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

It is not every day that we see someone from Zimbabwe doing something that affects the whole world especially in the arts industry.
The need to put the Zimbabwean flag high pushed a couple of guys to create something big. These guys created what is known as the Musicians Worldwide Forum (Muwofo). It is a movement that is similar to the soccer world cup as this is where they got their concept.
This forum was formed last year by (names withdrawn, seriously?). This is Muwofo’s first year running. The music world cup is a competition of musicians from every corner of the globe who will be are competing for the big prize, the world cup.
When it started it had more than 1200 contestants from around the world and some were dropped along the way. It is open to any music genre and anyone in the music industry.
“Anyone was and is welcome to take part in the world cup, we advertise on the internet and people submitted their music to a panel of twenty three judges,” said Muwofo spokesperson, Ronald Sigauke.
“Our vision is to take upcoming local and African talent to the world,”
“It is the first thing of its kind in the world.”
The world cup has already progressed to the semi-finals which are currently running this year and the finals will be held next year in New York
The semi-finals are being hosted in Africa and the semi-finalists are touring the continent as it would be hosted in many countries.
Zimbabwe is being represented by Brian Nyahuma and Fadzai Chigariro who are number 2 and 3 respectively.
What is not so cool about this ‘World Cup’ is that no big name artists are participating. There is no one from any country worth mentioning and this kind of makes the audience lose interest in the world cup. Although Salif Keita is one of the judges and stakeholder, one cannot help having the feeling that this is something not worth mentioning.
But looking at the other side of the block, this is something great that comes from our own brothers and what all the organizers need is to keep their mind on their initiative.
Currently, the semi-finals have forty one artists and two of those are from Zimbabwe. The finals will be held in New York next year in November. The twenty three judges will be judging the competition and cannot release their names (seriously?).
“Muwofo is going to be bigger than the soccer world cup because everyone loves music and it is going to be big,” said Sigauke.
Log in to www.muwofo.com to vote for your favorite musician.
Let’s hope the next world cup will bring in more competition and excitement when bigger artists come in.

By Nyasha Jeche

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

The minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Engineer Walter Mzembi has been unanimously re-elected by African countries as the Chairman of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Regional Commission for Africa (CAF). Mzembi’s re-election was endorsed in the 57th meeting of the CAF which was presided over by the UNWTO Secretary General Dr Taleb Rifai.

The 57th Commission for Africa meeting was part of the agenda of the on-going 21st session of the UNWTO General Assembly being held in Medellin, Colombia.

Addressing the meeting on his CAF report, Mzembi, who has been given a fresh mandate to lead the continent for the next two years, challenged African countries to continue working together and collaborate effectively for the elimination of all ills that continue to negatively affect the brand equity of the continent. To this end, the CAF Chairman made a clarion call to source markets to remove travel advisories that discourage travel to Africa saying this reduces potential revenue to the concerned countries.

“It is safe to visit African countries, including those that were affected by diseases like ebola. I wish to call upon those source markets that issued negative travel advisories to remove them to allow smooth growth of tourism and economic recovery of the concerned countries”, he said.

The latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer for the first half of the 2015 shows that Africa’s international tourist numbers in this half declined by an estimated 6% as a consequence of the decrease in arrivals to North Africa (-7%) as well as sub-Saharan Africa (-5%) amid security concerns and the ebola contagion effect. Some of the tragic incidents on the continent includes unrest and terror attacks in Kenya, Nigeria, Tunisia and South Africa where there were xenophobia attacks.

Minister Mzembi also bemoaned the intolerable carnage of wildlife mainly through poaching. He said this was being amplified by trade in wildlife products across Africa that has become a menace to the growth of tourism and sustainable management of natural resources in Africa.

“We need to take measures that enhance sustainable management of our natural resources for posterity. The most pressing issues we are grappling with today are high levels of wildlife poaching, environmental degradation and illegal trade in wildlife products. I fully support efforts to mobilize the entire global tourism industry and lead the international anti-poaching coalition to deal with the problem. We need to harness the work of conservation organizations and create synergies that enhance sustainable management, conservation, preservation and ultimately leverage on our natural assets to improve economic value accruing from our biodiversity to improve the lives of our communities in Africa,” said Minister Mzembi.

Commenting on Zimbabwe’s re-election the deputy chairperson of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority board Mr James Muzangaza said it’s a clear brand endorsement for a country that was recently awarded with an African rising destination award. “We are pleased with this development as it makes the job of the ZTA much easier. Zimbabwe brand in Africa is becoming more popular and it’s a stepping stone for both the person of the Minister and the destination Zimbabwe to achieve more at international level,” said Muzangaza.

Zimbabwe and Zambia are the current co- President of the UNWTO General Assembly since the time Victoria Falls and Livingstone hosted the event in 2013. The two countries are set to hand over the Presidency to Colombia at the end this General Assembly.

Two Zimbabwean journalists are among the finalists for this year’s 20th CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards.
Publicity and public relations manager of MultiChoice Zimbabwe Liz Dziva said, “The inclusion Zimbabwean journalists was a landmark occasion and excitement would mount closer to the date of the awards ceremony in the hope of one of them winning the overall trophy as the continent’s top journalist for 2015.”
Ruth Butaumocho of The Herald and Boldwill Hungwe of the Zimbabwe Independent will be invited to attend the awards ceremony in Kenya in October.
This year the competition received entries from 39 countries across the continent, including French and Portuguese speaking Africans.
Below is the list of the finalists and their respective nationalities;

Ruth Butaumocho, The Herald, Zimbabwe
Boldwill Hungwe, Zimbabwe Independent, Zimbabwe
Fiifi Essilfie Anaman, Freelance for zonalsports.com, Ghana
Benedicta Asiimwe, Freelance for Daily Monitor, Uganda
Femi Asu, Punch Newspaper, Nigeria
Domingos Bento, redeangola.info, Angola
Thomas Naadi Bitlegma, Viasat1, Ghana
Sheriff Bojang Jnr, Freelance for West Africa Democracy Radio, Senegal

Ibrahima Diallo, Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise (RTS), Senegal
Adewale Olugbenga Emosu, tribuneonlineng.com, Nigeria
Chahinaz Samir Gheith, Freelance for Al-Ahram Hebdo, Egypt
Carla Gonçalves, A Nação, Cape Verde

Ibanga Isine, Premium Times Newspaper, Nigeria
Paul Kelemba, Freelance for The Standard on Saturday, Kenya
Deo Gratias Tchédé Kindoho, Radio Bénin, Benin
Julie Laurenz & Jacqueline Jayamaha, Freelance for e.tv, South Africa
Petride Mudoola, Freelance for Sunday Vision, Uganda
Abubakari Akida Mussa, Mtanzania Newspaper, Tanzania
Pedro Paxi Pereira Ndoma, TV Zimbo, Angola
George Oduor Otieno, Baraka FM, Kenya
Hyacinthe Boowurosigue Sanou, L’Observateur Paalga, Burkina Faso
Enock Sikolia & Charles Kariuki, NTV, Kenya
Arison Tamfu, Cameroon Journal, Cameroon
Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún, Blogger at ktravula.com, Nigeria
Arukaino Umukoro, Punch Newspaper, Nigeria
Bento Venâncio, Jornal Domingo, Mozambique
Herman Verwey, Beeld, South Africa
Kiundu Waweru, The Standard on Saturday, Kenya
Sarah Wild, Mail & Guardian, South Africa

The independent judging panel, chaired by Ferial Haffajee, Editor-in-Chief, City Press, South Africa, includes Debo Adesina, Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Newspapers, Nigeria; Nima Elbagir, Senior International Correspondent, CNN; Jean-Paul Gérouard, Editor-in-Chief, France Télévisions ; Fernando Gonçalves, Editor, Savana, Mozambique; Anton Harber, Caxton Professor of Journalism, University of the Witwatersrand; Joel Kibazo, Director of Communications and External Relations, African Development Bank Group; Amadou Mahtar Ba, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, AllAfrica Global Media; Wanja Njuguna, Senior Lecturer, Polytechnic of Namibia & CNN Journalist of the year 2000; José Sebastião Paulo, Professor of Journalism, University Agostinho Neto, Angola; and, David Ohito, Digital Editor, The Standard Media Group, Kenya.
The competition is supported by A24 Media, African Development Bank, Dow, Ecobank, GE, IPP Media and MSD.
The finalists will enjoy an all-expenses-paid four-day programme of workshops, media forums and networking in Nairobi, culminating in a Gala Awards Ceremony and winners from previous years will join this year’s finalists for a special evening to celebrate 20 years of the awards.

Ms Dziva said: “Feedback from the judging panel was that the quality and depth of entries was testimony to the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards position as the most prestigious accolades in journalism in Africa.
MultiChoice Zimbabwe has been delighted to once again be associated with these prestigious awards that give respect to the work done by journalists across the African continent. We are joining all MultiChoice management and staff across the continent in congratulating all the finalists on their achievements and look forward to celebrating with the winners in Nairobi in October.”

Gathering more than 900 delegates from 120 countries, including over 70 Ministers and Secretaries of State for Tourism, the 21st Session of the UNWTO General Assembly opened in Medellín Colombia on 14 September 2015 in the presence of President Juan Manuel Santos.

In his opening speech, President Santos emphasized Colombia’s vast tourism offer and the country’s commitment to share it with the world in a sustainable manner: “We give tremendous importance to tourism in our development plans and in our economy. The participants gathered here today know more than anyone how tourism can boost countries and be an agent of social transformation. In Colombia, so much so, that tourism now is our second largest source of foreign exchange, surpassed only by oil. Indeed, with falling prices on oil and coal, we are looking to replace the income from these smokestack industries with more environmentally friendly ones, such as tourism”.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who greeted the participants in a video message, welcomed the Assembly theme – ‘fostering inclusive development and social transformation’ – and stressed that “As one of the largest and fastest growing sectors of the world economy, tourism makes vital contributions to employment generation, poverty reduction, women empowerment, environmental preservation and peace building. He added that looking ahead he will count on the sector’s full involvement in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals which include, for the first time ever, targets related to sustainable tourism.

UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, praised Colombia’s commitment to tourism as well as the country’s remarkable transformation into one of the America´s fastest growing tourism destinations, Mr. Rifai underscored how tourism, alongside its economic weight, also has the power to generate significant social benefits: “Only those that understand the connection between tourism and peace can appreciate the real value of travel and tourism”, said Mr. Rifai.

Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) highlighted the close relationship between tourism and air transport: “In 2014, some 53% of tourists travel by air to reach their international destinations. We must recognize the important fact that divergent policies for air transport and tourism ultimately hinder economic development”.

Walter Mzembi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality of Zimbabwe and co-chair of the 20th UNWTO General Assembly, called upon the Assembly to “emerge from Medellín with a greater resolve on how to protect our sector from all forms of threats and confirm it as a diplomatic bridge that connects people to people”.

The recently formed Models against Hunger organisation members paid a visit to Epworth on Sunday where they visited several households donating clothing and groceries to the needy.
Led by Rose Chigwida and Mercy Mushaninga and the models left their comfort zones to go and witness a totally different lifestyle from theirs to begin the fight against hunger in poor communities.
“A week before this day we drove around the area identifying needy orphans who are home-based, we decided to focus on them since the children in orphanages are catered for while these ones are unknown to the world,” said Mercy.
Their first stop was at a 60 year old widow who lives with her ten year old grandson who was abandoned when he was a toddler.
The boy Simba who was knitting a scarf with dirty wool using lollipop sticks as knitting needles told the models about how they could not afford to pay his $23 school fees.
The two live in a shack which is made from metal, fabric, cardboard boxes and plastics and they sleep on the floor.
Simba’s face gloomed when he was handed some sweets and even the widow who sounded hopeless was left a happy woman for she confessed that she did not where she was going to get her next meal.
The models also managed to visit five minor kids who were abandoned by their parents while the eldest is working at a nearby farm where he earns $30.
A 13 year old girl and her uncle were left with tears of joy as well as a blind widow and her orphaned grandchild.
The models portrayed what they love discussing about during beauty pageants, on this mission male models outnumbered the ladies but were happy that their mission was accomplished and promised that it will be a regular act.

Momo King of Brazil were selected as the bes tInternational performers at the Harare International Carnival 2015. Below is the list of then rest of the winners.
1.Cultural Groups Category
Winner – Zhandukunyandu
Winner – Intombi Zomqangala
Ist Runner Up- Dzikwa Trust Senior

2. Contemporary Category
Winner- Zimbabwe College of Music
1st Runner Up- Diamond People MAS & Kweseka Makishi
2nd Runner Up – Orators

3.International Category
Winner – Brazil
1st Runner Up- South Africa
2nd Runner Up- Egypt

4. Drum Majorettes
Winner- Zengeza High 1
1st runner Up- High Fields High
2nd Runner Up- Girls High

5. Junior Category
Winner – Dzikwa Trust
1st Runner Up- Avondale Primary School
2nd Runner Up- Girls High

6. Best Overall
Dzikwa Trust