venezuela, and we will gladly follow them up and bring their stories to life in your beautiful magazine.

t is always a great honour to be the one who leads in a revolution. The one who puts the head on the block for the world to dissect in whatever way they like, especially these days of social media that gives us the ability to become judges at the stroke of a button. Despite the above, I am more than glad to lead as I relish an opportunity to further my career littered with all sorts of titles over the years. I am more than glad fronting a media revolution, and one that I believe is noble one – to give Zimbabweans across the world a voice. Perhaps more exciting is that the first edition gives special recognition to a woman blazing trails in the media and arts industry, a background that I share unashamedly and love so much, with our cover story featuring Taponeswa Mavunga. This lady is remarkable, on top of the arts and entertainment world leading the publicity department of an international music label. We recognize her work as an individual and at the same time show our support for the extraordinary work that she is doing as a leading light in the Zimbabwean Diaspora community. There is no doubt that most women are still undervalued in a number of industries, including business, and we unequivocally give a standing ovation to trail blazing businesswomen like her, among others of course, who are riding the crest of a wave in their various industries with their passion and energy. After breaking the ice with this globe-trotting lady of the creative arts, we don’t tire, as we further zone in on such great business women luminaries like Judith Todd, Lettie Chimbi, Lorraine Mudzimu and Ester Mano, all proudly Zimbabwean ladies announcing to the entire world that women are not to be looked down upon as they are equally capable as leaders given the support.

Then there is an article about sistren Shanice Lindsay, a non-Zimbabwean who has recognized the power of our home country’s soil by getting involved in a unique farming project with such aplomb. This maiden issue also brings you some of the world’s great man like S. Gabriel Shumba, who is making a big roar from the US as an investor and business magnate; Dr Ian Chikanza, an internationally renowned health expert, among other stories you readers will likely find exciting and informative. We also bring to you the ZAA in pictures, in line with images telling a thousand words as well to complement our sister events company the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards International brand. Get ready Zimbos, as the slang goes to be informed, educated or entertained by Zim Abroad magazine with these and more. Feel free to let us know your thoughts about this publication, as we will attempt to improve it in all sorts of ways possible. Tell us about Zimbabweans doing wonders in what may be viewed as “unusual” corners of the world such as Mongolia, Vanuatu, Djibouti, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, Malta, Pakistani, Iran, Iceland, Jamaica, Venezuela, and we will gladly follow them up and bring their stories to life in your beautiful magazine. Zim Abroad Magazine is your best information tool about Zimbabweans in the Diaspora whether in Africa or overseas. Enjoy this first edition, we promise to excite all the way?

It is important to note the coverage of Judy as she is in an industry that gave birth to this publication in some way and which we complement.

Martin Chemhere

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CHOFAMBA SITHOLE JOURNALIST, EDITOR AND STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONAL The Zimbabwean community in the UK has come a long way

aspirations for the good of Zimbabwe. In this context, govern-

from its fledgling roots back in the pre-independence era,

ment engagement efforts need to become more than shake-

through to the late 90s to 2000s when migration into the

down initiatives and seek to add value to the home-diaspora

country reached its peak.

relationship by responding to the needs of the diaspora.

In 2013, the UK’s Office of National Statistics estimated the

For instance, in the UK, an improvement to consular ser-

total population of UK residents born in Zimbabwe to be

vices at the Zimbabwe Embassy in London is sorely needed.

110,000, although Zimbabwean community organisations

Whether it is birth registrations or passport renewals or any

and leaders estimate the total to be upwards of 200,000.

official government documentation service, one must arrange

More than 20 years after the onset of the largest wave of

this for oneself directly with government offices in Harare.

migration to the UK, many of these first-generation mi-

The country’s embassies across the world have not trans-

grants will have started families of their own and added to

formed fast enough to respond to the new reality of settled

their number. Ties to the homeland remain very strong, as

communities in their countries of operation.

evidenced by the hundreds of millions of pounds that Zimba-

Given this new reality, it is perhaps a reasonable expectation

bweans in the UK contribute to the Zimbabwean economy

that the Foreign Affairs Ministry ensures that its staff who

each year through remittances. Zimbabwe also remains the

are posted at embassies in countries with significant Zim-

top destination for most Zimbabweans travelling outside

babwean communities are trained in diaspora engagement

of the UK each year, which is a major boost to the country’s

approaches. The current estrangement between embassy

tourism sector.

and community is unhelpful and needs to be replaced with

The level of contribution that any diaspora community can

closer ties. The embassy’s facilities on The Strand could also

make towards its homeland is tied to that community’s

be made more accessible for community events and help

level of security in their adopted country, in terms of leave

promote greater relations and enhance mutual understand-

to remain, which determines access to the job and financial

ing and national identity and pride.

markets. While the struggle for “papers” dominated the real-

The Zimbabwean community in the UK is one of the most

ity of a significant number of Zimbabweans, say, 10 years ago,

prosperous among the Zimbabwean diaspora, with significant

today this struggle has pretty much been won and Zimba-

financial muscle and access to credit. It lends itself well to

bweans in the UK represent a settled and secure community,

corporate Zimbabwe as a lucrative market from which much

save for a few pockets of those still stranded on the margins

value can be extracted. For instance, Zimbabwean compa-

of the immigration system.

nies like the Econet Group and its subsidiaries have made

A settled community represents immense potential in terms

successful forays into the UK and launched financial and

of the value that can be unlocked through innovative, open-

mobile services products that have been well received by the

minded and good-spirited engagement initiatives with the

Zimbabwean market.

homeland. While the Zimbabwean government has now

New entrants such as mobile airtime transfer start-up Sen-

adopted a diaspora policy, the experience of engagement

ditoo have also seen similar success with the Zimbabwean

remains marginal and bureaucratic and is driven by one-way

market, and the door remains open to many more corporate

motivations in which the government aims to increase its rev-

players. The market clearly has room for mortgage and other

enue through unlocking more remittances from the diaspora.

financial services providers offering tailored products at com-

Lost in this engagement is the necessary and comprehensive

petitive rates of interest to harness the deep potential that

socio-cultural and civic engagement that recognises, first and

remains within the Zimbabwean market in the UK ...

foremost, that we are one family, one Zimbabwe, one transnational cultural community tied together in our common

Read full article on www.zim-abroad.com

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ZIMBABWE AND ITS DIASPORA

The above is what the Zim Abroad magazine will explore and bring to you in various exciting forms including print, online and mobile platforms.

Most of the recent relocation has been based on economic reasons, as many sought for work opportunities in high performing economies of the west and across the border in South Africa. There has also been many who leave the country for educational purposes all over the world. When people seek work opportunities outside their home country they find it easy to settle near where they work and thus they become residents of that particular country for some time depending on their permit requirements. However, most Zimbabweans living outside the country have been in their chosen destinations for decades, forming emerging communities of the Zimbabwean Diaspora. The above is what the Zim Abroad magazine will explore and bring to you in various exciting forms including print, online and mobile platforms. Content of the magazine will mainly be based on biographies and profiles, as well as news since many people whether back at home or in far flung corners of the world would be keen to know. The magazine derives its term from “Zimbabwean diaspora” a reference to nationals from Zimbabwe who left after independence beginning in 1980 to live in other countries in southern Africa, Africa or overseas. Statistics: It is usually reported that statistics on accurate figures of Zimbabweans in the diaspora are hard to come by due to several factors, including that many leave the country without proper documentation. Nevertheless, this won’t be the focus of the magazine as we would like to stay away from “politics” and remain a truly family or business magazine highlighting fellow countrymen and their achievements in their newly adopted homes.

Of the nations with the highest numbers of Zimbabwean immigrants South Africa is reported to have the highest, mainly for its proximity to Zimbabwe as well as its economic power in Africa that enables it to offer a vast number of employment opportunities. The UK, US, Australia and Canada follow in that order according to official information and this order is what the magazine will like follow in terms of sourcing content or focus. However, there will be unique information on Zimbabweans doing wonders elsewhere in far corners of the world that may not be popular for now like China, Bangladesh, Hawai, Trinidad and Tobago, Djibouti, Mauritania, Venezuela, and Pakistan and so on. One key trend of the Zimbabwean diaspora is that while immigrants leave with one country destination in mind, say the UK or South Africa, sometimes they later move on to settle in another country. Under such situations, a sizable number continue to move to Australia as well as New Zealand for various reasons. According to Wikipedia, many people have since the pre-independence era been going to work in South Africa, usually over a short period of time. In essence, provisional employment relocation to South Africa has always marked the relationship of the two countries before and after independence.

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Historically, Zimbabweans started to go outside the country in the 60s, mainly for study or to gain religious knowledge. Their destinations included mainly the US and Britain. Many began to leave the country from the 80s, 90s and 2000s.

In the 70s many young and middle aged men left Zimbabwe to work in the mines during a campaign dubbed “Wenela” or “Wenera”. Reports says that a 2002 survey by the Southern African Migration Project show that almost 25% of adult Zimbabweans’ parents or grandparents had worked in South Africa at some point in their lives. However, permanent emigration is a relatively new phenomenon. Estimates put the number of Zimbabweans outside the country into millions, who were born in their countries of residence or are children of immigrants. In 2008 up to 5 million Zimbabweans were living in neighboring South Africa. The UK is thought to have the highest numbers after South Africa, with over 200, 000 nationals. The USA has about 50, 000; Australia has in excess of 30, 000 Zimbabweans while Botswana’s numbers were over 100, 000 and Canada’s were estimated at around 50, 000. While South Africa, Botswana, The UK, USA, Canada and Australia has formed the major destinations for Zimbabweans, countries like New Zealand, Namibia, and some Asian countries are increasingly becoming hosts. Remittances: Like elsewhere, immigrant Zimbabweans are playing a major role, by contributing to the development of their home coun-

try’s economy in a way never before imagined? Information says that the year 2015 alone saw them sending home in excess of US$1 billion in the past 17 months. The fact that the Zimbabwean government recently unveiled the Diaspora Policy that will set mechanisms and an institutional framework to facilitate the reception of cash from the millions outside the borders bears testimony to the major role being played by Zimbabweans abroad in the development of their home country. Going to work abroad for many Zimbabweans has also come at a price as the home country has reportedly “suffered from severe brain drain”. However, host countries continue to reap rewards as a result of educated Zimbabweans on their doorsteps. Many are enjoying top level positions in the corporate world from South Africa to the UK. You shall be reading all about them in line with objectives of this magazine. Looking at the nature of how a reasonable number of Zimbabweans leave the country, it may be extremely difficult to accurately estimate the number of immigrants forever. The bottom line is however that the country will keep benefiting from remittances, whether they are from documented or undocumented immigrants. Bilateral arrangement: But there is need to explore ways to properly document everyone, for administrative purposes both in Zimbabwe and in the host countries. Already efforts to document Zimbabweans have paid off in South Africa where an estimated 250, 000 have received work, study or business permits under the Zimbabwe Dispensation Programme. Other countries around Africa and overseas have smaller numbers of Zimbabwean communities such as Tanzania and Sudan where teachers have found jobs at a bilateral arrangement with the Zimbabwean government. Get ready to be informed, educated or entertained by Zim Abroad magazine as Zimbabwean immigrants continue to make it big abroad like Dereck Chisora (boxer, UK), Sindiso Dabengwa (former MTN CEO, South Africa) and Danai Gurupira (actor, USA).

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As a black person, you meet and face prejudice every day. This can make you want to give up. It’s very bad in the medical field and all sorts of excuses are used in the system to attempt to stop you from progressing. This has been the struggle of my life in the UK.

GLOBAL HEALTH EXPERT AND BUSINESS MOGUL

r Chikanza was born and grew up in Chegutu, Zimbabwe. Attended St Ignatius College, University of Zimbabwe and furthered specialist training in the UK at Kings Guy & St Thomas’ Hospital and Medical School, London, UK; the Royal College of Physicians, London, UK and Tufts Medical School, Floating Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. It was in the 1990s when he left Zimbabwe. Since leaving Zimbabwe he further improved his educational status acquiring qualifications such as a MB - Bachelor of Medicine; ChB - Bachelor of Surgery; MRCP - Member of the Royal college of Physicians, London; FRCP - Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London; FRCPCH - Fellow of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, London and FACP - Fellow of the American College of Physicians, USA. All this medical industry success is the culmination of fulfilling his parents’ wish as he said, “my parents encouraged me to be a doctor.” His business interests include running a petrochemical manufacturing plant in South Africa. Asked about how he got into this line of work (petrochemical) he said, “A gentleman I met in Cape Town encouraged me to go into the petrochemical field and also introduced me into the oil business opportunity.” Replying to how big or successful his business has now become, he said: “Business is tough in Africa but we are preparing for the economic turn-around which we can sense (is) round the corner.”

In 2008 whilst in Cape Town, he set up Sachi Chemicals SA and Sachi Oil SA, a 100% black owned petrochemical company by acquiring petrochemical manufacturing plants from Engen / ExxonMobil Company in South Africa.

Asked to explain the challenges he faced when he came to the UK, either in further educating himself or establishing his business he had this to say: “As a black person, you meet and face prejudice every day. This can make you want to give up. It’s very bad in the medical field and all sorts of excuses are used in the system to attempt to stop you from progressing. This has been the struggle of my life in the UK. “You have to be at least 10 times better than your white counter-part to get anywhere. I had a number of mentors in my carrier who supported me strongly both professionally and emotionally: Prof Rodney Grahame and Dr Mike Wright in the UK; Prof Jimmy Thomas, Prof Charles Olweny and Mr Mauchaza in Zimbabwe; Dr Ron Wilder, NIH, Bethesda, Washington USA.” Dr Chikanza is no doubt an international role model and he gave advice to others who may look up to him. “Remain focussed. Know and stick to your roots. Be proud to be black and believe in yourself. If you do not have a solid background and believe in yourself, it’s difficult to succeed in the UK environment. “My parents and family have been very important to me and their support has been invaluable for my success.” His secrets to success are many, and these encompass replies like: “Always working hard and striving to become the best. Tenacity and diligence in everything I do. Putting God first in everything I do. Love of mankind. Believing in myself that God has given me the talents and that I should use them to bear fruit.Never giving up and also coming up with strategies to succeed and support of my parents and family.” In his work he is motivated by the “drive to succeed and to be the best”, “love of mankind and God” and the cliché “The sky is the limit.” Dr Chikanza impressed as a humble and approachable personality despite his global success. After requesting an interview, he responded quickly, in just a couple of days. This demonstrates that despite his massively busy schedule he embodies the decency, kind heart and professionalism to respond timeously to each and everyone around him who needs his service. Read full article on www.zim-abroad.com

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LETTIE CHIMBI: CHAMPIONS POVERTY ALLEVIATION “I was born in Bulawayo, left when I was 12 years old, my father was pensioned and we went to Chivi to our rural home,” says 62 year old Lettie Chimbi, a resident of Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom. Leaving city life may have been a sad part of her early life but it did not deter her from working later in life, before she left Zimbabwe, for the Ministry of Transport, Central Vehicle Registry from 1980 to 1996. In her working career in Zimbabwe she has worked as a clerical assistant from 1980, then promoted to senior clerk in 1983, before she was transferred to the Inland Waterways in 1991, then promoted to executive officer from 1991 to 1996. She then left the programme called Voluntary Retirement (VR) as it was popularly known to go to the UK in 1998. By that time most people had begun to go and work outside the country. Currently she works in development, in what she called third sector community development work, a volunteer in many community projects. “I worked for Swansea Social Services as a support worker, resettling people with special needs from institutions back in to the communities. At that time I also became a Board Member of all the Housing Associations as well as Swansea Council itself,” she explains. “When many people from all over the world where given status to live in the UK, I was given the task by the Chairman of the Board, to interview every nationality who was involved in that scheme, and lived in and around Swansea, fed back to the board. As many people had children of school going age. “This Board was a strategic management board. They wanted to resettle people in the communities they wanted to live and work, in other words giving people choices, and it was a very successful project. Swansea Social Services was a very good employer, training and staff development was one of their priorities, I am proud to be one of the beneficiaries.

“I also work as a personal assistant / live-in care assistant, a job that I really enjoy from time to time. “From that experience, I could see myself in my own village in Chivi (Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe) doing the same thing. Transferring my skills to my own country is just an added bonus, I am a hands own person, If I start something, I have to nature it and see the results, learn from my mistakes. A holder of a Masters in Gender and Culture, International Development Studies, 2013/14 academic year, she graduated in January 2015 at Swansea University. She noted that when she arrived in the UK, there was a need for her to get involved in many different organisations because she could read and write English, Shona and she also understands and speaks a bit of Ndebele. “In this part of the world, if you understand more than two languages, you can be used as a translator,” she explains. “I wanted to help, worked with woman from all over the world; however, instead of doing the work, I now had the passion to empower women and also empowering myself”. This prepared her for the kind of work that she does at the moment, working with women in the rural areas

I wanted to help, worked with woman from all over the world; however, instead of doing the work, I now had the passion to empower women and also empowering myself.

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of Zimbabwe under the banner of Chomuzangari Women’s Cooperative, based in Chivi District. This is a charitable incorporated organization registered in the United Kingdom, and established in July 2016. The story of Chivi is well documented in Zimbabwe as it is “a drought-prone area, north of Mwenezi and west of Masvingo occupied mainly by subsistence farmers”. “The business depends on donors, we work from one project to another, depending on which donor is interested in what you are doing”, she explains about her charitable work. However before that, she had faced challenges in the UK of learning the skills of running a charity volunteering for years without getting any money, which she said was “hard”. At the same time it was tough working to sustain her and young children. After many years of volunteering, and learning, she then managed to go to university, and she now runs the charity registered both in the UK and in Zimbabwe. Though the Chomuzangari Women’s Cooperative has been successful she advises those who may look up to her thus, “do not give up.” While her secret to success has been “listen to others, and learn to do

things the right way,” backed up by the motto “work is pleasure.” She explains that the co-operative is dedicated to the empowerment of women and young people especially those from the marginalized section of the society towards a decent and fulfilling life. “The co-operative subscribes to the conceptual framework of sustainable development as espoused by the Economic Commission of Africa in their report on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the southern African sub-region that is embracing the economic, environmental and social dimensions of welfare which are mutually correlated. “The outcome document entitled ‘The Future We Want’ produced by the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio +20) in June 2012 in Brazil gave meaning to the founding of this organisation. Chomuzangari derived from the perceived inclusiveness of the SDGs as pronounced in the ‘Future We Want’. “In essence the ‘Future We Want’ can best be described by the very people who are facing the challenges of rural life in Zimbabwe.” Chomuzangari Women’s Cooperative has a partner in Zimbabwe, Hope Foundation, an organization with a similar focus on several projects including empowering women in rural areas, through food security, education, water and sanitation. “We could not have done this if we did not get support from our very own Hub Cymru Africa and the Welsh government. Thanks to the staff who work tirelessly to make people’s dreams come true”, she paid tribute. Reflecting on her early days in Zimbabwe she had this to say: “I do not think it was a sad beginning, I had a very good childhood and going to Chivi as a family made it perfect. We had to adjust, as children we did not take long to get used to the new environment.” Visit their website www.chomuzangari.org.

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SHANICE LINDSAY: CHARMED BY ZIMBABWE After the British-Jamaican lady visited with her colleagues to Zimbabwe recently she fell in love with the southern African country such that they have now mooted mega plans to turn around and re-write the country’s agrarian landscape and history. Zim Abroad Magazine Editor Martin Chemhere brings you the full story. Currently based in London, England, she had this say: “I have visited and stayed in Harare and Bulawayo. I intend to return to become involved in agricultural and agribusiness projects aimed at helping to build farming cooperatives and find new markets for their produce.” She holds a masters degree in Public Sector Strategy, her background is in the field of Economic Development and Regeneration, Community Development and Engagement, Race Relations and Project Management. She has worked in the public, private and charity sector in various senior management capacities managing a variety of large projects.

In Zimbabwe she and her business colleagues will partner with cluster organisations that are working with rural farmers to access organically grown healthy produce for the local, regional and international markets. ‘Our aim is to build models that can be expanded and replicated in other regions”, she explains. “Through our product marketing campaign we aim to promote selected organically grown produce as a healthy alternative to GM (genetically modified) stable crops and raise awareness of its health and nutritional benefits as a stimulus for improving health.

Her interest in agriculture was sparked whilst working in local government on rural regeneration schemes. The work tied in well with her specialization in Project Management using the Prince 11 methodology for managing large projects.

“We also aim to promote diaspora trips to Zimbabwe and diaspora investment in the agricultural sector to empower and strengthen local farmers, create jobs for young people and women and to help create a regular and sustained income.”

“My methodology is to organise, mechanise and industrialise and in so doing create jobs, increase agricultural output and source new markets within the sector,” she explains.

Why specifically did she and her colleagues choose Zimbabwe for the project? “On visiting Zimbabwe, we were warmly welcomed and embraced by our African brothers and sisters. We were blown away by the hospitality we received,” she explains. She notes that together with her group they were also however, concerned to observe the extent to which GM corn is grown and eaten as the main staple diet and the growing fast food culture and its potential long-term health impact due to its lack of nutritional value. This is despite the existence of a wealth of alternative nutritional foods, which is presently being consumed far less despite their rich dietary fibres, abundance of antioxidants, vitamin A, B, C, D, E, potassium and Beta Carotene. The main aim of their business is to stimulate a demand for these alternative produce, to promote the significant health benefits, that comes from eating a healthy diet and generate more knowledge, through the marketing of the products. Read full article on www.zim-abroad.com We also aim to promote diaspora trips to Zimbabwe and diaspora investment in the agricultural sector to empower and strengthen local farmers, create jobs for young people and women and to help create a regular and sustained income

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ESTHER ZEIGLER-MANO LIVING HER SOCCER DREAM She is a leading light in the global media and arts industry, a talent and expert who continuously rub shoulders with the best. Most would certainly envy her profession and the role she plays as a front runner in shaping up and spearheading top class musical entertainment. Zim Abroad Magazine caught up with her to tell us more. Martin Chemhere (MC): Congratulations for being chosen as one of only 12 finalists selected by Arsenal FC from around the world, when was this and how did you feel? Esther Zeigler-Mano (EZM): I applied mid-year 2016, during my final year at high school, and I was so nervous about taking that giant leap towards my dreams. When I got the email of acceptance I was both overjoyed and shocked, I remember just standing there after reading it with my hand over my mouth and tears filling my eyes. I couldn’t believe what had been deemed impossible for so many just became a reality. MC: Where were you born and grew up? EZM: I am half Zimbabwean and half American. My dad was born and raised in Murehwa. I was born in Harare and grew up there my whole life. Zimbabwe is my home.

MC: Tell us the city you are currently based? EZM: I just finished the first stage of the Arsenal Gap Year Programme, which was based at the Arsenal hub in London. I am now off to the Philippines for stage 2 of the programme to put what I learnt to practice and coach there for three months. MC: What soccer course are you attending now and tell us how you finding it? EZM: I have completed my FA level 1, the first block of FA level 2 and have done extensive coach education with Arsenal. I had never done anything like these courses so of course I found them challenging but it’s my passion so that always overrides everything else.

MC: Name the schools that you attended?

MC: Tell us how you got into train as a soccer coach?

EZM: My primary school was Bishopslea Preparatory School for Girls, which I attended from grade 1-7. Then moved to Arundel School for high school, class of 2016.

EZM: When I was young I always said I was going to be a football coach, the first women to manage a male side and from then onwards it just stuck. That’s what I want to live up to.

MC: When did you leave Zimbabwe?

MC: Why did you choose soccer and not other sports?

EZM: I left Zimbabwe last November. Literally after my final A Level exam I hoped on the plane to London to start this amazing adventure I’m on.

EZM: In school I did so many sports, like basketball, athletics, cross-country, etc and of course soccer. But soccer has always been my love. From a young age soccer became more than a sport, it taught me so many life skills but also was there to distract me from the stress or frustration I was facing and simply drift away. I had seen the impact soccer had on the lives of Zimbabweans, how in tough situations people could watch a match and it’s as if for those 90 minutes all their stresses leave them. 90 minutes of freedom because when a person supports a team they always have something to believe, that sense of hope is always there. Soccer brings the whole world together in that sense. Read full interview at www.zim-abroad.com

I had seen the impact soccer had on the lives of Zimbabweans, how in tough situations people could watch a match and it’s as if for those 90 minutes all their stresses leave them.

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TAPONESWA MAVUNGA: TAKING ZIM MUSIC TO GLOBAL STAGE She is a leading light in the global media and arts industry, a talent and expert who continuously rub shoulders with the best. Most would certainly envy her profession and the role she plays as a front runner in shaping up and spearheading top class musical entertainment. Zim Abroad Magazine caught up with her to tell us more. I would like see the country (Zimbabwe) really supporting artists. I would love for people to understand musicians work so hard creating the art so we must respect it and them. We must pay to see our favourite artists at shows and support those we love so they can do more. Corporates must place proper monetary value when booking artists too. This is the only way artists can survive.

Fast forward to now - I am head of publicity for Columbia Records, part of Sony Music Entertainment and I love what I do. ZA: Tell us some of the artists you have worked with?

Zim Abroad (ZA): Tell us about your roots in Zimbabwe? Taponeswa Mavunga (TM): I am from Musana, Bindura... My parents left my sister and I with our paternal grandparents, when they moved to the UK for university and one of my very earliest memories is of my paternal grandmother. People tell me I was always tagging along behind her emulating her which means bossing the other muzukurus around... one day in the distance, I heard a noise I could not place and asked Ambuya what it was. She responded “Hondo mwanangu” and I never forgot that word since. ZA: Which city are you currently based? TM: London ZA: Tell us about your profession and how you got into your line of work? TM: I studied English at university not really knowing what I wanted to do. But growing up music dominated my life and the lives of all my friends so when I graduated I took a year out to prepare to do a teachers training course. It was during that year of working part time as a learning mentor in a Secondary School and part time at Selfridges that I volunteered in music and media companies because I just wanted to learn how it all worked. And I did... I pretty much worked for free in various places but I genuinely learned the ropes and made genuine connections - which in the music industry is gold dust. I got my real break when I started at reception for Warner Music. Once I was in, I worked my way up into PR for Atlantic Records. I stayed at that company for many years.

TM: I have worked with a range of artists. At Warner Music, I did press for JAY Z’s The Blueprint 3 album (and won an award for my PR campaign). That was an amazing experience. I have also worked on press campaigns for P Diddy, Trey Songz, Estelle, Santigold, Toni Braxton, Missy Elliott, Sean Paul, Wiz Khalifa, Rudimental and Ed Sheeran to name a few. When I moved to South Africa to head Talent & Music at Viacom Africa - I got great insight to the continent in general. MTV Base Africa played a key role in expanding African music over the last decade so I really feel privileged to have played a part of that story. My role at MTV included making playlist decisions and I spent a lot of time trying to get information out there on how African artists could submit their work to the channel. In addition to this, I got to work very closely with the likes of AKA and his team at Vth Season. It was really important to me to create routes/systems for the music to travel internationally and when AKA was first play listed on BBC 1xtra (and subsequently stayed on there for three months), it opened him up to a whole new market. The station ended up tipping him as One To Watch for 2016 - the first South African to ever receive that accolade. I also worked closely with Pato Ranking and Seyi Shay who both signed international deals during that time. I really got to know and work with artists from all over Africa such as Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Davido, K.O, Yemi Alade, Black Motion, Diamond Platnumz, Stonebwoy, Sauti Sol and many many more... I was part of the team behind the MAMAs (2015) too which was hugely rewarding but incredibly hard work. Where I am now at Columbia Records is brilliant. The label has a varied roster which I love - from Foo Fighters, Kings Of Leon, Bob Dylan to Rag N Bone Man, Bonzai, to Wizkid and Davido. It’s a great place to work.

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ZA: Name some Zimbabwean talent you are into at the moment?

ZA: What about Zim musicians living in UK? Are you connected?

TM: There’s a great deal of talent within Zimbabwe. I’m really into Jah Prayzah. The ambition and drive of this young man is very inspiring. I love that he and his manager Keen think pan Africa wide. That mindset alone has made a huge impact on his career so I was so proud when he won an MTV award in the Listeners Choice category for ‘Watora Mari’, the collaboration he did with Diamond Platnumz. I am Team JP all the way.

TM: I love Jusa Dementor. He’s a secret ingredient for the success of many artists (he produced Mukoko by Ammara Brown and Tytan). Going back further in time, I remember seeing a video he did called African Airhorn Dance and the effect that track had on me. Jusa was one of the reasons I started really paying attention to what was going on in Zimbabwe. He’s a true creative who produces and mentors and is an all rounder. I think the country needs more like him. He introduced me to the phenomenal Cynthia Mare who hands down for me is one of Zimbabwe’s greatest vocal talents.

I also REALLY love Ammara Brown. She’s a truly versatile artist who has the potential to break outside the Zim market. The energy she brings to a live show is sensational and she’s someone who I believe will go very far. Gemma Griffiths... I recognise in her something uniquely special. When I first saw a clip of her covering Andy Brown’s ‘Mapurisa’ I was intrigued. But then she played me some of her own stuff both in English and Shona. She’s an excellent songwriter. I’m really excited for her. She currently has a track with DJ Askery called ‘Headlights’ which is a small glimpse into her international appeal. I love the Zim dancehall scene. I’m a massive fan of Winky D. But I also love the producers - like Oskid and DJ Tamuka. I first came across those two on a track called ‘Kwandabva Kure’ with Natty O which was on a brilliant label Kenako Music - not sure whatever happened to that label but I used to follow all their releases. ZA: Tell us a bit more about your Zimbabwe interests? TM: I am a fan of ZiFM Stereo and when it first launched, I was mentoring two presenters Dan and Lo who had a show called Off The Wall. I’m still really great friends with them both. Those two taught me a lot about the difference scenes in Zim, especially Dan (@dannythatguy), whose music knowledge is almost like an encyclopaedia. It’s really good to see artists develop and I have spoken at events such as the NAMAs encouraging artists to learn the business but also how they can get their music heard in the digital age. I am also a massive supporter of the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards brand and the incredible work done by Conrad Mwanza and his team. The Zim space is not easy and I remember early conversations with him about broadening the mostly politically fuelled narrative around Zimbabwe to include other layers. Zimbabweans who are outstanding in their different areas in business, sport, the arts, tourism - the list goes on. ZAA has also been a great platform for Zim artists. It was at the first ZAA at the Mermaid Theatre in London that I fell in love with Cynthia Mare’s voice. US artist Tinashe made her debut UK performance at another edition of ZAA and last year Gemma Griffiths introduced herself via her interpretation of Musarova Bigman by Winky D.

Charlie Kay - currently my favourite up and coming UK artist. I would love to see him collaborate with more people not just Zimbabweans. He too is multi talented as a singer, songwriter and producer. ZA: What would you like to see happening for Zim music industry? TM: I would like see the country really supporting artists. I would love for people to understand musicians work so hard creating the art so we must respect it and them. We must pay to see our favourite artists at shows and support those we love so they can do more. Corporates must place proper monetary value when booking artists too. This is the only way artists can survive. I love the work Y2K are doing. They are clients of my sister Danai and recently they pulled off an amazing series of events including a first of its kind - press conference and shows which saw Jah Prayzah, Oliver Mtukudzi, Winky D, Fungisai and Charlie Kay onstage in London and in Leicester over the Easter Bank Holiday. It created such a buzz and confidence that these shows can happen. The artists were exposed to a hugely supportive Zim diaspora as well as international platforms such as BBC 1xtra, MTV Africa and BEN TV. It’s a huge undertaking which I can only see expanding. ZA: What motivates you on a daily basis? TM: My parents, my sisters and my 14 year old daughter Namatayi. We are a tight bunch. ZA: What advice would you give to aspiring artists? TM: You really do have to believe in yourself. And when you have that self belief, learn the business.

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DUBAI SUMMIT SEPTEMBER 21 - 24 2017 Hosted by Zimbabwe Achievers Awards in Partnership with the Economic Society.

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MUFAKOSE LADIES GIVE BACK TO COMMUNITY In the true spirit of never forgetting your roots, the Mufakose Ladies UK or Mufakose Diaspora Ladies is remembering more than their families and relatives back home by helping the needy in the township where they came from. Zim Abroad Magazine caught up with one of the ladies Lorraine J. Mudzimu who is now living in London. She was born and grew up in Mbare, Harare before she moved to Mufakose where she attended Makundano Primary School and Mufakose High School and then proceeding to Harare Polytechnic College. After leaving Zimbabwe for London she attended the London School of Management and Hilton University where she received the Diploma In Travel and Tourism and Events Management Diploma. Lorraine is presently involved in an events management business. Explaining what led her and colleagues to give back to Mufakose she said: “A child was injured during a football match, he was taken to the hospital and they couldn’t help him and died. Then we knew there was a problem. Upon doing research with the clinic we realized they did not have basic

The main challenge is cash, as we are a group of about 80 members contributing ten pounds per person and some items are can be way over the budget we can afford. Presently we want to buy a baby resuscitator which costs $8000, 00 and it will take us at least 10 months to save. Also we are appealing for assistance from the Ministry of Health in Zimbabwe as they do not currently work with us in terms of getting the letters of approval of goods we want delivered. Lorraine advised others who may look up to her group as role models, saying: “Don’t give up, give it a go. We started as 10 members only and we must remember that where we came from is home. Help the best you can and set yourselves small tasks monthly and it does make a difference to our home country and in these hard times it eases the pressure off the local community.” Asked what motivates her to do what she is doing for the residents of Mufakose, she said: “I am a Mufakose lady through and through. Who I am today is thanks to Mufakose. I was raised by a community. I remember I used to play hockey and the locals would chip in to hire a mini bus to go for training and games. I remember Custom Kachambwa (our coach for Eradicators Hockey Club based in Mufakose) would move mountains to make sure we attend those games. He inspired me to do for others as well as give back to the others after me.” Don’t give up, give it a go. We started as 10 members only and we must remember that where we came from is home. Help the best you can and set yourselves small tasks monthly and it does make a difference to our home country and in these hard times it eases the pressure off the local community.

things to run a clinic. Gloves, thermometers, simple cotton for maternity wards.” “I am very passionate about this project and happy the ladies have come together to help. I grew up going to that clinic and if I can make a difference and save a life, I will definitely do it,” she said. Through their help when members of the Mufakose community visit the clinic they can now experience an improved health facility where nurses there are able to offer assistance in several ways. This includes the facility being able to cater to patients with blankets for the sick as well as assisting the maternity ward with the basic equipment for mothers and babies. “I can say slowly but surely we are funding the project from our pockets. But as we fund the project from our pockets the process is a bit slow. So far we have bought 20 blankets, baby scale, glucometers, gloves, digital thermometers just name a few.”

Mufakose Ladies UK does not just look after the clinic, as others from the group work with an orphanage where they pay fees, supply clothes and food. For older girls, they help with sanitary towels, and all big girl stuff they need. Also, they make sure they assist especially on the sports side of things. “We try to catch them young. I grew up swimming at my local swimming pool and I have loads of memories there going for Coca Cola swimming competitions at Les Brown which was a very big deal growing up. So I am hoping one day we have all those facilities up and running keeping kids out of the streets and create employment for locals,” said Lorraine. At the moment the Mufakose Ladies UK group is not registered but they are looking at registering as a charity to help raise more funds and be able to receive increased assistance from other organisations on the larger projects. They are looking at raising five thousand pounds to be able to open a charity.

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MASIWELA LEADS EVENTS INDUSTRY IN AFRICA “We are African not just because we are born in Africa, but because Africa is born in us” goes the saying on the Masiwela company website. The company is livening up the events industry in Africa from its base deep in the Johannesburg CBD.

Masiwela means ‘The one from across the seas’ in Ndebele, one of the local languages in Zimbabwe. The company is staying true to its name by “celebrating diversity and bringing an international perspective and experience to the work that we do”. “This is complimented by a unique skills set that combines the core business principles of professionalism, process and profitability with empathy, integrity and a high EQ, we take pride in the fact that we don’t just say, we do. And we do with a difference.” Masiwela offers specialized services in the fields of events and marketing. These services are offered across Africa where it has have a strategic network in place to assist in the execution of all briefs. Servicing clients across a broad range of industries, they are committed to service excellence, curating creative, innovative and collaborative solutions and to making a difference. Their highly experienced team ensures comprehensive solutions that are implemented in conjunction with their clients specific set of objectives to ensure results are achieved within defined budgets, anchored on a vision to “bring brands to life”.

I place a strong emphasis on learning and personal growth so am always reading books, articles or listening to podcasts

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Masiwela has hosted a series of events for businesses such as DSTV, Mutlichoice, M-Net Channel 101, M-Net Movies, M-Net Edge, Mzanzi, Kyknet, Deloitte and the Swiss Education Group. Furthermore they have hosted activations, launches and exhibition events at Indaba, Getaway, Pick ‘n Pay Taste of Joburg, Pick ‘n Pay Goodness Expo, African Farmers Expo, and several more. The thriving events company was founded by Judy Goddard, who was born in Harare and grew up on their family owned farm in Shangani, Bulawayo. She says that whilst they were always based from the farm in Shangani, she spent time at school in Harare (Junior School), Gweru (Junior School) and Bulawayo (Senior School).

Masiwela has been going for 5 years now. Masiwela Management is the founding company and they have since expanded to also include Masiwela Hospitality Management and Masiwela Weddings, which are separately registered entities of Masiwela Management. “It is a very competitive market with a number of different players, we learnt that we’re only ever as good as our last event / project which has always kept us on our toes and kept us abreast with the competition. We also focus on building relationships and to grow through word of mouth based on the quality of our work”, says Judy.

“Cash flow was also very difficult initially and there were some very challenging times whilst we established better She learned by correspondence from Grade 1 and 2, before payment terms with our clients. then spending some time at Highlands School in Harare “Staffing has also been a big challenge for us and we’ve for Grade 3 and then moving again to Midlands Christian paid very high school fees as a result of having the wrong School in Gweru for the rest of her junior school career. From Midlands Christians School she went to Girls College people on board. The positive to this is that we have learnt to hire for attitude and aptitude, everything else can be in Bulawayo for high School. “I feel very privileged to have had the schooling that I did, it provided me with a very solid learnt on the job.” and strong foundation for my professional career. The highlight from my schooling years was being made Head Girl of She also notes that that in her kind of business it pays to “Always be humble, kind and the hardest worker in the both my Junior and Senior Schools,” she reflects. room.” While in Zimbabwe she spent some time working with her He secret to success is like this: “I never ever give up. family business J.R. Goddard Contracting (www.jrgzimbaPerseverance is key. No matter the challenges that are bwe.com) where she was involved in the human resources faced, we adapt as necessary / required but we never, ever and marketing departments. give up. She then left Zimbabwe in 2005 to go Stellenbosch “I place a strong emphasis on learning and personal growth University, South Africa. From Stellenbosch, she moved so am always reading books, articles or listening to podto Montreux in Switzerland, where she studied hospitalcasts. ity management with the Swiss Education Group. Whilst studying with the group, she worked with hospitality “I also learnt very early on in having my own business, that groups Marriott International in Sydney, Australia for 6 the destination is the journey so I have learnt to enjoy the months, as well as with Hyatt International in London, UK for 1 year. “I was blessed to be able to travel Europe, North process, to be patient and to celebrate the small wins! & South America extensively while I was overseas. I was “And lastly but most importantly, I am very privileged to overseas from 2005 to 2008.” have a very dynamic and hard working business partner, Brandon Clifford, as well as to have the incredible team Living in Johannesburg since September 2008, she notes that we do! It has taken us some time to get here but we that her company’s work in business events is central in finally have a core team who are motivated, hard working, contributing towards the knowledge base economy of and positively passionate and committed to the vision. South Africa. Judy is a holder of a BA (Hons) in Hospitality Management and is aiming to do her MBA in the next few years. She explained how she got to be in the events industry: “I had been in the corporate world for few years and had always had the dream of starting my own business. I took a leap of faith with only one prospective client on our books, this client was not able to pay us after 3 months and so we very quickly had to bring on more clients to ensure the livelihood of the business. We learnt how to survive very quickly and have always been hungry and never allowed ourselves to get comfortable since.”

“Masiwela would not be Masiwela without the people that make up the business! They embody the ethos of Masiwela in every way and I am so proud to not only call them colleagues, but family,” she explains. The above is perhaps made easier with her motto in business or at work: “We make things happen and there are no problems, only solutions.” Visit Masiwela on their website www.masiwela.com

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LINDA SATIMBURWA HELPS RURAL COMMUNITIES She is a mother, wife, businesswoman and philanthropist.

Don’t give up, give it a go. We started as 10 members only and we must remember that where we came from is home. Help the best you can and set yourselves small tasks monthly and it does make a difference to our home country and in these hard times it eases the pressure off the local community.

She was born in Ndola, Zambia and grew up in Samaringa

“Many people have reached out to us asking to work with

Village, Honde Valley just outside Mutare before moving

us on voluntary basis. We are branding and those who are

to the United Kingdom in 1998.

on board will be announced in due course.”

“I come from a diversified educational and practi-

She notes that winning the Community Champion Award

cal background that covers Secretarial Studies, Hotel

in the ZAA awards has motivated her to do more. Last year

Management, Nursing & Midwifery, Family Planning and

2016 her organisation added more beneficiaries at primary

Women’s Health. Besides being an experienced midwife, I

school level. Besides paying school fees and exam fees they

have an accomplished record of over 23 years working in

have donated ICT equipment, books and football kits.

the hospitality industry”, she explains. This has resulted in more people now to know about her She is the founder and current CEO of Global Hand Of

organisation and they do. Donations have been received

Hope International (GHOHI) and currently work with the

from individuals within the Zimbabwean community and “a

National Health Service (NHS) as a midwife.

lot of encouragement to keep on doing the good work.”

GHOHI was founded in 2007 and this year is its 10th An-

GHOHI has been featured in the media back home in

niversary. Its primary focus is to help the under privileged

Zimbabwe and in the UK. Winning the award gave the

children in rural areas. To date through its work in Honde

organisation a lot of momentum and significantly increased

Valley it has have helped about 400 students.

the enthusiasm and support from the Zimbabwean community. The number of people asking to be involved has since

“Most of them have managed to go as far as University

doubled. The win has given the organisation a boost and

and made a positive change in their lives and that of their

further determination to push forward with their initiative.

families. I have seen many lives transformed, many of our

“It made us all feel so proud about what we are doing and

beneficiaries are now employed and set free from a cycle

made us realise that the work we doing is truly making a

of poverty”, says Linda.

positive impact on people’s lives,” she explains.

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Linda values integrity and the spirit of Ubuntu and is very

“We have since created a GoFundMe page to raise £15 000

passionate about her work.

so that we can buy one for the Maternity Unit. So far we have managed to raise £145. We have a few fund raising projects

As a leader she is always looking for ways to improve herself

planned and will be announced in due course. Hauna Mater-

making sure she develop her skills to create a vision, build

nity Unit is in desperate need of an Ultrasound Scan and we

teams around a cause and deliver positive outcome. “I stay in

are appealing for help from individuals and organisations to

tune with the changing environment making sure I am up to

make this dream come true.”

date with current affairs happening around the world. I invest in platforms and programs for improving teamwork, com-

Most rewarding is when she sees lives being transformed and

munication and sustaining innovation. Innovation come from

the positive change within the community.

harnessing new ideas that will bring about positive change.” She further notes that rural schools are faced with so many Linda says the greatest influence in her life is her mother. As

challenges and not much input is given in terms of develop-

children, she instilled the value of hard work and persever-

ment. The infrastructure is poor: there is lack of books, equip-

ance. Her mother always challenged her children and always

ment, funding for sports development and science subjects

encouraged them to aim higher and higher, teaching them

(no lab equipment). The list of problems is endless.

many values that define who they are now – the values of honesty, integrity and sincerity.

As a result the pass rate is very poor and pupils are missing out on opportunities because they do not meet the standards.

These included benefits of hard work and the importance of

More funding is needed in Zimbabwe’s rural schools so that

striving for excellence.

the needs are met, in turn improving the quality of education in rural schools.

She notes that her husband and children love her unconditionally. The husband is the wisest and most generous soul

The most critical problems are unemployment, poor infra-

she has ever known and she is blessed to have him in her life.

structure, poor health system (basic needs are not being met)

He has taught her never to settle for second best, to treat

and education. The majority populace can not afford basic

people with the same degree of respect regardless of social

needs, poverty is rife in Zimbabwe. Health and education

standing, race or creed. Her family have been very supportive

should be made accessible to everyone and made affordable

and always encourage her to keep up the good work regard-

for every child to be in school. More industries should be

less of challenges.

build to create employment. Creating equal opportunities is vital so that the populace can be above the poverty line and

At the moment they have projects they are working on of

are able to meet basic needs.

which some we have already started. In 2016 GHOHI started the Rural Sport Initiative (donated sports kit), Rural ICT Pro-

“Diaspora community are living in an environment with a

gramme (donated ICT equipment and ICT books).

thriving economy and advanced technologies in the field of engineering, health , ICT just to mention a few. They have

As an expert in her field of nursing and midwifery and family

gained a lot of knowledge and are experts in their own fields.

planning and women’s health apart from education she also

The diaspora has a lot to offer in terms of helping to develop

focuses on maternal and child health. In 2015 and 2016 she

our country.

visited her rural district hospital, Hauna Hospital and her local clinic Samaringa Clinic. The Hospital and clinics in the area

“They can share their knowledge and invest in the country.

are struggling to provide even the most basic services due to

There is a lot of evidence of Zimbabweans who have gone

lack of sufficient resources, equipment and staff.

back home and are running thriving businesses and some have set up charities to help the less privileged, but it is a

“We are going to support Hauna Maternity Service and

small percentage.

we have started to put together donation items for Hauna Maternity Unit. Our aim is to promote and campaign for safe

“It starts with us, changing a life one at a time and making the

motherhood by improving awareness and facilitating the

world a better place. As Zimbabweans we need to unite and

distribution of effective obstetric emergencies training, in the

work together in making our country a better place. We can

process reducing preventable harm to mothers and babies.

change the lives of people in need every day with even the

Hauna Maternity Unit as we speak does not have an Ultra-

smallest of donations making a huge impact in a community,”

sound Scan machine.

she concludes.

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S. GABRIEL SHUMBA INSPIRES WATERHOLE MILLIONAIRES

There is no secret to success; it just needs consistent results, period.

He recently released one of the most important books of our time, titled The Waterhole Millionaire, described as “a parable depicting a movement for financial independence and generational impact.” The book is ground-breaking in that it features principles from a village warrior that will turnaround financial lives, making it a practical book for prospective millionaires or those seeking financial success. Those who grew up in African villages can concur that life there can be the best teacher for any one – due to the toughness of the environment and practicality of daily occurrences. The Waterhole Millionaire brings together the experiences of an author, investor, entrepreneur and economic solutions strategist for the world to extract what they like in their journeys to financial freedom or prosperity. Written in the form of a short, practical and easy to read allegory, the book narrates real life events that reveal ten core principle lessons, which can be followed by any person, regardless of their circumstances, or income level, to produce extraordinary financial results for themselves and for people around them.

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The author’s primary goal is to reach people in a way they can relate to. Instead of writing a book with a collection of steps to achieve financial freedom, and success, Shumba uses a captivating story as the base, and a series of metaphors to show how an ordinary villager profoundly increases wealth, changes his life and shapes his village for better. Using lessons embedded in this book, anybody can transform their own life, business or community. Unlike many story books, the book is a result of the author’s experience in working with multi-millionaires and billionaires, noting how they go about building wealth and a legacy that transcends generations. It is also based on the author’s deep research about financial independence as a tool for impact while talking to private equity investors, behavioral scientists, corporate and community leaders – studying different models on economic impact, personal wealth, and motivation theories. The book makes a great read for all ages, including those working 9 to 5 jobs, students in school or university, entrepreneurs, and anyone who is looking for a better and successful life. Jeffrey Thindwa of The World Bank Group says about the book, “Simple stories can be a powerful tool in explaining the shifts in mindset that are needed for people to defy the vicious cycles of financial hardship and come out strong. The Waterhole Millionaire does the job exceptionally well. It offers a new, insightful perspective on “how” to get out of poverty, and stay out of poverty.” Shumba was born in Ulangililo, Zambia during the war as his parents were leaders in the Chimurenga war and had escaped to Zambia in exile. He attended many schools in Zimbabwe including Prospect Primary School and Chinhoyi High School. Started his working career with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Zimbabwe back in the days, and since then he has worked overseas for several companies. He left Zimbabwe in 2001 for the USA. “I am a trained accountant, who became an investment banker, and business advisor to Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 corporations. I am now a private equity investor, author and economic solutions strategist”, he says.

Like most black people throughout the world and perhaps African’s in particular, he faced many hurdles to reach where he is now. “The biggest challenge for me was building a network of people in relevant platforms. Since I was educated in Zimbabwe, went to college in South Africa, and started my career over there, most of my networks are still in Southern Africa. So I had to build relationships from scratch.” He advises those who may look up to him as a role model: “I would say that when you find something of focus, and you pursue it, everything will work out in the end, and if it hasn’t, then it’s not the end.” Despite his international success, he believes that “There is no secret to success; it just needs consistent results, period.” While his motto at work or in business is “People trump profits.” The book is being used around the world in schools, businesses, churches, associations and by many readers. It is available for sale in bookstores or on order in USA, UK, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Canada, Australia and Kenya. For more information visit the web page: www.waterholemillionaire.com/book/

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MEET MUSA SAUROMBE ONE OF AFRICA’S LEADING BRAINS “It is with great honour that I notify you that you have been shortlisted for a Zimbabwe Achievers Award 2016”, read an invitation from the ZAA organisers. That was to non-other than Musawenkosi Donia Saurombe, one of the brightest young personalities to come out of Zimbabwe and Africa, on her achieving a PhD at only 22 years of age. “I am so humbled to have been nominated for such a lucrative and prestigious award,” said the elated Musawenkosi (Musa) then. “I have recently become popular for breaking the record of being the youngest female in Africa to complete a doctoral degree. I am a talented, driven, efficacious, charismatic young woman who believes that life is about capitalizing on the opportunities one is afforded. She also had an article, emanating from her PhD study, published in the South African Journal of Human Resource Management. Regarding what she “illuminated”, Zim Abroad contacted her PhD Promoter Professor Nicolene E. Barkhuizen who commented: “Musa is a true talent management ambassador and a role model for youth to follow. She has a unique set of scarce skills in the field of talent management which can immensely contribute to the development of people on the African continent. She demonstrated an ability to identify contemporary and burning research needs, which was evidenced in her PhD study where she investigated a topic that has not been researched elsewhere in the world. “Musa is currently appointed as a postdoctoral fellow at the Global Innovative Forefront Research Niche Area of the Mafikeng Campus (North West University). We are very excited about her future career in academia. Well done Musa on your achievements and excellent work!”

Musa originates from Manicaland in Mutare, Zimbabwe, however she was born in Harare. She did her primary school at Phakalane Primary and Legae Primary English Medium Schools and then went to Legae Academy English Medium High School in Botswana. During the course of her primary and secondary schooling, she skipped one grade and one form, thus completing high school at the age of 15 and enrolling into a tertiary institution at age 16. “I completed my bachelor’s degree in record time of 3 years, my honours degree in 1 year, my master’s in record time of 1 year and my PhD also in record time of 1 and a half years. I completed my tertiary education at 23, thus becoming the youngest person to graduate with a Doctorate of Philosophy in Africa”, she says. She left Zimbabwe at a mere 6 weeks of age. Her father had already relocated to Botswana the year before she was born, therefore her mother only returned to Zimbabwe to give birth to her and returned to Botswana with her “once I was age appropriate for travel”. Hence, she completed her primary and secondary schooling in Gaborone, Botswana. Musa is currently based in Mafikeng in the North-West Province of South Africa, pursuing a career in academia, a profession which she describes as “unequivocally pertinent to South Africa, as all PhD qualifications are on the South African list of scarce skills.” She explains: “The availability of academics (particularly in possession of PhD’s) is extremely deficient in South Africa, thus the search for qualified and capable academics is more and more rampant.” To those who may consider her as a role-model, she urges them “to keep pursuing their dreams no matter how cumbersome the journey may get”. “In order to get where I am today, I have had to overcome many challenges and defy several odds and I was able to do that by relying on God for strength. I have been at the precipice of giving up more times than I can remember and as such, I understand what it feels like to be demotivated,” she says. “At the end of the day, our fortitude is not measured by the challenges that confront us, but by our ability to overcome those challenges. Our dreams are always within our reach and if you can reach it, then you can achieve it. It all depends on just how badly you want it so keep going.” Musa is no doubt a leading brain in Africa.

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CANDICE MWAKELYELYE BROADCASTER AND CONTRIBUTOR It’s amazing how life is made up of a series of short experiences that have the ability to change you . I’m on the coach to Victoria and I’ve had time to look back at the past few days, it’s safe to say this trip will not be forgotten in a hurry. Its not because I came to the UK (a place I was sure I would never set foot in for whatever reason - don’t ask, I can’t explain... Lol! ) but because of the people I’ve met during my time here. People who felt so familiar because even though we’d never met physically, we had connected mentally and socially. And why not? Afterall, no matter where we are, we are still Zimbabwean are we not? And the core of our heritage is what continues to bind us. I was constantly reminded that despite the challenges at home or here, all we really want to be at the place we were as we were growing up - where my home was safely yours and vice versa, my children called you Aunty or uncle and you became family without sharing a bloodline, where I was my sister’s keeper and my brothers biggest cheerleader, even if this brother was mwana wa Mai Nhanha from 3 roads down and not my actual brother. I’ve also seen physical evidence that we (my generation) were raised well, we had it good! Take is anywhere you want, and you’ll see the quality breeding. No matter what field we’re thrown into we’ll pull our weight and more. I have a new found, deeper than before respect for those out here making it work and pushing that genuine hustle, I know it hasn’t been easy. It broke my heart to hear people say they haven’t seen each other in over a year , but then I understood why. You are so spaced out and scattered everywhere! My shortest trip between houses has been 30 minutes, and these are those living close to each other, in the same town... But everyone else has ranged from an hr to 6, surely how do you manage this!? And even if you were up for it, with the hectic work schedules and life who is even keeping track of the time going by? People here work, it’s no lie! But I cant help but wonder and worry about issues such as the simple matter of who’s taking care of YOU while you work and struggle to keep it together, to take care of family back home etc.... The dynamic back home is different really, as we hustle we still can manage to just pop in to quickly check on each other, but there’s nothing quick about a 30min drive. It’s one thing to say when I spoke to so and so on the phone they said they were fine. Anyone can use the words I’m fine while lying in bed ailing.

I’ve heard horrid stories if households operating as though you are merely living with a stranger you never see but they are your spouse because you both work so much, and it’s all just to manage bills! Marriages falling apart because relationships are built on the convenience of having someone around to split with rather than love. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nothing new and this happens at home too, but the scale here seems to be tipped more to situationships than actual marriages which is a bit worrying when we then look at the nature of the stories that get the media’s attention - domestic violence, abuse, cheating, murder, suicide, psychotic breakdowns...It’s all heresay for because I haven’t seen it with my own eyes, but there is no smoke without a fire, so again I’ll ask my brothers and sisters in the diaspora (everywhere) who is taking care of you out here? Despite the frustrations I know we are all going through all I have witnessed here is love, from the people who saw me for 2 minutes to say hello and those who drove from their homes to come and spend time with me, to those who hosted me and showed me around... The reception is got was the most heartwarming thing I have ever experienced. There’s never been a day that I worried about where I would sleep or what I would eat because the various people around me where always taking care of me... And while house hopping I had to go round looking at the cost of things, the general cost of living. I have no idea who sold is the idea that people living in the diaspora live for free and just earn money to send back home, it’s a lie I tell you!! A lie that must be addressed, and allow me to do so now... #IAm #MalkiaWaSimba #LeoQueen read full article on www.zim-abroad.com