The Nobel prizes are being handed out again and already we know the winners in the two categories of Medicine and Chemistry. We still await announcements for Physics, Literature, Peace and Economics. By nationality Medicine has been awarded to three Europeans and Chemistry to two Americans and a Japanese scientist. Will there be an African laureate in physics, don’t hold your breath. Africans have been conspicuous by their absence from the science Nobels and the Nobels in general, and this year looks like things will go to type.

So why aren’t we featuring more in garnering these prestigious awards? And most importantly should we care?

Before I attempt to answer these two questions here’s a snapshot by national origin of Nobel recipients since inception in 1901 to 2000.

National Origin of recipients of Nobel Prizes (1901- 2000)

For Mathematics the premier award is the Fields Medal which was founded by John Charles Fields in 1932. Fields Medals are given out every four years and the next lot will be handed out in 2010.

Looking at my first question my suspicion is that we don’t see many Africans because pure science like most sports at the Olympics is not financially rewarding for the majority of participants. Unless if you are Michael Phelps you are not going to make much money from swimming. So in a continent characterized by severe poverty should we care? Absolutely YES! And here’s why:

The paucity of African laureates firstly implies that Africans are stupid. There is a tremendous body of literature about race and intelligence, most of it contentious. In 1994 Richard Hernsterin and Charles Murray published their bestselling hereditarian primer “The Bell Curve,” which argued that blacks were innately inferior in intelligence to whites. Malcolm Gladwell notes that IQ fundamentalists (i.e. those who believe that intelligence is determined by genes) say the fact that Africans score lower than Europeans on I.Q. tests believe as James Watson (the co-discoverer of DNA) that the prospects for Africa are “inherently gloomy”. Mmmmmmmm not good. In effect what these guys are saying is that no matter what interventions you carry out in Africa they won’t work because Africans are too dumb to make it work. This body of work has also been used to justify why affirmative action programs especially in the US have failed.

To my knowledge four South Africans are science laureates, these are: Max Theiler, 1951; Alan M. Cormack, 1979; Sydney Brenner, 2002 (Physiology or Medicine); and Aaron Klug, 1982 (Chemistry). None of them are black.

The link between scientific R&D and economic performance is fairly well established. We know that scientific and technical developments spur productivity and other elements of business competitiveness. So it’s not surprising that countries that have won the Nobel prizes in the sciences also have high performing economies.

Though contentious, Intellectual Property which is often a product of R&D is a cornerstone of the knowledge economy. Technology behemoths such as IBM, HP, Intel, Microsoft etc have thousands of patents. In this knowledge driven, globalised environment where does Africa stand?

In the US companies such as Intel and Google are actively involved in the identification and encouragement of scientific talent at high school level. Here in Zimbabwe Old Mutual has been involved with the Mathematics Olympiad for a long time. Certainly, there is more scope for companies to play a part in the development of scientific talent locally. I know what you will say though. How can companies spend money on this when they are struggling to survive?

In my opinion the answer to developing Zimbabwe’s scientific ability and capacity lies not in government (public policy) or corporates but in individuals. My distrust of our government’s ability in this domain is based from my observations of how similar awards such as the NAMA awards have been carried out in the past. Now before you rush and commit me to the nearest asylum here’s why you should pause.

The biggest clue we have for the encouragement of scientific talent lies in the will and testament of Alfred Nobel himself. Nobel was a brilliant chemist and businessman. Whilst working in a lab in Italy, Nobel met Arcanio Sobrero who had developed an explosive oil named nitroglycerin. Immediately he saw the potential of this explosive, developed a design for its practical use (later he received a patent for it). The product Nobel developed was later called dynamite. On his death Nobel had 355 patents registered.

Nobel envisaged that the cash award that came with the prize would “allow the awardee to concentrate on his work without any need for income for some twenty years.” Very interesting. Nobel’s insight was that the pursuit of science is for the purist a non-commercial venture though loaded with commercial obligations. Scientific knowledge in itself often does not result in commercially useful applications but that does not meant the scientist should not pursue that knowledge. So Nobel bequeathed his considerable estate to the cause of science. He could have lobbied the government to implement a science policy or urged others in the corporate world to ‘do something’ but he just went ahead and did it himself. His vision and initiative has encouraged scientists to pursue science which in turn has been the bedrock for technological progress and ultimately economic growth.

Black Africans are laureates in Peace and Literature, which I believe is an indication of our intellectual ability. I think it’s only a matter of time before we see black Africans being awarded the prizes in Economics, Physics, Medicine and Chemistry. Supporting efforts to develop our intellectual resources ultimately lies with you and me. If we take this challenge seriously I’m sure within your lifetime and mine we shall see several African science laureates and other laureates in general.

Practical ways to Help Zimbabwe- Education and Health, just for now!

EDUCATION:

Problem: there is a severe shortage of teachers in schools as many are leaving for the informal sector due to poor salaries. My nephews in Form 3 at a boarding school outside Bulawayo are supposed to be taking 9 classes, but only have 4 teachers out of 9 teachers needed for the classes showed up this semester- 5 classes are without teachers. Furthermore, there is a great shortage of books.

Current efforts: We have established links with book publishers in Zimbabwe to print copies of the books used in the local examinations. On average a book costs no more than US$20 if we buy in bulk for many schools. We are raising money to pay for student tuition fees, but it is not enough to only support students. Our partner foundation in the US already sends books to Zimbabwe about twice a year to a group of 75 schools.

New Practical Solution: Start a teacher recruitment program to be piloted in five schools where we already support students. We intend to pay the tuition of students who qualify for university in Zimbabwe, but cannot afford university tuitions to earn a degree by taking “distance learning courses” DLC. As a condition of our financial support, these people would teach in a school, while they are working towards their degree. Selection of first five schools will be based on location, current programs, and willingness of the school to partner and produce results. The cost of these DLC courses is just $250 a year. Imagine for a mere $250, we can put a teacher in front of a classroom and at the same time allow that teacher to work for a degree.

Teachers need food and basics: So, we have a Zimbabwean businessman who sells groceries to Zimbabweans abroad to buy food for people in Zimbabwe. He has been getting calls from people who would like to buy food for people in Zimbabwe, but do not know who to give it to. We are partnering with him so that these people and churches can buy food for the teachers in these schools. Individuals from all over the world can buy food for these schools online via Zimbabwean websites and the company will deliver the food at these schools, since he already has an efficient system in place. The teachers will continue to earn their inadequate salary, but will also have another source of food, and most important, an educational opportunity.

WHAT YOU CAN DO- Help us raise money, resources, and contribute your time to our efforts. We are all volunteers, without much resources, spending nights, weekends to do what we must for Zimbabwe. And an hour of your time, a phone call to a friend, a colleague, could help our nation.

Education Taskforce Conference Call
Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 2 pm EST
Dial in number: +1 309 946 5100
Access Code: 685810

Join the Education Taskforce

• Group home page: http://groups.google.com/group/Zimbabweeducation
• Group email address Zimbabweeducation[-at-]googlegroups.com

HEALTH:
Problem: In addition to the deterioration of equipment, lack of water, food and medical supplies, a large number of medical practitioners are leaving the country. Furthermore, the institutions of higher learning that produce the human resource base to support health care delivery, are crumbling and some are closing down. So, even if there are medical supplies, without doctors and nurses, the problem in health is dire. Because of lack of supplies, medical students cannot conduct practicals, let alone do examinations.

Current Efforts: We have collected some money, set up an account with a South African medical supplier and have sent medical supplies to the University of Zimbabwe Dental School to help 19 students graduate this year and are linking the University Medical School to institutions that can help revive health. Hopefully, we can create a small fund in which people can donate money to sustain this program. A partner foundation is paying for the salary of a Doctor in a rural clinic at a cost of $500 per month.

Practical Solution: Link churches around the world to church run hospitals where they can adopt a nurse, doctor and pay their salaries monthly through donations. The money can be sent directly to the hospital and we could help the church with checking to see progress on the ground.
Collect medical equipment and supplies such as gloves and other non-perishable goods for use in clinics and for training at the University.
Collect non-medical equipment such as generators, water pumps and other materials like flashlights, pens to be used in clinics.

Medium-Term Efforts:

• Create an organized system that allows for Zimbabwean professionals and other global citizens to use their skills to help build Zimbabwe. For instance, specialized doctors practicing abroad could conduct a workshop for their colleagues at home under the auspices of a local organization that provides further education credits. Joe the plumber could volunteer to do some plumbing work in the hospitals for a few weeks. To facilitate all of this, we are collecting information on schools and hospitals in Zimbabwe.

Long-Term Efforts:

• Facilitate the return of Zimbabwean professionals by advocating to multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, IOM and UN to hire Zimbabweans in reconstruction efforts.
• Establish a Diaspora Fund to help pay for scholarships for strategic areas. For instance, while we may send equipment, when these pieces of equipment break down, you need someone to fix them. Develop an intensive training program, with say the Polytechnic colleges or a university, to teach equipment repair for say 2 years to students who would qualify. Once they finish, they can work for us for a year on contract in hospitals to repair equipment. What about spare parts? Government can and should buy this! Salaries? Government again should take care of this!

How you can help:

1. Individuals- Help us collect resources and establish networks. Volunteer your time and be a part of the committees.
2. Church goers- talk to your church or pastor to get the church to adopt a church-run hospital and pay for the salary of a doctor, raise money for a borehole, or buy supplies. We will link you with a church-run hospital in Zimbabwe.
3. Students- ask your student association, sorority, fraternity, to raise money for a university in Zimbabwe or to buy books for a school.
4. Professionals- donate your professional skills and some money and help us reach out to your networks to raise resources.
5. Medical Professionals- you can volunteer you time, help us collect supplies and other medical equipment, such as your used, but not junk stethoscope, dental equipment.
6. Teachers- Mobilize your school to raise resources, volunteer your time to teach in Zimbabwe, help us develop the training program e.t.c.

Health Taskforce Conference Call
Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 2 pm EST
Dial in number: +1 309 946 5100
Access Code: 685810

Join the Health Taskforce:

• Group home page: http://groups.google.com/group/healthtaskforce
• Group email address healthtaskforce[-at-]googlegroups.comThanks,
  Dominic Muntanga
  Founder, Council for Zimbabwe
  Website: www.zimcouncil.org
  Email: info-usa[-at-]zimcouncil.org or zimcouncil[-at-]gmail.com
  Fax: +1 917 591 0778

by Tsitsi Ndabambi
An accident involving three cars has occurred this afternoon Thursday 06 March 2014 at an intersection of Herbert Chitepo street and 6th Avenue. An unidentified woman putting on a ZINARA uniform was injured. Featured below are images of the accident scene.

by Tsitsi Ndabambi

The Zimbabwe Tourism industry made a very strong statement at the ongoing International Tourismus börse (ITB) Berlin 2014 which is taking place from 5-9 March 2014.
A record of 24 Zimbabwe companies collaborated in sync to promote Zimbabwe as a world of wonders destination brand.

The collaboration and support on the Zimbabwe stand went beyond the Zimbabwe operators such that even the UK based Routes Africa representative was on the Zimbabwe stand creating hype on the forthcoming Routes Africa Conference to be held in Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls in June 2014.
The immaculately dressed men and women from Zimbabwe, in their Original Zimbabwean made Khakhi shirts boldly emblazoned Zimbabwe, A world of wonders where a real wonder to watch as they were kept busy entertaining a multitude of both curious and excited visitors to the Zimbabwe stand.
Most of the operators had pre-booked appointments that kept them engaged for the duration of the show.
Visitors to the stand were left to marvel at the wonderful positive aura oozing in all the Zimbabwean exhibitors as they went about their business.
“This is the first time Zimbabwe tourism operators turned out in such large numbers at any ITB show.” confirmed Luke Brown the Managing Director of Vayeni and a member of the Joint Marketing Committee.
Being a first time participant at ITB, Luke said that Zimbabwe is firmly back on the map and it once again is an extremely competitive and favourable destination in Southern Africa.
His sentiments were echoed by Mr. Tendai Madziwanyika the CEO of Rainbow Tourism Group who was satisfied with his company’s feet of clinching over 4000 room nights during ITB 2014.
It is also encouraging to note that big German Operators such as Tui and Detour among others with a combined network of tour and travel agents of over 5 000 countrywide have also reintroduced Zimbabwe in their packages.

International Tourismus börse Berlin, is the world’s largest travel trade show.
Each year, over 10,000 exhibitors present dream destinations around the world – from Albania to Zimbabwe.
About 180,000 visitors come each year to be inspired and organize their “tour of the world” during the showcase.
As destinations create Unique Selling Points they now include emphasis on eco-tourism, cultural tourism, adventure travel, wellness journeys and culinary experiences.
Since March 1966, members of the travel industry, the media and interested parties from every continent have flocked to this trade fair in Berlin to get the latest information and make business deals for the coming year.
The first ITB Berlin had just nine exhibitors from five countries.
Travel business is an important focus since 1985.
In his address to the ITB participants, the UNWTO Secretary General Dr Talib Rifai reiterated the importance of easy visa regimes, opening up the skies and not overburdening the traveling public with taxes so that the over 1.5 billion travel projection by 2015 is realized.

The nominee for Best International Artist for Zimbabwe Achievers Awards 2014 Hope Masike, will be jamming her new releases Matatya, Sungura inspired Wepepe du and the ballard Ndodiniko in her hometown Highfield.

Hope promises what she calls ‘feel-good, tasteful mbira music” from her current albums besides the new songs from the soon to be released album.

The not to be missed concert will be held on Saturday March 22 2014 at PaFiyo which is located at Machipisa Shopping complex.

This is her first time to perform in her home town right after her Bulawayo and Harare Francophone concerts.

The concert will be staged by Hope Masike and her vibrant band comprising of Elisha Herema, drummer Malvern Cheremari, percussionist and dancer Blessed Rukweza, marimba player Courage Chikowo and guitarist Frank Mavhimira.

On the move to perform in Highfield Hope said, “I was born and raised in Highfield and it has always been my desire to perform there ever since my music career. There are many friends and neighbours who have never managed to come to the venues I normally perform. So this chance to stage a show at home is very special for me. Now vana mai Fungai nana mkoma nhingi can come and enjoy my music very easily.”

Masike believes there is a misconception that alternative music is not consumable in
the ghettos.

She commented that other music styles like jazz should improve to avoid being overshadowed by Zim Dancehall which she applauds for capturing masses.
The move to take music to the people, is an advise the she got from Oliver Mtukudzi, with Highfield as her stepping stone.

Hope plans to take her mbira music to all parts of Zimbabwe

With only just two albums to her career, Hope Masike has taken mbira music into new music spaces.

Hope brought home the exciting World music outfit, ‘Monoswezi’ (Mozambique,-Norway-Sweden -Zimbabwe).

In the year 2012 she collaborated with the Zimbabwean Hip Hop outfit, The Monkey Nuts and performed extensively at festivals in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

She also performed at HIFA 2013 in a regional collaboration with famous South
African pianist Bokani Dyer and Mozambican saxophonist Muzila Malembe, a collaboration that toured festivals in Southern Africa.

Hope Masike has fused mbira as we know it with many music styles like Jazz and Sungura.

She has even done versions of Christmas carols and hymns on mbira.

Her efforts did not go unnoticed as she was awarded the Outstanding Female musician for 2012 NAMA awards.

Her collaboration with Monoswezi was also recently nominated for best Cross CulturalCollaboration for Songlines World Music Awards 2014.

by Tsitsi Ndabambi

The Derby Telegraph’s Wedding Spectacular takes place on Sunday March 30, offering a feast of ideas to people planning to tie the knot.

Organiser Stephanie Brown said: “This weekend’s wedding show is destined to be one of the best ones ever. We have an amazing variety of exhibitors, showcasing everything from fabulous venues, flowers, bridal and menswear to wedding cars, music and magic.

“We even have a talented young Derby-based bridalwear designer with us who can make unique made-to-measure gowns.”

Designer Chipo Sibotshiwe, 27, will be at the event with her business.

Chipo, 27, who originates from Zimbabwe, but has lived in Derby for 11 years, aired her first bridal collection, Dressed For Love, at The Enterprise Centre, Bridge Street, Derby, on Thursday.

The designer, whose parents moved with her to the UK to aid her fashion career, has seen her business blossom in the last five years.

She said: “I was commissioned to design an evening dress worn at the Miss World 2009 pageant by the contestant from Zimbabwe at the finals held in South Africa.

“The following year my collection opened the first ever Zimbabwe Fashion Week and then I debuted at African Fashion Week London in 2011.

“Since November 2012, I have been working with the Princes Trust to progress my business. They have been fantastic.”

Chipo, who studied for a BA (Hons) degree in design at New College, Nottingham, offers made-to-measure style for the ultimate fit.

Bridal fashion has always been at the heart of her plans, hence her debut bridal collection launched this week.

Chipo said: “The concept of Thursday’s event (was) to create a diverse environment to introduce the new collection.

“There (was) a fusion of bridal fashion and African percussion from the amazing Arimba Arts band. It represented the diverse nature of our brand. Expect something completely different.

“I’m looking forward to Sunday’s wedding fair too and hope to see lots of people there.”

Chipo will be on hand to chat to brides to be about bespoke wedding dresses. “People often struggle to get the fit they want which is where I can help,” she said.

Chipo Bespoke provides a dress design service with prices from £150. It can also arrange for a unique print to be designed to make your dress even more special. Derbytelegraph.co.uk

For example: I help geniuses put their brilliance into words and dazzle.For instance, with visionaries I help them to  craft their messages in a moderate futuristic model so that they may not be mistakened with  prophets, fortune tellers or hipnotists. With creative entrepreneurs I help them define their natural speaking styles so that when they sharpen their business concepts they embrace the language of financial literacy it can make sense to potential investors and with revolutionaries I help them to define their disregard of the status qou, help them to shape their propaganda manifestos and help them to  pitch alternative new order or paradigm in a sensational bias of pragmatic words, themes, phrases, qoutations and pay off lines and this enables them to become the faces of the revolutions they are pursuing.

After an extended period of downtime, Law & Justice Zimbabwe (www.law.co.zw) is back up. The website is a useful resourse for scholars, lawyers and other people interested in Zimbabwean law.

Besides Zimbabwean statutes, the site also has a directory of lawyers and law firms, High Court and Supreme Court Judgements, the country’s constitution and other law-related information.

The website was originally set up by Aripano Infinity and Exist Digital in 2009 as a resource for law students at Zimbabwe’s universities and lawyers who often need to look at past cases in their research.

It now receives visits and enquiries from all over the world.

On Friday 18 April, afrojazz singer Dudu Manhenga delivers a delightful Good Friday and Independence Day show at Alliance Francaise on H. Chitepo Avenue, in a duo with highly respected jazz pianist Nick Nare, entitled “Dudu Exhales” – after a breathless few months in the whirlwind of Life.

Dudu Exhales
FRIDAY 18 APRIL, 7pm
Old Mutual Theatre, Alliance Francaise, 328 Herbert Chitepo Ave, Harare

The intimate theatre brings Dudu up close to her fans in a unique set of world-class jazz backed only by the magic keyboard work of Nick Nare, which will satisfy even the very keenest music-lovers as the raw, natural music gifts of the two are brought sharply into focus, without the intricate trappings of a full backing band. It’s the true test of a singer or musician, exposing the very core of their creativity and music expression.

Dudu and Nick also head a powerful music team at the Jubilee Christian Centre in Harare, and no doubt the message of Easter will run strong, with songs from Dudu’s last workshop album, ‘For You’.

Singing professionally since her teenage years, Dudu Manhenga is now a mother of four and highly respected in her field, with 5 albums already under her belt since her debut ‘Out of the Blu’ with Color Bu in 2003. Since then she has toured widely at home and abroad, in the southern African region and Europe most recently touching down in West Africa.

In 2013 the highly entertaining music production ‘3 Generations’ featuring Dudu Manhenga, Clare Nyakujara and Zanele Manhenga was launched at Book Café in September, performed several times at Book Café and around the capital; at Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo, the October World Music Festival and the ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence’ campaign. The production was a result of good mentoring of the young women artists by Dudu Manhenga who, having already carved a successful musical career for herself, supports other women through the FLAME gender project by Harare Arts organisation Pamberi Trust, of which she is currently a Trustee.

In 2014, Dudu has been embraced in heart of West Africa, as a guest Queen mother Nanaheema Adjoa Awindoor, in Accra, Ghana, where she interacted with young Ghanaian women, and performed at several occasions and concert venues, with a Valentine’s Day performance at the Royal Cassamora Gardens

The Friday 18 April performance of Dudu and Nick at Alliance Francaise is a wonderful celebration of Zimbabwe and its rich and diverse music culture, by two of Zimbabwe’s most highly-respected afro-jazz artists with a fantastic musical treat for the Easter weekend.

by Tsitsi Ndabambi
#COMMUNITY Makomborero hit maker Fungisai Zvakavapano Mashavave toured Matendera national Monument in Buhera on Friday April 18 2014.
In addition to that she was appointed brand ambassador for Matendera Cultural Festival which borrows its name from the national monument.
Matendera festival is an annual cultural event held at Matendera Ruins, a national monument in Buhera District in Manicaland province.
Under the co-ordination the Buhera Rural District Council (BRDC) and National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ), the festival is a celebration of the tangible and intangible heritage of the people of Buhera (Vahera).
They celebrate through their native dances such as Jaka, drama and poetry.
Fungisai was taken around the monument by the NMMZ officials where she enjoyed the experience as she was often seen posing for photos at the majestic walls.
Fungisai said that being the Matendera brand ambassador she is looking forward to working with the Vahera women in enhancing their creativity.
“In Buhera there are many female artists and I want to help them utilise the curio shop at the Matendera monument,” said Fungisai.
The annual Matendera festival is set for August 2014 is going to be officiated by Vice President Amai Joyce Mujuru if all goes according to plan.

by Tsitsi Ndabambi
Third year medical student at the university of Zimbabwe Nancy Tsuro walked away with the miss UZ 2014 crown taking over the baton from Julianna Agnes Gava who sat on the throne in 2013.
The occasion was graced by gospel hip hop artist Mudiwa who was donned in a $1800 William Hunt shirt and tie with the stylish Trevor Dongo.
Also present was Stunner and a mysterious lady in his arms.
There was a lot of bling all around.
The VIP area was filled with Harare’s elite and numerous sponsors who were treated to a dinner and drinks.
The contestants appeared in Edgars clothing and their own independent designs.
Hip hop trio MMT brought the big auditorium to their feet including one of the judges vibrant DJ and TV personality Rumbidzai Chamvari.
The first princess was Ronica Dewa and second Princess Thembela Ndlovu.
Now Nancy is on a road to represent her university and the nation as a whole in future international university pageants.
The sponsors choice award went to Charmaine Chiponda who will carry the Zimbabwean flag in Spain as is her motto do not over think just believe, she believed and walked away with a different jackpot.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has appointed Mrs Barbara Mzembi as the new Miss Carnival Patron.
Mrs Mzembi is the wife to the minister of Tourism, Walter Mzembi.
Among other duties she will be helping in mentoring the contestants during their camp, she plans to stay at the camp residents.
by Tsitsi Ndabambi
Her goal is to take the girls who are coming from different backgrounds and groom them at the same time playing the motherly role so that by the big day they will be viewed with different opinions.
“This comes as a result of how society sees models, we want them to be observed as good characters on a mission to represent the nation in a decent way,” Said Mrs Mzembi.
The girls are going to be taught how to handle media, general knowledge of the tourist resorts in the nation.
Mrs Mzembi also mentioned that she is sensitive about dressing so she is also going to help the girls in how they dress.
From her past experience as a fashion model which she abandoned just a few weeks after joining, Mrs Mzembi said she wants to teach the girls not to agree to wear anything especially if it is not decent.
So they will also be concentrating on dressing in what enhances the good in the models and hide what they do not feel comfortable in exposing.
Abuse of the girl child is a crucial subject that they are going to address to the girls in a bid to conscientise them about sexual abuse.
She is going to hold the patronage office for the next three years before passing the baton to the next patron.
Mrs Mzembi promises a clean event without any scandal and there is a possibility of disqualifying girls who misbehave.
Miss Tourism Carnival 2014 beauty pageant is going to be held in May 2014

Zim Gossip Modelling urgency director ‘Catwalk’ Mercy Mushaninga showed her golden heart by reaching out to a widow in Glen Norah.
Along with her team of student models they filled up a minibus and headed for Glen Norah on the afternoon of Friday 02 May 2014.
Accompanied by a professional painter they were armed with painting tools and paint kindly donated by Malaika Mushandu when she heard of Mercy’s outreach.
The models some of them young primary school kids were excited to make a difference in someone else’s life and hope to do it again in the future.
“Not only are we teaching these kids to walk on the ramp only but also to give to the needy,” commented Mercy, “we are mentoring them to make it a lifestyle and not to just wait until they are beauty queens to do charity work.”
The widow who stays with her two sons, two daughters and four grandchildren was thrilled with the kind gesture.
She embraced the gifts that the models brought for her and to her, the freshly painted house was like as if someone had bought her a mansion.
Mercy has a soft heart for widows and orphans that is what moved her to scout for needy widows starting with Glen Norah where she grew up.
She said, “We have just broken ground in our move to help people in communities, our goal is to continue this and make it a lifestyle for all the models who pass through the hands of Zim Gossip.”
Part of the society has never embraced modelling associating it with mischief and Mercy has proven that models can be mentored into better people in society, as the saying goes, ‘teach them while they are still young’.

Telecel has introduced a debit gold card for Telecash subscribers, the telecash gold card which can be used on ZimSwitch points.
They have made this move in order to make it possible for their consumers to purchase their goods and services such as groceries, DSTV subscriptions, restaurant and hotel bills at any of the more than 5 000 ZimSwitch points of sale across the country.
The director for Telecel mobile financial services Nkosinathi Dube in his comment said, “the telecash gold card is convenient. It can be used to make payments, in the same way as a bank debit card, at any point of sale with a ZimSwitch logo or to draw cash from any ZimSwitch branded ATM.”
This telecash gold card integration is the second integration phase between telecash and ZimSwitch.
On launch telecash integrated to ZimSwitch for the ZIPIT functionality where funds can be transferred instantly from any telecash wallet to any ZIPIT certified bank account (Wallet-to-Bank) or from any ZIPIT certified bank account to any telecash wallet (Bank to Wallet).
Individuals can now send funds instantly to any telecash account from any of the existing delivery channels already available in Zimbabwe including POS, ATM, Mobile Banking and Internet.
Telecel is encouraging all its registered active subscribers to get the card from any Telecel office or registered telecash agent free of charge.
By Tsitsi Ndabambi

The road to Miss Curvy Zimbabwe 2014 ends with the final pageant on Saturday August 9 at the Carribea Bay hotel in Kariba as the 18 curvy finalists compete for the crown.

The girls who are new to the modelling world spent a week of grooming, touring Kariba and attending tourism workshops while staying in boot camp at the Simboti Holiday Homes in Kariba.

The organizer and director of Zim Gossip modelling agency Mercy ‘Catwalk’ Mushaninga said all is set for the main event the models have been complying with all their rules in the camp.

“We chose Kariba over Harare so that we could promote domestic tourism with the support of Zimbabwe Tourism Authority. The winning queen is going to be the new domestic tourism ambassador for Kariba.” Said Mushaninga.

The three winning girls will be flown to Harare courtesy of Air Zimbabwe among other top prizes which are yet to be announced.
There is going to be a line up of entertainment by comedians Carl Joshua Ncube, Q Siziba and music from Peekay and DX Onismo who composed a song titled Miss Curvy.

Third Wave dance crew will be showing off their hip hop dance moves at the event.
The much embraced pageant which honors curvaceous women from the usual tall and slender women will end with a bush braai.

by Tsitsi Ndabambi

Gorindemabwe Frontier’s 100 Most Influential Young Zimbabweans Under 40 (2014). Here is our list for 2014. There are some new entrants and Walter Magaya is now at number one.

1)      Walter Magaya
Founder > Prophetic Healing and Delieverance Ministries
Speaker | Entrepreneur | Philamthropist

2)      Emmanuel Makandiwa
Founder> United Family International Church(UFIC)
Speaker|Entrepreneur|Philanthropist

3)      Tocky Vibes (Obey Makamure)
The Prince of Zimdancehall
Lyricist | Innovator | Activist

4)      Tendai Mutawarira
International Rugby Player
Brand Ambassador]Developmentalist]Activist

5)      Lawrence Moyo
Editor> H-Metro
Writer|Analyst|Critic

6)      TawandaMutyebere>
Founder> Chicken Slice
Enterpreneur|Musician|Philanthropist

7)      Uebert Angel>
Founder Spirit Embassy
Speaker|Author|Entrepreneur

8)      Chris Mugaga>
Founder Eoconometer Global Capital
Speaker|Researcher|Writer

9)      Barry Manandi
Director Columbus TV
Presenter|Strategist|Brand Specialist

10)   Brains Muchemwa
CEO Oxlink Capital
Strategist|Analyst|Researcher

11)   Vimbai Kajese
Presenter China Central Television (CCTV)
Panelist | Event Host | Brand Ambassador

12)   Fungai Tichawangana>
Chief Imagineer Exist Digital Media Group
Entrepreneur | Critic | Photojournalist

13)   Mabasa Sasa>
Acting Editor In Chief The Sunday Mail
Writer]Critic]Analyst

14)   Psychology Maziwisa>
Deputy Director Information, ZANU PF
Writer|Developmentalist|Critic

15)   Nigel Mugamu>
Founder 263 Chat
Moderator | Innovator | Critic

16)   Titus Gwemende>
Economic Governace and Trade Portfolio,Netherlands Embassy
Speaker | Writer | Activist

17)   Phillip Chidavaenzi
Senior Features Writer-Newsday
Analyst]Critic]Developmentalist

18)   Happiness Zengeni>
Business Editor The Herald
Analyst | Critic | Developmentalist

19)   Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa>
DJ ZI FM
Presenter | Activist | Brand Ambassador

20)   Munyaradzi Gwatidzo>
CEO Astro Mobile
Innovator | Entrepreneur | Developmentalist

21)   Nelson Chamisa>
Organising Secretary MDC T
Politician | Activist | Philanthropist

22)   VimbaiMutinhiri>
Co-Host Star Gist
Supermodel | Presenter | Singer

23)   Batsirai Java>
Founder Terbanacles of Grace Ministries
Speaker | Entrepreneur | Developmentalist

24)   Dr Mike Joka
Founder Corporate 24 Group of Hospitals
Entrepreneur | Developmentalist | Philanthropist

25)   Chamu Chiwanza
President – Affairmative Action Group
Entrepreneur | Activist | Entertainer

26)   Rutendo Chabururuka
Brand Manager>Netone Cellular
Speaker | Writer | Critic

27)   JahPrayzah (Mukudzei Mukombe)
Lead Singer>3^rd Generation Band
Singer |Songwriter |Brand Ambassador

28)   Marry Chiwenga
Chairperson-Miss Zimbabwe Trust
Entrepreneur | Developmentalist | Philanthropist

29)   Kudzai Chawafambira
Business Writer- DailyNews
Writer | Analyst | Critic

30)   Advocate Arthur Marara
Founder> Greatness Clinic Trust
Attorney|Author|Speaker

31)   Tendai Garwe
Programme Director> Women Excel
Speaker | Critic | Developmentalist

32)   Charles Mushinga
Editor>The Bridge
Writer | Developmentalist | Critic

33)   Vukani Dhladhla
Founder> Abiding Hope Global Ministries
Speaker|Author|Critic

 34)   Advocate Thabani Mpofu
Founder>ThabaniMpofu Centre for Justice
Developmentalist | Activist | BrandAmbasssdor

35)   Evan Mawarire
Senior Pastor- His Generation Church
Pastor | Author | Entrepreneur

36)   Carl Joshua Ncube
Pioneer>Zim International Comedy Movement
Stand Up Comic | Animator | Graphic Designer

37)   Passion Java
Founder – Passion Java Ministries
Speaker | Entrepreneur | Philanthropist

38)   Augustine Moyo
Public Relations Director >Zimbabwe Nationanal Road Authority (ZINARA)
Writer | Activist | Developmentalist

39)   ZororoMakamba
Branding Enthusiast- Telecel Zimbabwe
Presenter | Entertainer | Entrepreneur

40)   Nicholas Bhero
Founder-Global Talent Institute
Entrepreneur | Speaker | Playwright

41)   Mike Madhodha
Celebrated Sportscaster
Creative Director | Presenter | Critic

42)   Dr Patson Dzamara
President> Off The Hook Group
Speaker|Author|Philanthropist

43)   Napoleon Nyanhi
DJ – Star FM
Brand Ambassador | Presenter | Critic

44)   TavongaVutabwashe
President-Heartfelt Ministries International
Speaker | Entrepreneur | Philanthropist

45)   Livingstone Dzikira
Director> Zimbabwe Youth Council
Politician | Activist | Developmentalist

46)   Winky D (Wallace Chirumiko)
President> Ninja Movement
Singer|Producer|Brand Ambassador

47)   Pokello Nare
Zim Representative> Big Brother Africa 2013
Fashionista | Socialite | Brand Ambassador

48)   Justice Mayor Wadyajena
Gokwe- Nembudziya (MP), ZANU PF
Politician | Activist | Developmentalist

49)   TsitsiMutendi
Founding Editor> Jewel Magazine
Critic | Developmentalist | Consultant

50)   Kirsty Coventry
Award Winning Athlete
Olympic Medalist | Activist | Brand Ambassador

51)   Misheck Gondo

Director>National Association of Youth Organisations
Activist | Developmentalist | Writer

52)   Joel Gombera
Group Marketing Manager> CBZ Holdings
Speaker | Developmentalist | Philanthropist

53)   Dr Charlton Tsodzo
Chairman>Maendelo Media
Academic | Entrepreneur | Developmentalist

54)   Danai Gurira
Pioneer>ZimHolywood Movement
Actor | Filmmaker | Playwright

55)   RudoNyangulu
Business Developer>V.S Nyangulu& Associates Legal Practitioners
Entrepreneur | Photographer | Philanthropist

56)   Sydney Chisi

Director>Youth Initiative for Democracy in Zimbabwe (YIDEZ)
Activist | Panelist | Critic

57)   Tendai Wenyika
Secretary General>Pan African Youth Parliament
Politician | Activist | Critic

 58)   Garikai Chengu
Founder>Chengu Gold Mining
Entrepreneur | Activist | Critic

59)   Oscar Pambuka
Managing Director> Oscar Pambuka and Associates
Presenter|Producer|Panelist

60)   Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Journalist>The Herald
Writer | Critic | Lifestyle Consultant

61)   Moses Donsa Nkomo
Senior Partner>Donsa Nkomo and Mutangi IP Attorneys
Writer | Entrepreneur | Critic

62)   Butterfly Phunk
DJ- Power FM
Brand Ambassador | Activist | Stylist

63)   Solomon Madzore
Youth Leader>MDCT Renewal Team
Politician | Activist | Developmentalist

64)   Rumbi Katedza
Founder>MaiJai Films
Film maker | Activist | Panelist

65)   Dalumuzi Mhlanga
Founder>Lead Us Today
Academic | Activist | Humanitarian

66)   Oscar Habeenzu
Chairman>iNduku Publishing Group
Author | Activist | Developmentalist

67)   Thabetha Kanengoni-Malinga
Deputy Minister-Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture
Developmentalist | Activist | Critic

68)   TenfordChitanana
Artistic Director>Zimbabwe Youth Festival
Film maker | Critic | Activist

69)   Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana
Queen of Zimbabwean Jazz
Actress | Lyricist | Brand Ambassador

70)   Priscilla Chigariro
Founder> Zimbabwe Fashion Week
Supermodel | Activist | Entrepreneur

71)   Kudzai Violet Gwara (KVG)
DJ-Star FM
Entertainer | Presenter | Critic

72)   Tonderai Rutsito
Founder- TechnoMag
Innovator | Entrepreneur | Critic

73)   Fungai Machirori
Founder> Her Zimbabwe
Photojournalist | Blogger | Critic

74)   Larry Kwirirayi
Founder- Three Men On A Boat
Innovator | Entrepreneur | Critic

75)   Tate The MC (TatendaNziramasanga)
Member- MMT
Lyricist | Brand Ambassador | Activist

76)   Lucy Mazingi
Director> Youth Empowerment Transformation Trust(YETT)
Activist | Developmentalist | Critic

77)   Nqobizitha Mlilo
Founder>Enqore Media
Director | Animator | Speaker

78)   Sulumani Chimbetu
Multiple-Award Winning Artist
Singer | Entrepreneur | Activist

79)   Justin Mahlahla
Presenter>ZBC News
Speaker | Playwright | Author

80)   Munyaradzi Takawira
Founder>Joshua Foundation Trust
Activist | Trainer | Critic

81)   Plot Mhako
Artistic Director> Jibilika Dance Trust
Entrepreneur | Activist | Brand Ambassador

82)   Simon Bere
Chief Strategist> Simon Bere Inc.
Strategist | Trainer | Critic

83)   NoViolet Bulawayo
Award Winning Author
Academic | Critic | Activist

84)   Nigel Jack
Founder>Jaden Media
Author | Filmmaker | Critic

85)   Soul Jah Love (Soul Musaka)
Leader- Conquering Family
Lyricist | Innovator | Entertainer

86)   Tawanda Gudhlanga
DJ-Spot FM
Presenter | Analyst | Critic

87)   Cara Black
Celebrated Tennis Player
Brand Ambassador | Icon | Activist

88)   Mathias Mhere
Gospel Sensation
Musician | Activist | Brand Ambassador

89)   Gloria Zaravanhu
General Manager Corporate Services-NICOZ Diamond
Entrepreneur | Developmentalist | Critic

90)   Knowledge Musona
Celebrated Soccer Player
Footballer | Activist | Brand Ambassador

91)   Canisio Mudzimu
Public Relations Manager>Zimbabwe Revenue Authority
Developmentalist | Entrepreneur | Critic

92)   Fungai Makoni
Managing Director> Pathfinder Luxury Coaches
Entrepreneur | Activist | Philanthropist

93)   Emmerson Njanjamangezi
Business Writer- Zimbabwe Mail
Developmentalist | Analyst | Critic

94)   Taku Chingonzo
Co-Founder- Saisai Wireless
Innovator | Entrepreneur | Acticist

95)   Maud Chifamba
Celebrated Young Academic
Pioneer | Trendsetter | Activist

96)   Mizchif (Hechichamunorwa Kwenda) {1976-2014}
Pioneer-Zim Hip Hop Direction
Pioneer | Trendsetter | Activist

97)   KudzaiMubaiwa
Hub Manager- Muzinda Umuzi Hub
Speaker | Developmentalist | Activist

98)   Beverly Sibanda
Lead Dancer> Bev and The Sexy Angels
Dancer | Activist | Musician

99) Alvin Nyika
Founder- Core Foundation
Innovator | Critic | Activist

100 Dr Zobha (The Character Of)
Celebrated Entertainer
Presenter | Musician | Comic

So there’s this piano and violin duo causing a stir in Harare who go by the name Verekai. I first heard them play at the Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2014 launch cocktail held at the South Afrian Ambassador’s house in September.

The name of the group comes from the first names of these two talented ladies, Verity Norman (violin) and Sekai Zengeza (piano/keyboard).

There I was sipping my drink and chatting away when the notes from the violin and piano floated across the lawn to me. I stopped. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard. They were playing a rendition of Tuku’s Neria and man were they nailing it.

I googled them afterwards and found a YouTube video of them playing the same song. They recorded it as a birthday tribute for Tuku’s 62nd birthday on September 22 (2014). I hope he’s watched it for it’s truly beautiful to behold.

Here it is:

Can’t wait for them to announce a concert. I’ll be the first one in line to buy a ticket.

By Tsitsi Ndabambi
In the morning of Monday 19 January at 5 am along 6th street near the 5 avenue shopping center, a man who collects empty plastic bottles for recycling came across a plastic bag with diapers and a dead baby in it in the only rubbish dump around that area.
The unidentified man alerted the men who live in the nearby alley and they went to make a police report.
The baby corpse was later collected by twelve police members at 11 am.
The avenues is a known place where prostitutes roam around at all hours and angry citizens are suspecting that it might be one of the sex workers who dumped the child.

Tapiwa Kamoto famously known as DJ General B the pioneer of Silverstone made a surprise appearance at the Red Fox for Sizzla the dancer’s birthday bash on Wednesday evening.
General B is now based in England where he still plays reggae music as he used to in the city clubs and on air locally.
Other guest DJs for the night where Abisha Palmer of Judgement Yard and DJ Smiley who also made a few moves on the dancefloor.
By Tsitsi Ndabambi

High density suburbs also known as the ghetto, are known for producing the popular “ZimDancehall.” It then becomes a little bit strange to behold a Hip Hop outfit emerging from the ghetto and making waves in the music industry and the radio.
F.I.O, a five member Hip Hop group hails from Highfield, a high density suburb nicknamed “Fiyo” hence the moniker “F.I.O.” It was found in 2010 and it has five members, all rappers which are boi Afrikka (Tonderai Adam, 25), N.O.B (Kudakwashe Tsikira, 25), Barrack (Moment Ndemera, 25), Yung Fela (Kudzai Maramba, 24) and Ellz Marlonair (Marlon Munamati, 23)
“We started as individuals that saw the good in collaborating which also turned out to be a good thing as we combined financial resources and we also shared the common vision of being the best,” said one of the group member, boi Afrikka.
Asked why they chose to do Hip Hop, F.I.O said, “We did not choose Hip Hop, it chose us. It is destiny. It was not and still not pre meditated.”
F.I.O have not produced an album as of yet, but they boast of more than twenty singles since 2012. “More than ten of our singles on radio stations.” These include singles like Shumba Inoruma, Attraction, Number one and Nhasi.
Their music is different in the sense that is a mixture of hip hop and traditional African beats and lyrics. A perfect example is Shumba Inoruma which has a hip hop beat and a traditional Shona chorus “Shumba Inoruma.”
These young rappers recorded seven of their hit singles at Mix Masters and they started doing their own thing. One of their own, Ellz Marlonair is their producer.
F.I.O has been around for about five years and they have this to say about their musical journey, “Our musical journey has been great. From the moment we started people loved us because of the high density flagship we own. Hip hop is not yet a house hold industry but we have managed to hold our own.”
Boi Afrikka says, “We have set a standard in this Zimbabwean industry which is unique and international. This is one thing that makes us special and the other one is that we broke out of the mold from day one, no one performs like we do and THAT IS A FACT!”
They do work as a group and as well as individuals. Every member has at least two singles out with boi Afrikka having released a mixtape named Viva Afrikka.
“We are inspired by our high density trends and life in general. Our vision is to be internationally acclaimed artists and that is the reason why our last two tracks were produced by Coolytop Records in France and Rebel World in the United Kingdom,” added boi Afrikka
They are the first hip hop crew to be synonymous with the high density suburbs and they say the people love their music.

By Nyasha Jeche