High profile guests expected at ZAA South Africa Gala this weekend
By Tidi Kwidini
The third edition of ZAA South Africa is fast approaching and Zimbabwe’s high flying beau’s and belle’s will gather at the Maslow Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Saturday 10th December to toast the success and achievements of this year’s nominees and winners.
The organisers of ZAA South Africa have announced that they will this year give recognition to legendary sports stars, musicians and actors who have broken barriers locally, regionally and internationally over the years.
ZAA Chairman Conrad Mwanza has also announced football ace Peter Ndlovu in his honorary list.
“This year’s honours list reflects the hard work of several individuals across a number of industries, whose talent, dedication and perseverance has influenced a new generation of sports stars, musicians and actors,” Mwanza said.
Former Scandal actor Luthuli Dhlamini, Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Esrom Nyandoro, former Generations star Ernest Ndlovu and Bongo Muffin’s Anesu “Jah Seed” Mupemi are also part of the glowing list of honours recipients.
“Peter, Luthuli, Esrom, Anesu and Ernest demonstrate the work ethic and qualities that their respective industries need to push forward and really make a difference in a world filled with so many challenges.
These gentlemen have been doing remarkable, ground-breaking things for decades and making such an immense difference despite the challenges they have faced. It is for that reason they should be celebrated,” Mwanza added.
A host of South Africa’s businessmen, women and members of the political world are expected to attend, including South Africa’s Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Thandi Modise. Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism, Walter Mzembi has also confirmed his attendance for this year’s awards gala.
Chiedza Mhende, formerly known as Chi Mhende is also set to dazzle the red carpet affair. Mhende appeared on SABC 1’s Generations The Legacy not so long ago, persuasively playing the role of a man. Despite initial mixed reactions on social media about her actually being a woman acting as a man, Chi has often expressed her love for her job on social platforms and being able to transform into the opposite sex before the audience’s eyes.
The phenomenal actress who has worked hard on her craft has a list of accolades to her name, including winning the award for Best Actress at the 2014 Durban International Film Festival. She was also lead actress in the award winning film Love the One You Love, that has received astounding reviews.
Property tycoon and businessman, Frank Buyanga is also said to be making a rare cameo appearance at this weekend’s celebration.
The prominent awards ceremony, which celebrates its third year, will be hosted by comedian Carl Joshua Ncube. Mbira songstress Hope Masike will headline the event.
The awards are proudly sponsored by Steward bank. Mukuru.com, FoodWorld, Fastjet, Impala Car Rental and Hamilton Insurance are among the sponsors.
Over the years the Zim Achievers brand has continued to progress. With the UK awards well established, and with South Africa up and running for the past three years, the organisation held its first event in the US last month. There are plans for expansion and ZAA will be launching in Australia in 2017.
Voting for the SA edition has ended and the ZAA’s panel are currently deliberating to come up with the list of winners for the 2016 awards ceremony.
The UK’s 7th edition is imminent with the event scheduled for early May next year.
