Zim Abroad 4th Edition by Zim Abroad Magazine

Magazine May - July 2018

Stansly Maponga

SHAMVA’s

God,Family and Football

Don Armand

Olivia

Kanosvamhira on a roll Down Under

Zimbabwe's Great

SPORTING

EXPORTS South Africa ZAR 20.00 (incl VAT) | United Kingdom £2.00 | America $ 2.00 | Australia $ 5.00 Zim abroad ISSN 2397-2173

Tendai Beast Mtawarira Sport Role Model

ISSN 2397-2173

www.zim-abroad.com aA 9 772397 217002

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CONTENTS

APR/JUN 2018

Note from publisher/Credits

Note from Editor - From around the World

Churning World class talent

Cover Story - Tendai Beast - Inspiring the next Generation of rugby players

Cover Story - Don Armand - Zimbabwe’s England based rugby player just loves his home country

Cover Story - Stansly Maponga - God, family and football

Shanice Lindsay: A country full of opportunities

Caz-The Zimbabwean Food Scene

Nicole Holden - Interior Design on a new level

Ebenezer Foundation - Changing the community

Field Basket inspires online shop -Dengu

Zimbabwe Giving back around the World-Worldremit

Pop Musician Kelvin Jones - Inspired by Michael Jackson

Peaceful Chimbwanda - Propertyend

Samukeliso Tennyson - Gives back to Bulawayo

Nqabutho Mabhena - Call on Zimbabweans

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Note from

Publisher Conrad Mwanza conrad@cmgmedia.co.uk

Publisher

Co Publisher & Group Business Director Louis Charema louis@cmgmedia.co.uk Business Director - Australia Trevor Manyame - trevor@cmgmedia-group.com South Africa Desk - Sibanengi Dube

I HAVE A DREAM!

f we looked at countries’ natural endowments as a measure of their potential for economic development, very few in Africa would stand toe to toe with Zimbabwe, For ours is one of those rare countries that boasts a wide range of mineral deposits and natural resources. Zimbabwe hosts the second largest platinum group metals as well as the largest high grade chromite resource base in the world on the Great Dyke. A notable global producer of lithium and platinum, the country also possesses significant deposits of gold and diamonds. In addition to that, the millions of hectares of arable and grazing land, which has historically ensured successful mixed farming and may yet see the country’s commercial agricultural sector bounce back to its former glory. However with a literacy rate that has consistently topped all of Africa, and a massive pool of skilled human resources across all sectors, it goes without saying that Zimbabwe’s biggest resource is its people. These are the potential drivers of the country’s economic development, if fully harnessed and deployed towards production, innovation and service delivery. Nonetheless, over the past two decades especially, we’ve not been spared the exodus of skilled professionals and many others who trekked to more developed economies in response to globalisation’s pull, as well as the push of national economic hardships and political insecurity. Indeed, unofficial estimates claim the country may have lost as much as 60% of its qualified professionals, while up to three million Zimbabweans are believed to have left the country. In the UK, estimates put the total population of the Zimbabwean community at 400,000 – that’s about four times the size of a micro-state like The Seychelles. The sheer determination of my compatriots to carve out a space for themselves in their adopted home and get their pound of flesh was the single most inspiring factor that led me to found the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards in 2011.

Germany Desk- Kumbi Chipadza USA Desk - Clive Chinzou

In the seven years of our existence, we’ve gone from celebrating small community businesses to awarding professional architects delivering multi-million dollar projects across Africa. We’ve recognised cutting edge tech-start-ups worth millions, freight services serving global markets, and healthcare companies servicing huge government contracts. Collectively as the Zimbabwean diaspora, we’ve consistently remitted billions of dollars back home over the years and compelled the government to pay attention to our net contribution to the economy of our home country. Dollarisation has helped cut off the forex black market, ensuring that all remittances go through the official channels. However, remittances are only a fraction of the diaspora’s capacity to contribute towards national socio-economic development. But I think we can do more, My call is for my fellow countrymen to go beyond duty, where each one of us can contribute immensely towards economic and social development of our country. We should see ourselves as deployed by the country to go to all corners of the world to seek skills and fortune. We should then proactively work towards transferring these skills and fortunes for the benefit of the country. Most nations do that, the Chinese come to Zimbabwe to enrich their country, the Jews do it, Ethopians do it. I have a dream that as Zimbabweans we can pull together to work towards turning our fortunes round. It is time we do reverse capital and skill drain, Zimbabwe, we are the ones we have been waiting for

@conradmwanza

Conrad Mwanza

The awards body was to serve as both a celebration of those small, significant steps of success that Zimbabweans were making as they worked their way up the UK’s socio-economic ladder, as well as inspiration and motivation towards even greater achievements. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law Every possible effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this publication is accurate at the time of going to press and neither the publishers not any of the authors, editors or advertisers can accept responsibility for any errors or omissions, however caused. No responsibility for loss or damage occasioned to any person acting, or refraining from action, as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the editors, authors, advertisers, the publisher or any of the contributors or sponsors.

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Editorial Editor Martin Chemhere - martin@zim-abroad.com Sub Editor Yolanda N Chavi Contributor/Content Advisor Sibanengi Dube Photography Cover shoot - Michael Spafford Itai Machipisa Star Baptista Design Baptist Media Website Edwin Bonono Published by CMG International Media Group 27 OldGloucester Street, London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3AX 4 Northgate View Douglas Crescent Johannesburg Tel: UK +44 20 7193 0045 Aus +61 39 013 4845 SA +27 11 083 7045 Advertising Enquiries info@zim-abroad.com

Contributor

Kisset Chirengende is a Head of Kyros Sports @kyrosrugby @kyrossports kyrossports @kyrossports www.kyrossports.com

Churning

World class Talent

imbabwe is what would be considered Brendan Taylor, Hamilton Masakadza, Tatenda a small country in terms of population, Taibu etc, the Black family in tennis, Eliot Mujaji, yet it consistently churns out world Brian Dzingai, Stan Madiri in athletics, Stansly class talent in both the market place Maponga in the NFL and many more.

and the arts/sports arena.

In Hollywood you have the great Danai Gurira,

This blows my mind considering how scarce who’s character in the Walking Dead is absolute the resources needed in the formative years (at boss and her legendary status is now further grassroots level) are due to the economic climate enhanced by her leading role in the blockbuster that has been prevalent for the last decade or so.

marvel, Black Panther.

In sports, we have had the likes of Peter Ndlovu, Tongayi Chirisa has flown the flag high and Benjani Mwaruwari and Bruce Grobbelaar who continues to do so along with Thandi Newton, made their mark in arguably the most recognizable Chipo Chung, Sibongile Mlambo among others football league in the world.

In music you have the legendary Tuku, Tinashe and

Beast Mtawarira has broken all kinds of records by Shingai Shoniwa among those making waves on the becoming the most capped Springbok prop of all international scene musically. time and is on the verge of becoming a centurion this summer, only 53 players in World Rugby I have not even mentioned world shapers like Dr history have surpassed the tier 1 100-test mark and Strive and Mrs Masiyiwa (who’s philanthropic a Zimbabwean is 2 tests away from achieving that, work and business acumen is literally changing bongus!!

lives), but these few names mentioned prove how blessed with power gifts Zimbabwe is.

Along with Beast , you have David Pocock regarded For a small landlocked country this is beyond as one of the finest opensides in the world, Tonderai impressive and there is need to bring these big gifts Chavhanga who still holds the record for most tries together from time to time in a setting that allows by an individual in a single test, Brian Mujati who them to celebrate their gifts with those they share was regarded as one of the best tightheads in his the same heritage with. prime, and Ray Mordt, Gary Teichman, Adrian Garvey, Dave Denton, Kyle Godwin, Marco It is particularly important for their achievements Mama, Don Armand, Dave Ewers, Kai Horstman, to be heralded for the next generation to be inspired Takudzwa Ngwenya are others on a seemingly and know that they can achieve anything they set endless list of Zimbos who have played the game of their minds to. rugby at the highest level.

To borrow a phrase from John 1 v 46, ‘is there anything good that can come out of Zimbabwe?

It would be remiss of me if I didn’t mention a golf Come and See!! great like Nick Price, swimming sensation Kirsty Coventry, cricketers Andy Flower, Gary Balance,

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EDITOR’S NOTE

We have flexed our muscles

Zim Abroad Magazine!

elcome to our forth Edition of ZimAbroad!, we have flexed our muscles in order to bring you a great read.The edition also comes at a time when our home country is presently seized with the phrase, “Zimbabwe is open for business.”

Without giving out much, but a little just to whet your reading appetite, we bring you the news on Don Armand and Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira, who are both grabbing global sporting headlines from the UK and South Africa respectively. On the entertainment front we have Tinashe Kelvin Mupani better known as Kevin Jones, who is making huge strides in international music. Then there is a story about Samukeliso Tennyson, who hails from the city of Kings and whose corporate social investment back home is so massive. We are proud of these people and more, as they keep promoting the name of our beautiful country; as well provide entertainment to all who come into contact with us as a publication of note in Zimbabwean Diaspora community news. As we always say, we the editorial team is extremely proud of what they are doing and can only wish them to be around forever. Without their talents or exciting exploits in foreign lands we would not be talking about them in this publication. From now going forwards we won’t stop doing what we know best, that is bringing you the best magazine about personalities who have made a choice to live outside Zimbabwe. We also appeal to you our valuable readers from where ever you are – whether in or outside Zimbabwe to communicate with us, by sending names of people that you think are doing great outside our rich and diverse home country. We prefer their contact email details or better still their websites. Enjoy reading. From me your Editor: Martin Chemhere.

@zimabroadmag

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Vavaki Architects is a n award winning Zimbabwean owned Architectural Practice based in Rwanda with offices in United Kingdom, Uganda, Sierra Leone and Rwanda. We have worked and delivered development projects in, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Malawi, Nigeria and the United Kingdom. We aspire to delivering a great client experience, an ideal that is at the core of our professional ethos and pride ourselves on our attention to detail and commitment to creative sustainable solutions wherever our work takes us. We offer Urban Design, Architecture, Masterplanning, Development Management and Development Advisory as our core business services UK 30 Maltings Place 169 Tower Bridge Road London, SE1 3JB ,England T +44(0)84 4504 7034, +44(0)77 9532 0202

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COVER STORY

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF RUGBY

PLAYERS 10

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TENDAI MTAWARIRA He continues to create ardent followers even among nondie hard rugby fans and the sport’s most aspiring young ones take him as a role model.

lessed with an intimidating body presence at 116 kilograms and standing at 1.83 meters in height, he commands ferocious resilience and fitness on the field of play.No wonder fans affectionately call him the “Beast”. Tendai plays the position of a loosehead prop for the Sharks in South Africa and has over the years become a regular feature in the line ups of the country’s national rugby union team, commonly known as the Springboks. A family man and Christian, he was born on 1 August 1985 in Harare, where he played street soccer as a young boy, like most kids. He attended Churchill School for 5 years, a public, day and boarding high school. When he was only 15 years of age still at the school, he was spotted by legendary coach Joey Muwadzuri who then invited him to be part of the Under 19 side at the National Schools Festival. Within the same year, he was selected to feature in a

Cats and Dogs Rugby Academy Team that won the National Seniors 7’s Tournament. He played with other equally notable stars including Dan Hondo, Pete Benade and Tonderai Chavhanga. From Churchill he was given a full scholarship to “Peterhouse Boys’ School”, an independent school in Mashonaland East’s Marondera. After his A Levels in Harare, he moved to Durban in 2005 and enrolled in the Sharks Academy. Two years later he made his Super Rugby entrance followed by a Springbok debut in 2008, marking the beginning of an outstanding and rewarding professional sporting career. Since his early sporting days and up to now, Tendai displays unbelievable strength and desire to always learn to move along with his colleagues. Among the most special accolades he has won is the title of the most capped Springbok prop of all time. He says: “This means a lot especially considering where I have come from”. Despite his fame, Tendai helps to nurture emerging www.zim-abroad.com 11

talent back in Zimbabwe, where he supports those in need and he explains: “I obviously want to inspire the next generation of rugby players, something I am already doing when I go home on holidays”. Privileged to have the world at his feet and also now resident in South Africa, a country that continually exposes him to world class rugby standards, Tendai is involved in social responsibility programmes.

“I am involved with my wife’s charity called “My Sisters Keeper” which aims to raise awareness of the various issues faced in society”, he explains. Talking about the general future of rugby in Zimbabwe, he said: “There’s plenty of talent in the country especially coming through the Old Mutual Development Program. The key is to provide an environment where this talent can be nurtured and given the right tools to succeed at the next level.” He also does work in deprived areas with Kyros Sports, where they provide rugby coaching, life skills and also pathways in the form of scholarships to schools and universities around the world. “There is however still room to do more and we are always looking for more opportunities to make an impact,” explains Tendai. Kyros Sports was founded by Kudakwashe “Kisset” Chirengende and operates from 14 Launchlan Avenue, in Harare’s Meryrick Park. Tendai’s ongoing contribution to the game of rugby is not only enormous, so it is hoped that his expertise, complimented by a great partnership with a leading sports management company, will continue to influence rugby in Zimbabwe, South Africa, the African continent and overseas.

I want to inspire the next generation of rugby players something I am already doing when I go home on holidays

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DON ARMAND “For me there is nothing more rewarding than knowing that I managed to get an England debut,”

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COVER STORY

ZIMBABWE’S ENGLAND BASED RUGBY PROFESSIONAL

DON ARMAND JUST LOVES HIS HOME COUNTRY

a proud Zimbabwean, he says he will never forget the country in his upbringing.

“If you chat to people that have not been there they can’t understand what it is. I still have family in Zim and if you speak to many people, they will tell you how much I love Zim and my Twitter handle tells it all: it says, ‘I Know What It Tastes Like.” He would like to help his home country Zimbabwe and it won’t be for his personal gain; a country where his father reportedly races pigeons. “….I would still love to go back to Zim….,” he told a British newspaper. “I would like to have a positive impact on everyone….,” he said. “I think there are many people doing some fantastic work and I would love to get involved in something”. He believes there is so much that he could do including raising funds for charity or doing short videos to raise awareness. Don started playing barefoot rugby at infant school in Zimbabwe, before getting the early importance of the sport at the age of 7. That was at a farm in Shamva, just outside Harare, and he says there were no proper rugby or sports available around. Though his birth place is Harare, he spent the first two years of his life in Bulawayo.

“We lived on that farm in Shamva until I was about 12 before we moved to SA. That’s where I grew up,” he recalled.His first years at school were through correspondence being taught by his grandmother at home on the farm. Then he went to Highlands Junior School in Harare but before he was due to go St Georges College they sadly had to leave the country in December 2001 when he was 13. With a family in both UK and Zim, he says there is a journey that one takes in life where a lot of people offer help to get involved in someone’s success.He adds that the people from his past who have helped even if it’s the smallest role they have played have said how proud they are of what he has done. That’s where he gets the most satisfaction and he said this is because a lot of people put in a lot of work and sacrifice and not always do they get rewarded. He would like to show a lot of gratitude for them. His goal has been to consistency provide for his family and make sure they were well provided for or ensuring that they get what they need however not to spoil them. Don’s kids are still very young and he makes sure to wake up and make a difference for them. He has a few big career highlights and notes that ‘obviously one of the biggest ones was making his debut for England.’ Other highlights were winning the Rugby Premiership last www.zim-abroad.com 15

year which he says was a massive highlight. He said that some people can have very long careers and never do that. The above highlights were followed with first coming to Exeter Chiefs and winning major silverware. Going back to South Africa it was when he won the Currie Cup with a team in Western Province for the first time. He explained further, “Also back then you can never forget with University of Cape Town first team when we won the Varsity Cup and a few years before that when I was under 20 in my first year at university we had an unbeaten season and won the league at UCT. So there were a lot of successes there. “But probably one nice big career highlight was when we had a lock that went up and played for SA schools and I had to take his place and had about 50/60 minutes debut when he came off the bench because he had been late and I had made one good run through the middle and I got subbed off at end of the game.” Don mentioned challenges faced, including a whole lot of competition in his work as well as other clubs that they compete with. “People are constantly comparing you and you must make sure you are always at your best. “It comes with more of a challenge when youre really tired or your body is a bit sore because this is a physically demanding game and you have to make sure that every week you produce the same if not better than the previous week. “We all know how it is to have a bit of a 16

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slump and have a bit of a lazy week or day or morning or whatever it is. The reality is, if you have too many of those you won’t be at your best. That’s a massive challenge in my work,” he said. Right now he believes he is really enjoying it there at Exeter, which has got to do with some of the better weather even though it’s a bit wetter. But he says nothing will obviously come close to Zimbabwe’s sun. In the next 5 years he would like to still be playing rugby and carry on enjoying what he loves doing. Born 23 September 1988, in Harare, he moved to South Africa and then over to England, to continue playing the sport as a flanker for England Rugby Union side Exeter Chiefs. He has been with the rugby club since then and says he is enjoying it all. “For me there is nothing more rewarding than knowing that I managed to get an England debut,” said Don, who in March this year was named by Eddie Jones to feature in England’s final Six Nations game against Ireland. He is a big believer in that whatever he does, he gives 100 percent commitment and loves it. Who knows, he could be giving back 100 percent to Zimbabwe in the near future!

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COVER STORY

STANSLY

MAPONGA REVEALS THE TRUE SECRET TO HIS SUCCESS

MAY- JULY2018 JULY 2017

God, Family and Football STANSLY MAPONGA By Tidimalo Kwidini

e is the first Zimbabwean to play in the National Football League (NFL) and in the last two years has become the newest addition to the Denver Broncos, one of the most successful sides in the game.

Stansly Maponga has no airs and graces about him. With an undeniable passion for God, his family and football, the versatile outside line-backer was a star at Texas Christian University (TSU) before being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2013, becoming an integral member of the team’s roster in 2014. “I am a family man, but more importantly, I am a God fearing man. I am a hard worker and l get that from my mum.”Maponga said he grew up in single parent set up and admires his mum for working hard to provide for him and his siblings. “My mum worked extremely hard to take care of three boys. l saw how she worked everyday and night to make sure we had everything we needed and l think that’s where l get my work ethic from. One of the most important things for me is being able to provide for my family. I have just tried to create a better life for them. All the glamour and spotlight that comes with being in the NFL, isn’t really me. It comes with it but, l know how to handle it”, he added.Maponga moved to the United States when he was 9. An all-round sportsman, he found his passion for football after being encouraged by one of his coaches in high school. “I played a variety of sports. However, soccer was once my first love and l was really good at it. I also played rugby basketball, baseball and cricket.Nonetheless, (American) football became a big part of my life when l moved to the States,” he said. “Initially, American football was like a bunch of moving pieces and I really didn’t take it seriously in the beginning, but when l moved, I found a greater appreciation for it when coach Johnson came out to watch one of my soccer matches and said he thought l had the potential to play American Football,” he added. Stansly recalls that his mother was not very keen on him playing football in the beginning. “I remember telling my mum about it and she wasn’t too keen on the idea for obvious reasons - it can be a rough sport. She wasn’t fond of it at the start but she gave me her blessing in the end.”

Maponga remembers his first game vividly and how exhilarating it was, and knew from that first ‘play’, that it was something he wanted to pursue. “There was something about the game. It was almost an instant attraction. I fitted in and I could see a real future playing the sport. That first encounter with the game definitely contributed to football becoming my first love.” Before Maponga joined the Broncos, he almost sealed a big deal with the Dallas Cowboys after they added him to their practice squad in October 2017 but the move proved short-lived as the parties cut ties after a brief stint.

having impressed scouts in High School.“It is humbling and such an honour to be the first Zimbabwean in the history of the NFL to be drafted and be a valuable asset.” “With a sport of this nature, where you are front and centre, you have a lot of people looking up to you; as a result, failure hasn’t been an option since I was drafted.” “The game has had its challenges but I have learnt over the years, that no matter if I am tired, in pain, or going through something outside of football, I know I have one job to do and that’s to go out there and get as many tackles and as many sacks as l can.”

Now aged 27 and in his sixth year in the NFL, he has played in 26 career regular season games, 24 of which came with the Falcons. He also spent a majority of his career with the New York Giants, who tried him both as a defensive end and line-backer.

Biggest highlights

“I have been in the league for approximately six years and in that time I have played for three teams. I was with Atlanta for three years, played for the Giants for one and a half years, and have been with the Broncos for nearly two years.

“Most of my family were there when I was drafted and just having them around when something as significant as this happened in my life was amazing.”

It is a fantastic organisation, probably one of the best I have played for to date and I am truly blessed to be part of the team. I feel I am in the best shape of career and the is yet to added. Stansly to date

Speaking about his biggest highlights, Maponga said that being drafted to Atlanta was a momentous occasion.

“It was a celebration, not only for me but for them too. I had moved up a level and to a place where the younger generation will have a reference point and something they can look up to and be inspired by.” Maponga added that his family have been key to his success and that their

my b e s t come,” Stansly

is the only Zimbabwean be drafted to the NFL,

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presence at games was a key highlight and the biggest blessing of them all.“There is no greater feeling than knowing that they are cheering me on from the stands,” he said?

Combating challenges Maponga, who went professional in 2012, said that remaining focused on his goal helped him reach it.“There are a lot of distractions trying to make it into the league and make it into the NFL. There are a lot of challenges and obstacles but, one thing that’s been key to this process is my family. They have been behind me every step of the way.” “They have been my support system but more than anything, God has been my number one.I put him first in everything l set out to accomplish and by putting him at the centre of my passion, has made any challenge I have faced easier,” added Stansly. Stansly said that the hard work it takes to get to the league and stay in it has its own set of challenges. “You are constantly combating with being in the spotlight and people watching what you do. It can be difficult but as always, my family are my support system and just knowing they are part of my journey makes the process and journey worthwhile,” he added.

His long-term goal Speaking about the future, Maponga said that he is in the process of getting sponsors so that he can set up football camps in Zimbabwe. “I would really love to go back to Zimbabwe and start my own football camp out there for the kids” “I want it to be a programme that will give kids from all backgrounds, the opportunity to pursue whatever their hearts desire, be it football, basketball, baseball and know that they can be anything they want to be if they put their minds to it and persevere,” he addedMaponga said that introducing American Football in Zimbabwe and Africa in general would make a big difference and would be helpful to kids,especially from disadvantaged backgrounds. “Being in the sport for a number of years has helped me discover a different home. l can 100 percent say it’s like a second family.You get individuals from different cultures and different backgrounds. We come together as a team and are able to tell each other about our stories.”“All of us have overcome some kind of adversity and found ourselves through this beautiful game and l believe taking it back to Zimbabwe and telling people my story will inspire the next generation of footballers.” The NFL in recent years has started to promote the game outside of the country, with the UK having hosted numerous games to mark the start of the Superbowl.

His thoughts on Zimbabwe Stansly, who has not been back to Zimbabwe for many years said he missed it and that Zimbabwe held some significant memories for him that he often shares with his teammates and friends. “Zimbabwe is a beautiful country with a rich culture, fantastic landscapes and amazing tourist attractions.”“ I think sometimes those who get caught up watching TV don’t even see a true reflection or view of what Zimbabwe or the African continent really looks like as a whole and it’s important for people to actually see God’s grace and beauty, first hand” Maponga who is now a father of two got married two years ago and says he is the happiest he has ever been. “I’ve been married for two years and my wife and boys are my pride and joy. I enjoy being a dad and a husband. That’s what I wanted and it is a blessing.” “I love taking care of my kids because they are my reflection. Looking at them, l want to give them a life that l never had. I also love taking them to work with me, just so they can see what l am passionate about.”

Final thoughts Speaking on pursuing a career in sport, Maponga encouraged aspiring sportsmen to be determined and to remain focused. “Pursuing your dream is never easy, but I’d like to encourage people to never give up.” “There are going to be a lot up hill battles but I believe if you keep at it and keep God first, everything will fall into place.Sometimes people quit when they are really close but it’s important to keep persevering and to have a good support system around to motivate and push you,” he added.

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We found a

BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY FULL OF OPPORTUNITIES

Shanice Lindsay

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few months after being charmed by Zimbabwe, as reported in our maiden edition, British business woman Shanice Lindsay was back again to experience more, this time around with a group of visitors.

She said that the trip was outstanding owing to its array of activities programmed into a 14 day tour that took them around the country’s scenic attractions and more. “Our trip to Zimbabwe was for leisure, pleasure, tourism and business. We found a beautiful country full of opportunities. We met numerous entrepreneurs and currently forging new business partnerships that are looking in to pursuing business ventures with some of them,” she said.

She revealed that one of her delegates fell deeply in love with the country so much so, that he decided to extend his stay to three months. “We have been receiving regular reports from him and he is living his dream. He has entered in to a business partnership with a local farmer to enable him to significantly increase his productivity, from which they will share the profits. It’s a win-win partnership,” she explained to Zim Abroad Magazine with huge pride. Whilst in Zimbabwe the delegates visited the following tourist destinations - Lion & Cheater Park, Spiritual Caves, National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Heroes Acre, Kyle Recreational Park, Ruins of Great Zimbabwe, Natural History Museum, Sanganai / Hlanganani Expo, Bulawayo City (tour), Motopo National Park, Matabele Villagers, Safari Game Drive and Mosi-oa-Tunya. Given this multifaceted holidaying dream, surely it is extremely difficult to have

highlights as it seems everything was world class. “There were a numerous highlights. For some, the highlight was our visit to Heroes Acre and learning about the almost hidden history of the 2nd Chimurenga War plus having site of the wonderfully designed monument built in the memory of those who died fighting in the war. “For some it was being up close with the wildlife at Hwange. One delegate felt he had a moving spiritual encounter with a bull elephant that seemed to be speaking directly to him. Later that night, he learned that his mother had died and believes the elephant had brought him the news first. “Another highlight was visiting the Mosioa-Tunya, which must be one of nature’s most breath-taking and spectacular sights.

first time. She explained that due to the negative images and poverty stories that are often associated with Africa, in the Western media, most of the delegates were curious and apprehensive of what to expect. Some even had family members who were concerned for the safety of their loved ones in the group. However, on arrival, all their fears were quickly allayed by the wonderful reception and warm greeting at the airport by representatives of the Women’s Ministry and the press. They received red carpet treatment and were made to feel like royally. “I have had more than one delegate say to me that ‘It was a trip of a life time,” said Shanice. “I will be doing the trip again next year and six members of the group have already stated their desire to return and repeat the trip.” This above is explained by that everywhere they went they were very well received. They toured almost the entire length of the country from Harare to Victoria Falls and not once did they feel in danger or at risk. They found the nature of the Zimbabwean people to be friendly, hospitable and welcoming. Shanice said the trip was hugely successful. It exceeded all expectations. Zimbabwe Not forgetting the ruins of the 13th Century now has 23 new ambassadors who have city of the Great Kingdom of Zimbabwe. been speaking very highly of the country, We were left in awe at the technological its people and its beauty, since returning and scientific stone building technique that to London. the people possessed during those times. It was clearly far superior to what had Their attendance at the Sanganai/ existed in Europe and many other parts of Hlanganani business expo event exposed the world, at that time.” them to meet numerous business entrepreneurs. Several members of She revealed however that the most the group are now seriously exploring memorable high for the entire group was business partnerships with Zimbabweans. “I am also in the process of devising a Zimbabwe is a country that is grossly scheme that will enable the diaspora to experienced entrepreneurs to over-looked as a tourism destination support expand their business output levels,” she but has so much to offer the said.

adventurous tourist, as well as some of the most beautiful places on earth to see.

She is already planning to visit Zimbabwe in 2018. She advised everyone from the diaspora to visit Zimbabwe at least once and having lunch with Zimbabwe’s First Lady. experience the tourism destinations It was an honour and an occasion that the mentioned in this article. “Zimbabwe is entire group will treasure for a lifetime. a country that is grossly over-looked as They were made to feel very special. a tourism destination but has so much to offer the adventurous tourist, as well as Shanice had 23 people on the trip, most some of the most beautiful places on earth of whom were visiting Africa for the to see.” www.zim-abroad.com 23

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Contributor

Caz is an avid food enthusiast based in london @cookingwithcaz

www.facebook.com /cookingwithcaz

www.cookingwithcaz.com

Caz is an avid food enthusiast and a self-taught cook based in London. Her passion for food was ignited at the age of 14 when she was unintentionally entered a cooking competition. After coming a close second in the final round of the cooking competition which was held at the Haven Hotel in Poole, Caz’s adventures with food began. Caz experiments with traditional Zimbabwean recipes transforming them with her own twist. Notable creations include, Sadza Bites. Notable clients to have tasted Caz’s creations either at events or on a personal level include: Afrotrap, Afrokings, Simba Tagz and Mr Kamera. Since 2016, Caz has been working on, Hokoyo! her signature marinade for both meat and vegetable dishes. Caz also provides food consultancy services which include food styling, product testing and restaurant reviews.

Email: Foodie@cookingwithcaz.com Phone: 07476070774

The

N A E W B A B ZIM

FOOD

E N E SC

hat do Zimbabweans actually eat?

Zimbabwean cuisine is not internationally recognized. Well, not in the same way as we recognize Jollof rice from Nigeria and Chito from Ghana. This isn’t because Zimbabwean food is not delicious or interesting; but because people don’t actually know what Zimbabweans eat and what is happening the Zim Food scene. There are over a million Zimbabweans who are “home away from home” living abroad. Many of which eat Sadza, the Zimbabwean staple food, as part of their main diet irrespective of they where they have moved to. You can take a person out of Zimbabwe, but you can never the Zimbabwe out of a person. The Zim food scene is not limited to Zimbabwean households enjoying Sadza in the privacy of their homes. It is about wider influence of Zimbabwean food locally and internationally through restaurants and dining experiences,

social media and food products. Locally, Zimbabweans are becoming innovative with food. Partly that innovation is fueled by the need to reduce food waste due to scarcity and high food costs. The other reason for innovation is, it has become the go-to strategy for businesses in the food supply chain to be more profitable. Gango is an example for Zimbabweans overtly being innovative. Gango a new trendy dish that is concoction of pan-fried assorted meats like tripe, beef and chicken mixed with locally produced vegetables. Last year, the first Gango Festival was hosted in Harare; where Zimbabwean foodies and restaurateurs competed to win the title of Best Gango. This was broadcasted on National television. With that in mind, there is a growing global recognition of the transnational Zimbabwean community. Internationally,

more people are taking an interest in knowing Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans; particularly because of the recent dramatic political changes and the influence of actress Danai Gurira in the Black Panther movie. With all things considered, the Zim food scene abroad still seems to be an untapped area. Not because Zimbabweans are not doing anything food related, but simply because, there aren’t enough platforms and influencers talking about them! Word of mouth and content broadcasted on mainstream and social media are the main sources where non-Zimbabweans and Zimbabweans abroad gain insight into the country’s pop-culture. From a food perspective, popularizing Zimbabwean cuisine to gain its so-deserving recognition will require a concerted effort. This new section of the Zim Abroad Magazine seeks to will present the most exciting restaurants; the most passionate chefs and the most interesting dining experiences the Zim Food scene has got to offer. This will be done through reviews and interviews. The Food section on the Zim Abroad Magazine will be a platform to showcase and advertise Zimbabwean talent within food industry. www.zim-abroad.com 25

THE STORY

BEHIND

DESIGNS Interior design is the art and science of enhancing the interiors of a space to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for the end user.

is a multifaceted profession that includes conceptual development, space planning, site inspections, programming, and research, communicating with the stakeholders of a project, construction management, and execution of the design. “It is the interior designer’s job to plan, research, coordinate, and manage these projects”, says Nicola Holden, the first born child of a Zimbabwean mother and an English father. Born and brought up in Harare where she lived until the age of 20. She then left Zimbabwe for the UK where she studied Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Birmingham before working as a Process Engineer at Ford Motor Company. While at the vehicle company she said she became increasingly aware that she needed to do something more creative in life, hence, she moved into the interior design profession. Her company Nicola Holden Designs is something that excites her very much and it will be celebrating its 10 year anniversary in July 2018. Explaining how she became an interior designer she said: “When I was looking to move from engineering

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As an interior designer, particularly within the residential industry, I work with my clients on a very personal level.

into interior design I wrote to a number of designers asking for their advice. I received only one reply and that said ‘don’t bother’! However this only made me more determined. Because of my engineering qualifications I had a large amount of transferable skills, such as project management, understanding and producing CAD drawings and ergonomics. I enrolled on several short courses at KLC School of Design to fill in the gaps in my knowledge, before starting my own business.” KLC is one of the UK’s leading interior and garden design schools offering full-time, parttime, blended learning and open learning courses. Nicola works mostly in residential interior design for high net worth private clients. Projects can be anything from the design of just one room, to a whole house renovation. She works with clients to ensure that their home reflects their business success and individual lifestyle, and represents their style and passions. Her aim is to create eclectic, unique spaces that ooze luxury without taking themselves too seriously! Her numerous projects included private clients across London such as the complete refurbishment of a luxurious apartment in Covent Garden, a large four-bedroom house in Kew, and the major extension of a fivebedroom house in Hartford, Cheshire. She is also very excited to be working on her first project in Zimbabwe – an exclusive boutique resort and restaurant. Work has also included a number of commercial design projects – Detour Coffee Shop in Shepherds Bush, Megaro Bar in Kings Cross, and several small office spaces including one of the offices at the Zimbabwe Embassy. She also worked with Swedish brand Hästens, creating a bedroom display in their Chelsea showroom around their most luxurious bed, which retailed for £67,000. She thinks that a good interior designer has empathy for their clients. He or she has to be able to get into their clients’ heads in a very short space of time in order to be able to understand what their vision for their space is. One needs to be very organised to manage budgets and project delivery timescales, often working with tens of suppliers, craftspeople and tradesmen, regularly based internationally, and all working to one end date. She also reckons that an interior designer needs to be a problem solver, which she believes her engineering expertise comes to the fore. The job also requires one to be confidently creative – as leading clients on this journey often involves coaxing them out of their ‘greige’ (combination of gray and beige)

comfort zones. In the end witnessing their reactions when they see the finished project is worth all of the hard work required to get there. Although she doesn’t have a formal Interior Design qualification she knows what colours and textures work together to create a scheme is intuitive, and the rest is engineering. “I do believe in continually striving to expand my knowledge in this industry, keeping abreast of new material and product developments, building regulations, etc. I am also a Registered Interior Designer of the British Institute of Interior Design, the pre-eminent professional organisation for interior designers in the UK.” In her observation Interior Design has been slow to be recognised as a profession, as a lot of people assume that it only involves choosing paint colours and plumping cushions, which she called Interior Decoration. She explains that Interior Design involves looking at the space as a whole, and working out how it can be improved upon, and the greater impact that it has on lifestyle, human emotions, among other things. Her advice is that when choosing to work with an Interior Designer, it is important to choose someone who is professionally recognised in the industry. To her the importance of the role of an interior designer in this global village is that the interior design done right has the power to affect the behaviour of an environment’s inhabitants, with the aim of maximising the positive effects of this relationship. Through interior design psychology, the performance and efficiency of the space and the wellbeing of the individual are improved. Also, her belief is that as an interior designer, she has the responsibility to source products ethically, drawing upon the timeless and traditional skills of global craftsmen and women, and choosing products based on an environmental consciousness. “Good design should always tell a story.” What inspired her to get into this business? “That’s a long story, but once I started working at Ford Motor Company, and could afford to travel and see the world, I started discovering the beauty of architecture – in Barcelona and Italy, India and Japan. Slowly I became increasingly aware of my passion for design, and the need to have a career in the creative industry. Interior design seemed like the best place to start!” Nicola notes that the interior design industry, particularly in London, is incredibly competitive. However, her work has been featured in numerous print and online property magazines

in the UK, and she has twice been awarded Best of Houzz for Client Satisfaction. In 2016 she was awarded Female Entrepreneur of the Year at the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards. On the challenges she faces in her profession in general, she pointed out that it was Brexit. “The current challenge facing my profession is, of course, Brexit. Quite a lot of the products that I specify for my clients are not produced in the UK, and so it will be interesting to see what trade agreements are worked out going forward.” Another challenge is that the internet means that clients often think that they can buy the identical products a lot cheaper online. However, although one can generally get what they pay for, quality doesn’t come without a price. “Also, the glut of home improvement shows on TV means that clients expect projects to be completed for next to nothing and in very little time. What these programmes don’t show is that the client doesn’t need to cover the cost of the designer or the trades, and that there are vast teams of people working behind the scenes to make things happen.” What does she think are the most critical elements that clients look for in an interior designer? “As an interior designer, particularly within the residential industry, I work with my clients on a very personal level. Therefore, the most important element is whether or not that personal relationship is there. Do you get on with each other? After that, it is a case of does the interior designer have a style that you like? And finally, are they professionally recognised within the interior design industry.” Nicola is based in London, but she however does not restrict herself to working here. She went to Borrowable Junior School, and then Arundel High School until O’ Levels before enrolling for sixth form at ILSA College, whilst getting secretarial qualifications at the same time. She points out that though she “physically left Zimbabwe in 1993, my heart never left!” Back home in Zimbabwe she thinks that interior design is a relatively unrecognised profession. “I think that a lot of people feel that they can ‘do it themselves’. And whilst this creates perfectly nice homes, they do often lack the ‘wow’ factor and that using an interior designer will bring to the table, as well as a consideration of the how well the space functions, and what affect it has on the emotional wellbeing of the individual.”

www.zim-abroad.com 27

he charity foundation based in Melbourne, Australia, is all about raising funds for the direct relief of poverty, sickness, suffering, distress, misfortune, destitution or helplessness, particularly to disadvantaged people not only in Australia but Zimbabwe as well. Formed as a company by three members - Maidei Belinda Zivengwa, Sifundo Mpatiwa and Munashe Chigumadzi, the organisation was registered this year in July 2017, with the charity arm being registered one month later.

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EBENEZAR FOUNDATION

“THIS IS HOW FAR THE LORD HAS TAKEN US” Through their work they have been highly received by various communities as an organization. “The community we live in received us in a tremendous way.We held our first fund raising event on the 7th of October 2017. It was a women empowerment high tea. The support was overwhelming; tickets were sold out, with women from other states travelling interstate to support. We had High Tea (SA) founder members, Bonnie Chimanikire and Ntombizodwa Sibanda travelling from South Africa to support.

The trio see a great future for their humanitarian efforts. They are all thinking big to achieve beyond what they are currently.

What inspired the idea of such an organisation was that the group had been doing informal charity in the community in Australia and back home in Zimbabwe. “Helping out has always been a passion of ours. We felt the time was right for us to do something on a bigger scale and not be restricted to our local communities. We thought of widening our focus by picking an institute or school in Zimbabwe to assist. King George XI of Bulawayo, a school for children with disabilities came to mind. This choice was closer to our hearts as we have family members here in Australia involved with organisations dealing with people with disabilities. We decided to share the idea with everyone else and getting everyone around us involved,” they said. The foundation’s motivation is embedded in the Bible and it really works for the members to wake up daily to do the work they are doing as an organization. “Ebenezar means, ‘this is how far the Lord has taken us’ for that we are grateful. It is our wish to extend that to those disadvantaged back home so they can be able to function and get basic needs for their everyday living. The dream of achieving our goals is what keeps us going. The vision is what motivates us to extend the little we have to the less fortunate. We are blessed to be in this position and as such we would like to extend the blessings to others as well.”

family, but they know the bigger the charity becomes, the more time consuming it will be. Nonetheless they say that they knew what they were setting themselves up for and cherish the challenge. They have been busy as an organisation, although very new and they said: “As a relatively new organisation we are in the process of setting up other fundraising events in Brisbane, and Melbourne for next year (2018) as well as sourcing funds for the ophthalmic project in Zimbabwe.”

In the next 5 – 10 years they would love their initiatives such as the ophthalmic outreach program to have done a lot by covering more regions in Zimbabwe and employ more than one doctor (Dr Zhou), like it is doing at the moment. Also, they are keen to have a polyclinic in Bulawayo to cater for the disadvantaged. The organization’s founding members are all happily married and are thankful for the ongoing support and encouragement their families have given them during the formation of the charity and the subsequent events hosted.

“People called, checking on us and encouraging us. The reports we are getting from women who attended, are that the event was beautiful and a success and there are questions about when the next one is due. We managed to raise a quarter of our target with that one event.” Despite the modest success of their organization, they have challenges as a group. This includes balancing work, family and the charity commitments which are all proving to be a big challenge. So far they have managed through the support of

They said in conclusion: “The nature of our jobs all three of us speak volumes about life impacting, which not only limits to physical being but as well physical needs. We are determined to see Ebenezer do more in helping our communities.”

“

The trio of Maidei Belinda Zivengwa, Sifundo Mpatiwa and Munashe Chigumadzi see a great future for their humanitarian efforts. They are all thinking big to achieve beyond what they are currently.

“

“Ebenezar`s main focus is to help the society’s less fortunate. We aim to improve the well-being of those who find themselves in a position of need through no fault of theirs. Our efforts are directed at sourcing or buying equipment for children with disabilities and supporting an endeavour by local Zimbabwean optometrists to provide eye-care through surgical outreach programmes, i.e removal of cataracts, and reducing the impact of avoidable blindness by treating all ophthalmic medical conditions,” said the foundation.

www.zim-abroad.com 29

MAY- JULY2018

FIELD BASKET INSPIRES RETAIL SHOP

most parts of Zimbabwe, a dengu (field basket) has a special place in life, as a historical and contemporary container meant to carry goods or store goods. Some readers may remember using this form of container at one time or another. No wonder two gentlemen Sungano Mwarumba and Frank Mushakavanhu based in Cape Town were inspired by the container’s uses to form their internet focused company. The two created Dengu as an online retail shop that primarily delivers grocery items and building materials to Zimbabwe. They also accept orders from anywhere in the world and do same day deliveries. “We derive the name from our own Zimbabwean Dengu (Field Basket). We provide an online platform that provides an easy and affordable way to buy food items, hardware, and livestock feed for your family from the comfort

of your home, office or on the go anywhere in the world”, said the principals in a recent interview. Dealing mainly with grocery items, building material, hardware and agricultural inputs has seen the company growing its clients. It has been in operation for just over a year now and it seems with most people going online in recent years, the company is set to grow its market. Talking about how they got into this kind of business, they said, “It was through the accumulation of experience working for various organizations, (Amazon, Serco Global, Mama Money and Mukuru). Given this background, we then tried to mix this experience and tailor-make something for our own folk.” They say they were inspired by work done for entrepreneurs and having the privilege to witness their success stories, as well as the idea of being part of them or following their footsteps. The other reason for the formation of the company www.zim-abroad.com 31

was that they wanted to provide an alternative that gives clients peace of mind, especially considering that some family members or relatives were not honest enough when tasked with the role of delivering funds or goods back home. So far the company has been well received over the period it has been trading.

Sungano Mwarumba was born in Chipinge and grew up in between Chipinge, Mutare and Bulawayo while Frank Mushakavanhu was born For anyone who wishes to send in Avondale West and grew up in groceries to their families back Harare, Mutare and Bulawayo.

home and who appreciate the kind of service offered, Dengu Online loves to help them.

“We are grateful for the support we have received thus far. That we are still going, speaks volumes of the support we have received. The initial months were quite challenging owing to the fact this was somehow new to some people and also people being accustomed to their traditional means of sending stuff to Zimbabwe.”

Some of the biggest challenges they faced were how to explain the concept of online shopping and the model to new customers. Also reaching to some remote areas in Zim is another challenge. Further challenges include recruiting the right team members who also are automatically brand ambassadors. “We do face challenges but we are grateful we have found ways to overcome them.” The two said the most critical elements that clients look for in an online business like theirs encompassed things like quality of service, affordability, trustworthiness, while communication at all stages of an order are quite important to the business and to the customer. This is quite important as “No-one wants to deal with an organisation that is dodgy or one that does not deliver their promises.” The majority shareholders of Dengu Online are cofounders Mwarumba (CEO) and Mushakavanhu 32

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(COO). They also have a private investor who owns a minority stake.

Mwarumba who left Zimbabwe in 1988, attended several schools namely Chipinge Primary, Maphisa Primary(Bulawayo), Rujeko Primary (Mutare), Matika Primary (Mutare) before attending Rusitu High School in Chimanimani and then progressing to UNISA. Mushakavanhu who followed the track to South Africa five years later in July 2013, attended Avondale Primary, St Faiths Boys High School, Nyatsime College and Solusi University. What do they think of online business in Zimbabwe? “It is the future, the market has been a bit slow to accept it partly to the payment systems in place in Zim but with the popularity of mobile money transfers locally and from outside the country the people are warming up to online businesses.” Potential clients can visit their website HYPERLINK “http://www.dengu.co.za” www.dengu.co.za or through these numbers +2761 231 5900 / +2721 422 4052. For anyone who wishes to send groceries to their families back home and who appreciate the kind of service offered, Dengu Online loves to help them. “Just give us a call with their name and number and we’ll be happy to follow up.”

www.zim-abroad.com 33

Zimbabweans giving back around the world The Zimbabwean diaspora send an estimated 1.5billion US dollars home each year, but they are also actively involved in raising the profile of Zimbabwe, presenting a positive face of Zimbabwe to the world, nurturing young talents, helping to raise awareness of issues impacting the Zimbabwean community around the globe.....and much more besides. In association with worldremit.com we put a spotlight on some of Zimbabweans giving back aground the World.

LUCKY

MOYO

LINDA

SAMMY

BENNET-SIKAZWE

SATIMBURWA-JERONIMO Country Based: UK for past 20 years.

Country based: Perth, Australia

Linda: I go home to Zimbabwe every year since

Country based:U.K

1998 to date. ZA:What do you miss most about Zimbabwe? Linda: Despite our struggles Zimbabwe will aIways be home that I miss with a passion. I miss the spirit of Ubuntu. People are friendly and easy to interact with. ZA: What makes you proud to be Zimbabwean? Linda: Our rich unique culture and heritage. The natural beauty of our country. Zimbabwe is known for the splendor of its natural landscape. Tourist flock to Zimbabwe every year to experince the beauty of our country. Zimbabweans are hard working, peaceful and are rated the most educated. Despite challenges our country face Zimbabwe remains a great nation, has produced some of the world’s greated in acdemic, business and spots.

ZA: What makes you proud to be Zimbabwean? LM: Love Zimboz for their sheer hard work and focus ZA: What do you miss most about Zimbabwe? LM: I miss the sense of community in Zimbabwe where there are no invitations to birthdays and funeral- people share everything, it’s one community . ZA: What are your dreams for Zimbabwe? LM: I would love to see more of my Zimbabwean brothers and sisters dare dream more and more and proclaim that the sky is not even the limit. ZA: How are you supporting Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwean community? LM: I have been supporting various Zimbabwean causes through advising and even performing at fundraising events organised by those supporting projects back in Zimbabwe. I work in detention centres and prisons as well as school doing creative interventions and training and I dream of taking some of these ideas to Zimbabwe one day. ZA:What advise or guidance would you give to others wanting to help support Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans to achieve their ambitions and to support their community? LM:My advise to all Zimbabweans globally is that remember the spirit and values of UBUNTU- (umuntu ngu muntu nga bantu ) I can only be because we are. Let’s Reiner the concept and philosophy of ilima Team Work

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What are your dreams for Zimbabwe? I dream of a prosperous Zimbabwe where poverty will be a story of the past. Equal opportunities for all. ZA: What advice or guidance would you give to others wanting to help support Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans to ZA:What makes you proud to be Zimbabwean?

achieve their ambitions and to support their community?

SB:The peaceful atmosphere that prevails in Zimbabwe makes me feel at home and love my country with passion

Linda:

Zimbabwe

full

possibilities

and

opportunities. Let us tap into these opportunities and ZA:What do you miss most about Zimbabwe?

possibilities to bring solutions and changes to better

SB: The organic and original great taste of local food and of course being around family

zimbabwe.

ZA:What are your dreams for Zimbabwe? SB: Would love to see my country positively thriving in many areas possible ZA: How are you supporting Zimbabwean community?

Zimbabwe

and

the

SB: I may be living in Australia but l have decided to take a huge step in my country by getting more involved with the underprivileged and building orphanages and taking part in those lives of the vulnerable!, I started and run the SB Foundation based in Perth running projects in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe ZA: What advise or guidance would you give to others wanting to help support Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans to achieve their ambitions and to support their community? SB:Home will always be home, irregardless of where you are. Do as much as you can to get involved in what’s happening in your country. There’s so much more to be done and whatever God places on your heart be sure it shall come to fulfilment. Never get carried away with where you are and forget where you come from (our roots).

TIZIRAI

DZVITI Location: Dubai

NGUGI VERE

Location: South Africa ZA: What do you miss most about Zimbabwe?

Tizirai: I am proud to be a Zimbabwean because apart from all the negative things we get from other countries, we are a peace and God loving nation . Citizens are focused and they know understand that Education is the basis to a life that is not condemed. Having been away from home for the past 13 years I just miss the sense of belonging .

NV: I miss the beautiful nation and people of Zimbabwe. Seems things are changing including the people due to the economic crisis. ZA: What are your dreams for Zimbabwe? NV: I dream Zimbabwe to be a fashion capital and fashion hub to Africa and the world. ZA: How are you supporting Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwean Community NV: I’m supporting Zimbabwe by flying the flag

KIM JAYDE Location: South Africa Full Name: Kimberley Jayde Robinson MTV Presenter and the 2018 ZAA media personality Q:What makes you proud to be Zimbabwean? KIM: It’s a very challenging and difficult thing to leave your home country, family & friends to seek a better life... Yet thousands of us do it every year : the one thing you almost always hear about Zimbabweans is that they are a hard working, humble people! I take such pride in that - we are grateful for the opportunities foreign countries grant us, but Zimbabwe will always be home, and we will always be proud to be ZIMBABWEAN. Q: What do you miss most about Zimbabwe? KIM: That’s easy - my family. Q: What are your dreams for Zimbabwe? KIM: For the economy to one day in a place that allows us to come home! I’d LOVE to raise my children in Zimbabwe. Q: What are some of the greatest challenges you have faced and how you overcame them? KIM: Language definitely- I lived in Stellenbosch, Western Cape for 4 years! They spoke mostly Afrikaans- our lectures were mostly in Afrikaans! In order for me to pass I had to study extra hard.

TZ: By virtue of being born in Zimbabwe and having gone through what we all went through as a country for so many years my dreams for Zimbabwe ranges from seeing a Zimbabwe that has running industries and performing government. I dream that what the politicians say become a reality one day. A lovable Zimbabwe . TZ: As a family man who supports not only his family, I have many cousins who depend on me when it comes to clothing,food and school issues . I have to bear the burden of what our country is today. painful but that is the reality. TZ: Like one Icon said for one tonchange the world he/she needs to go back home and love his or her family first. I encourage everyone to show love to their families first and this love will spread like veldfire resulting in a loving and caring society. We will not go hungry or steal from each other . We will together help to build our Zimbabwe.

high in the fashion industry in Africa. And I’m empowering upcoming models and designers through my fashion show projects. Most importantly im running a Padgirls Campaign to provide free Sanitary pads to rural school girls and Women Prisons. QWhat dvice or guidance would you give to others wanting to help support Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans to achieve their ambitions and to support their community? NV: My only advice is let’s not only rely on the government to bring change. Change begins from the inside and effects the rest. So let’s come together and support each other to better ourselves and create opportunities that would benefit our communities

Q: Any Advise to others wishing to follow your footsteps? KIM: My advice Is always : Dream Big. Work hard & stay humble

#BeBold

www.zim-abroad.com 35

MICHAEL JACKSON INSPIRED ME

POP MUSICIAN Kelvin Jones 36

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Real name Tinashe Kelvin Mupani, he first fell in love with playing guitar when he was 16. At that time he didn’t consider it to be a potential career. But after writing a few songs he felt he had to play them to someone other than just ‘myself’. Then after seeing his musical hero, John Mayer, live in concert, he decided to follow it fully.

“I play pop music. I’m a big fan of Michael Jackson, John Mayer, and Oasis so I tend to write music that sounds somewhat like a mix of the 3,” he told Zim Abroad Magazine. In the last 5 years he has been working on his music career after becoming obsessed with the guitar. He has been in the music business for about 4 years and has been playing guitar for 6 years. He is contracted to international record label Sony, and has only put one album out so far but is working on a second one now. As a young musician Kelvin is motivated by a lot of things to wake up each day. “I suppose there’s too much

to create and to enjoy still for me to stay asleep. I still feel I haven’t explored much of the world.”

He said that things picked up for him ‘dramatically’ a few years ago when a song he wrote called Call You Home went viral on the internet. The song was sort of an overnight sensation on a website called Reddit and from there he recorded an album and the song has since gone gold. So he is very proud of that achievement. Being a young artist coupled with instant success has however, brought some challenges to him.

“Deciding and locking in on who I am as an artist is the toughest thing I face right now. The problem is I enjoy too many different styles of music that I almost want to do all of them. But people need (to an extent) to know what you’re about and what you stand for.” He stated that he feels like he is very busy but finds that he doesn’t always use time wisely. “I could definitely be better at time management. But then again a lot of times you can’t force inspiration or timetable it.” Despite his young artistic career he noted that his first single Call You Home has had the largest impact. It was heavily played on German radio and also across US on an advert which was also played during halftime at the Super Bowl. His other biggest songs to date have been the songs Closer and As You Wake Up played on BBC Radio 2. Asked if he has worked with some big international artists, he said: “So far I’ve actually just kept my stuff to

myself. I think on this next album I may stretch out and work with some but I wanted to hear what something would sound like coming out of me unfiltered…”

Kelvin is currently working on his second album which is his main focus these days. In the next 5 – 10 years hopefully his second album would have connected well with people and get some support from radio, as the first step. From there he really just hopes to always get to play to bigger and bigger crowds. His biggest highlight have so far revolved around being on stage in some way because that’s always been his favourite part of being a musician. This includes playing with his band in front of 30,000 people in Germany which experience he described as ‘insane’. As well as when he played in front of 100 people in a crowded venue in Vienna with his mum, dad, brother and girlfriend, which was ‘special’. Based in London, he was born and grew up in Chitungwiza until the age of 9, then he moved to Stevenage in England. If he was to go back to Zimbabwe now or in future he hopes to see the country embrace his music. “It’s not

typical Zimbabwean / African music so I would just be happy to be somewhat embraced as one of their own.” He said he knows some Zimbabwean music names like Rationale, Kwaye, Tinashe and would one day like to work with them. He also knows about the music of Mtukudzi and Macheso which his dad always played in the house when he was growing up. Besides the above he doesn’t follow that much music by artists based in Zimbabwe. “….The music doesn’t

come over to England because there’s not a lot of crossover so it’s a shame that it’s actually quite hard to stay up to date.” However, he fell in love with Neria by Oliver Mtukudzi when he was young and his music always brings him back to a special time. He points out the veteran singer is his favourite. He added that he loved the Borrowdale Dance to Alec Macheso’s music when he was in Zimbabwe which has a special place in his heart. Kelvin said he is just blessed and thankful to be able to do music every day and call his passion his job. “I am

very thankful to the people of Zimbabwe for sticking with me and showing their pride in everything Zimbabwean so I hope to continue to carry a torch for Zimbabwe in the music that I do.

I am very thankful to the people of Zimbabwe for sticking with me and showing their pride in everything Zimbabwean so I hope to continue to carry a torch for Zimbabwe in the music that I do. www.zim-abroad.com 37

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AFRICA

CASH AND CARRY

Africa

Cash & Carry a giant Johannesburg headquartered Wholesaler is the answer and solution to consumers of beauty and hair products. The wholesaler’s Marketing Manager Tasneen Williams, proudly presents her shop as the cheapest in South Africa. “We specialise in a range of cosmetics, hair products, health and beauty products, medicinal products, households items, plastic-ware, hardware, crockery, jewellery, variety of braids, confectionery and electronics appliances. Our prices are always the cheapest and have the stocks,” said Williams. Africa Cash & Carry is an independent company established since 1998 with the flagship store situated in Crown Mines in Johannesburg. The shop is located slightly out of Johannesburg Central away from the traffic jam and congestion madness associated with the Central business district. Above that it is in the midst of routes linking South Africa’s freeways. The company also has a branch in Polokwane. The business draws customers from across the globe including Africa, Europe, Far Middle East and Australia.

Williams said her sales team was always open to negotiate bulk deals. “Our friendly staff are keen to assist, serving you with a smile and leaving you satisfied. The company also have a door to door services conducted by reliable contracted freight forwarders. Apart from proving affordable goods, Africa Cash & Carry has offered employed to hundreds of black people and has given a lot of casuals an opportunity to put bread on their family tables. Visit us Address: Head Office Cnr Crownwood Road & Coach Street, Crown Mines Johannesburg, 2025, South Africa Tel: (+27 11) 661 6600, We are open: Monday – Friday 8AM – 5PM, Saturdays 8AM – 1PM Sundays and Public Holidays – Watch the press for more info Polokwane Branch 5 Marmer Street, Magna via, Polokwane, 0699, South Africa Tel:(+27 15) 298 6700 Email: orders@africacnc.co.za www.africacnc.co.za www.zim-abroad.com 39

WANT TO BUY PROPERTY

IN AFRICA

Visit: www.propertyend.com When architect-turnedonline-property business man Peaceful Chimbwanda left Zimbabwe for studies in the US many years ago, he didn’t foresee that one day he would end up in a different profession that has clients spanning across the pan-African continent and Europe. He spoke with Zim Abroad Editor Martin Chemhere about his quest for greatness in the global village that is so full of technology driven opportunities.

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ow resident in the UK city of Coventry (West Midlands), from where his online property business is taking mainly African world by storm, he can now look back at the early days of his life in the Diaspora, as the happy CEO of Propertyend.com, a company he set up and established and is making headway. He explains that Propertyend.com was formerly known as Africa Abroad Properties, and is an online African property portal linking sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants. “Hosted and run from the UK, Propertyend. com is the ultimate go to place uniquely designed to bring all properties across the African continent onto a single platform,” said the proud owner. How he came to establish the company is interesting. It was twelve years ago, when he set about buying a property back home from his then base of the USA. Being so far away from Zimbabwe and with very little to no direct contact or interaction with the network of estate agents in the country, what began as

a simple desire from his living room to find a property in “my home country”, soon became a ‘nightmare’. “Just finding a single property to consider buying became an impossible task as nothing was available online to look at. I must admit business use of the internet and websites has since improved in Zimbabwe since 12 years ago, but at the time businesses, particularly estate agents, didn’t seem to see the need for any online presence.” After struggling to find any meaningful property listings online, he imagined how much of this frustration was shared with many other people from Zimbabwe, or indeed other African countries, in the diaspora. “In that moment of frustration, the idea for a trans-African online property portal was born,” he recalls. Although he had the idea over 12 years ago while living in America, it remained in incubation for 4 years until 2009 when he had moved to settle in the UK. It was then that the

idea became a business. Peaceful is motivated to wake up daily by knowing that each time he wakes up in the morning, he is a step closer to achieving his goals: perhaps his single largest motivation. “Added to that, it is the satisfaction that comes from knowing the hard work of yesterday is another day closer to bearing fruit”. He proudly explains that he also has around him a great team of motivated and hardworking individuals who continually challenge him to be better. Property.com faces the primary challenge, and this is increasing, that similar portals sprouting everywhere as the world is getting more and more digital. Peaceful said it has become so easy for anyone to wakeup and buy a ready-made fancy looking website template that appears to offer the same functionalities as Propertyend.com. “We are however up to the challenges, as we believe the relationships we have cultivated with estate agents and developers on the African continent over the years give us the edge. We have also developed a robust customer care culture which removes some of the fears associated with buying or selling a property in Africa.”He described the important role played by his portal to its target market, saying, Propertyend.com is a one stop property market. “It is as good as putting all African estate agents and developers on the same street, but only virtual. What we do for our customers on both ends of the market is the screening process designed to remove those fears traditionally associated with buying and selling of property on the African

continent. There have been stories of buyers entering into a transaction for a property advertised by a seemingly genuine estate agent who only turns out to be bogus. We do the hard work of carrying out all necessary due diligence so that any property listed on our portal is vetted and qualified as being from a genuine estate agent or developer in the respective country across Africa.” Peaceful left Zimbabwe in 1998 to study architecture at the Franklin Institute of Boston, Massachusetts, USA. He also obtained a qualification in Management Information Systems before relocating to the UK in 2006 with his family. In his answer to the question, “If you were to go back to Zimbabwe, what plans would you have for the country?” he said: “My stay in America and the UK has opened my eyes to the role played by a world class infrastructure in attracting investment. I have observed that what normally makes an impression to a first time visitor to this country and America is the state of infrastructure; the road networks and transportation systems. I believe my educational qualifications and exposure will have a small role to play in the development of that country’s infrastructure. I would also like to see faith being restored in the country’s property market. There are far too many sad stories of people losing their hard earned cash to unscrupulous operators.” He is working hard to make Propertyend.com “the undisputed authority in African online property marketing in the next 5-10 years.” This will not surprise as he narrated that over the years they have built a business currently boasting a good portfolio of property listings all from regulated estate agents. “Having some of best known estate agents in various African countries listing with us is a major highlight. I have also turned down a number of offers to buy the business from us. I believe there is still a lot of value to be created in it before we reach that stage.” We are however up to the challenges as we believe the relationships we have cultivated with estate agents and developers on the African continent over the years give us the edge. We have also developed a robust customer care culture which removes some of the fears associated with buying or selling a property in Africa. www.zim-abroad.com 41

GROUP HUMBLED BY GIVING BACK TO BULAWAYO Samukeliso Tennyson led an enthusiastic clinical team on a successful trip to Zimbabwe recently.

ur 2017 trip was the most successful of the many trips we have done. The fundraising was great as the team came together

and fundraised for a good cause,” she told Zim Abroad Magazine. The team comprised of her Pastor Jide David Modede, Patience Wambui on the cosmetic side, Marie Marshall, Helen Addy, Kelly NickelCrooks, Daniella Davies, and her daughter Andile Sibanda. Their aim was mainly to teach on obstetric emergencies, focusing mainly on neonatal resuscitation. Together they renovated a total of 16 rooms at Mpilo Maternity Unit including the reception areas. “We worked as part of the great team of midwives, doctors, matrons and the executive team,” said Samukeliso Tennyson. She said that at Mpilo they were welcomed with open hands as they had seen them in action in the last 6 years. “It’s always a great pleasure to be allowed to give for a great cause. Talking about giving, this is the greatest passion for the life project we always aspire to and make lives better. We like to be the change we want to see,” she commented. Following the team’s fundraising a range of equipment has been purchased and sundries used in maternity ranging from blood pressure monitors, sonic aides, stethoscopes, thermometers,

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catheters and gloves. Bag and masks valves were donated to

resuscitating a baby back to life using the skills they posses as a

them, as well as baby cloths hats, jumpers, and all sorts of other

team and their equipment.

stuff that were well received and appreciated.

In Samukeliso Tennyson’s admission, that experience

Training went well, with Marie Marshall taking the front role while the rest of the team got involved in the daily activities of the maternity ward. Pastor Jide David Modede on the other

demonstrated going way beyond the call of duty and she highlights that Zimbabwe needs people who will take their skills to the next level - giving for love. During one of the team’s working days they found two abandoned babies. This broke their hearts and Helen and Kelly quickly bonded well with Baby Gracie and Petal while pledging to adopt and support the babies. Finally the team secured space for the babies at Queen Elizabeth Orphanage in Bulawayo. “The babies are being well looked after . The heart is never empty of love. My

hand led a voluntary team of renovators and also taught the Mpilo team on Team Working. Marie Marshall trained a total of 130 people including junior doctors, midwives and midwifery students. The entire experience was humbling.

team humbled me,” reveals Samukeliso Tennyson. The Mpilo Life Project aims to cover the rest of Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries in the next few years.

Samukeliso Tennyson also took the midwifery team to the world renowned Matopo Hills to show them Zimbabwe’s heritage. But this did not end there as the group also visited the internationally famous and mighty Victoria Falls. “This was a great experience of the beauty of Zimbabwe and the girls really loved it. We went on a sunset cruise and also had a safari ride exploring the wildlife in Zimbabwe. We were lucky and saw lots of game”. The highlight of this trip was walking into the labour ward on arrival day just to say hello to the team on the ground, and www.zim-abroad.com 43

COMMUNITY LEADER

NGQABUTO MABHENA’S CALL FOR ALL ZIMBABWEANS TO BE DOCUMENTED

gqabutho Mabhena grew up in the village in Mbizingwe, Mzinyathini, Matebeleland South.

those who had arrived in South Africa before, joined the queue to

“In South Africa, when we received many people who had come for various reasons from Zimbabwe around 2000, l began to feel the need to assist as most of them did not have a home to stay and legal papers. At the time, Zimbabweans were not issued with asylum papers by the South African government on the basis that Zimbabwe was not at war,” he said. “Working with the likes of Jabulani Mkwanazi, the late Charles Ndebele, the late Ben Mutasa, we negotiated with the South African government to issue asylum documents. The issuing of these documents started in May 2002 when Prof Welshman Ncube assisted us in the negotiations with South African Home Affairs Department.

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without these, one will always struggle in leading the community.

Adding that one must have the ability to keep peoples’ secrets, some people share with us their personal experiences which as community leaders should not pass to others. This assists in gaining trust from the community. Ngqabutho has learnt to be faithful, honest and respectful to each individual irrespective of their position in society. Upon the issuing of the asylum documents, it was then that l realised He said it is important that, whatever how desperate Zimbabweans were with regards to legal documents. decision we arrive at as community Those who did not qualify for the asylum documents, that is to say, leaders, it’s a decision taken by the community itself.

He arrived in South Africa in the late 1990s for greener pastures like any other young man from Matabeleland. He is currently the leader of the Zimbabwe Community In South Africa. “I grew up in a Christian family, started going to church at the age of 12. It was in church that we were taught to care for the poor as Jesus Christ did. The evangelical work we did in the community back in my village taught me to work with people in resolving their daily challenges at community level.

“Upon the issuing of asylum documents, it was then that l realised how desperate Zimbabweans were with regards to legal documents. Those who did not qualify for the asylum documents, that is to say, those who had arrived in South Africa before, joined the queue to apply for asylum documents.”

apply for asylum documents.”

Ngqabutho is a well-known community leader who has been involved in this work since 2000 as part of a leadership collective in South Africa. He is motivated by the need to assist others who are in need of assistance as the community leadership, working with man and women who have passion to assist others. “The desire by my friends to assist the less privileged in our community gives me the reason of working up daily,” he explained. He works with people drawn from migrant organisations. He explained that the most important skills that a community leader must have is to have great listening skills and love for the people, and

“Ours (role) is to lead. Our community (Zimbabwe) now sees it as its responsibility to fight crime as we are victims ourselves. Working with the community has helped us to identify crime hot spots and we are working with the authorities to address this challenge.” He has had repetative visits on a number occasions visited the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Johannesburg and he wants all migrants to be documented. To achieve this he has been leading the work with both the South African and Zimbabwean government to ensure the documentation of Zimbabweans in South Africa. “So far we are assisting those renewing their special permits and we hope others will benefit when South Africa adopts its new policy on International Migration.”

www.zim-abroad.com www.zim-abroad.com 45 45

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