By Tidi Kwidini
The city of Johannesburg came to life last Saturday as high flyers from both the Zimbabwean and South African communities turned out in their numbers to toast the success of this year’s winners and nominees of the South African version of the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA).
If there was an award for Best Comedy performance, Carl Joshua Ncube would have won by default as he had the audience in stitches. Ncube was this year’s event host and added a touch of humour to the evening’s proceedings.
Mbira songstress Hope Masike was one of the major highlights of the night, thrilling the audience with her sultry, melodic voice. Masike, who was this year’s headline act, pulled out all the stops, leaving the guests both mesmerised and excited about her forthcoming album which will be out in 2017.
ZAA SA Organising Director Lawrence Dube expressed his delight at the turnout and thanked everyone for their support.
“Putting this event together has been a rewarding experience and, seeing all the hard work delivered by the team over the last few months was a pleasure to see on Saturday,” Dube said.
“Every campaign has its up’s, downs and challenges. You are often faced with criticism from the outside, but what makes it worth it, is the commitment and perseverance of the network around you, and the amount of support received throughout. It was immense and greatly appreciated.
“I would also like to extend gratitude to all the sponsors who stood with us, and helped us fulfil the vision we had,” Dube added.
This year, ZAA SA honoured pioneers who are breaking barriers and leading the way in their respective industries.
Football legend Peter Ndlovu was among the recipients honoured by ZAA Chairman Conrad Mwanza.
Ndlovu, who was unable to attend, said in his acceptance speech that he was honoured to have been recognised by his fellow Zimbabweans for his contributions to football.
“Thank you to all those who have supported me and made receiving this award possible,” Ndlovu said.
“I am very honoured to have been recognised by my own people. There are so many others who would easily qualify for this. However, to be recognised is amazing,” he added.
Ndlovu said that it was an award he would cherish forever and thanked his family and network for their continued support. Natalie Ndlovu accepted the award on her father’s behalf.
High Profile guests included Steward Bank CEO, Dr Lance Mambondiani and Minister of Tourism Walter Mzembi, who were also keynote speakers at the event.
Both men echoed similar sentiments about the ongoing work being done to build and strengthen the Zimbabwean community in South Africa. In their speeches, they also thanked the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards for their work in highlighting the extraordinary work and achievements of Zimbabweans who are flying the national flag locally and internationally.
South Africa’s A list stars Chi Mhende and former Scandal actor Luthuli Dlamini were in attendance and dazzled the red carpet gala. Dlamini was among the five men who were honoured by the chairman.
Bongo Muffin’s Anesu “Jah Seed” Mpemi, actor Ernest Ndlovu and footballer Esrom Nyandoro also received honours awards.
Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces in South Africa, Thandi Modise was in attendance and received the Friend of Zimbabwe award.
Property mogul Frank Buyanga also made an appearance and celebrated the accomplishments of this year’s winners and nominees.
The Zim Achievers Awards for the past seven years has continued to recognise the successes and achievements of Zimbaweans living in countries that include the UK, South Africa and the United States, in a number of industries, among them business, music, media and sport. The brand is looking to expand its portfolio, and there are plans to launch in Australia in 2017.
The UK’s 7th edition is on the cards, with the event scheduled for early May next year. Nominations will open soon.
2016 Winners list
Business of the Year
ZimCon Transport
Female Entrepreneur
Judy Goddard
Male Entrepreneur
Nyasha Mudzingwa
Professional of the year
Sihle Thabani Ndlovu
Academic Award
Professor Caroline Ncube
People’s Choice
Mothusi Madlela Ndlovu
Artist of the year
Nadia Nakai
Sports Personality
Khama Billiat
Young Achiever
Dr Musawenkosi Donia Saurombe
Business leader
Bongani Nqwababa
Personality of the Year
Vimbai Musvamburi
Community Champion
Arnold Tsunga
Community Organisation
Zim Community SA
