ZAA US edition announces nominees

By Tafadzwa Zimoyo |The Herald|

After a successful edition in the United Kingdom and spreading to South Africa, the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards has announced the nomination list for the United States edition.

The high profile awards have become the highlight of celebration for professional and artistic achievements by Zimbabweans in the UK and South Africa, and with the US edition in full swing, there are plans to expand to other countries in the next year.

The US edition got off to a seamless start at the nominee announcement launch held in Dallas, Texas, recently.

The inaugural awards gala in the US will be held on November 19 at the Westin Stonebriar Hotel and Golf Club.

There are 15 categories which include Business, Arts, Sports and Community based initiatives among others.

“The shortlist of the US nominees boasts some stellar names and has uncovered some hidden gems”, said ZAA USA planning director Ontrance Mureverwi.

Zimbabwe’s leading financial institute, Steward Bank was unveiled as one of the main sponsors for the upcoming editions of the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards taking place in the United States and South Africa, in November and December respectively.

ZAA international executive Louis Charema said the committee was delighted to welcome Steward Bank on board as an official partner and were looking forward to working with them.

“Commercial bank’s support with the respective franchises would only strengthen an already growing relationship with the Zimbabwean community on an International spectrum.

The awards organisation, which was established in 2010, and is the brainchild of ZAA Chairman Conrad Mwanza, recognises and honours Zimbabweans excelling in various countries, including the United Kingdom,” he said.

Steward Bank chief executive Officer, Lance Mambondiyani said they were proud to be associated with the awards and that he was looking forward to the journey ahead.

“The Zimbabwe Achievers Awards have been a major highlight in the UK, as well as in South Africa, and soon to be in the United States and, it is wonderful to see what the organisation has done over the years in recognising Zimbabweans who are excelling in their various disciplines, business or other.

“We are honoured to be a partner of an establishment that on a yearly basis celebrates these accomplishments across the world and we are looking forward to the announcement of the nominees for both editions,” he said.

Below is the full list of the nomination
*Outstanding Achievers in Entertainment*
Kwapi Vengesayi
Danai Gurira
Alfred Kainga
Makho Ndhlovu
DJ Lee Zvavada

*Outstanding Achievers in Music*
Tinashe Kachingwe
Vimbai Kaziboni
Zivanai Masango
FaRose
Peter Thulani
Brian Nhira

*Personality of the Year*
Miriam Shumba
Leah Chikumbindi
Noah Manyika
Lumbie Mlambo

*Sports Personality of the year Award*
Stansly Maponga
Kristine Musadembe
Takura Abus Tela
Kirsty Coventry

*Young Achievers Award*
Tatenda Chitemerere
Simba Zihove
Alexandra Maseko
Hatinawedu Mupiwa
Kristine Musadembe

*Community Champion of the Year Award*
Leah Chikumbindi
Leo Manhanga
Dr Moleen Madzviva
Sipho Gumbo
Danny Muchirahondo

*Community Organisation of the year Award*
Munhu Inc.
Girls Set Apart Ministries
ZimExpo Business Consortium
Mai Banda Outreach Ministries
Orphans Guardian Angel

*Academic Excellence of the Year Award*
Gillian Vimbai Kupakuwana
Emmanuel Magara
Marshal Bizure

*Lifetime Outstanding*
Contribution Award
Dr Japhat Ndemera
Precious Guramatunhu
Dr Solomon Masenda
Thomas Mapfumo

*Professional of the Year*
James Manyika
Dr Tawanda Gumbo
Vakirai Mawema
Dr Abednigo Sibanda
Fungai Shonhiwa

*Male Entrepreneur of the year*
Suresh Kara
Dr Kudzai Chikwava
Mark Nkolomi
Anesu Manjengwa
Tendai Mutenha

*Female Entrepreneur of the year*
Farayi Simoyi
Eustina Choto
Elizabeth Buard
Munashe Kaseke
Evelyn Lambert

*People’s Choice Award*
Thomas Mapfumo
Miriam Shumba
Brian Sibanda
Leonard Manhanga

*Business of the Year*
Coriolis Business Systems, Inc.
Exodus Capital LLC
VAULT Cosmetics
S D Simunyu & Son Logistics, Inc.
Swift and Gentle Moving LLC.
Sadza.com

*Friends of Zimbabwe Award*
Joel Laviolette-USA
Apostle George Jobe – US
Sam Kumbatira – Malawi