Celebrations on Africa Day with 9th Anniversary of Zim Achievers Awards

Miss Zimbabwe, Ireland with Reporter Mercy Francis

It was the 9th anniversary of Zim Achievers Awards, held at the beautiful Gloucester millennium Hotel in London.

This was a celebration of successful Zimbabweans in the diaspora from across the country who had made a mark in their fields.

The red carpet affair happened to fall on Africa day on 25th May so a lot of the celebrants wore traditional outfits to mark the day.

Some wore the traditional Zulu attire which consists of a chunky gold chocker and bright red colours.

The guest were treated to a wine and canapé reception and live Zimbabwean music using the traditional instrument the marimba. It was mesmerising.

The nominees were filled with such excited anticipation. Reaching the finals was adequate recognition of the hard work they put into arriving at the pinnacle of their careers.

The award ceremony kicked off with prayers, Zimbabwean anthems and words from past winners. There was an interval opportunity to get your dance shoes on and remember the traditional dance steps. The scene was a joyful demonstration of how Zimbabweans in the diaspora still know how to celebrate!

The ceremony was lively and those who presented the awards were notable past winners like Mr David Meanaka of Mwanaka Farm and Miss Zimbabwe, Ireland.

Jean-Paul Weaper is presented with the Male Personality of the Year Award

The winner of the Cultural Ambassador Award was Bruce Ncube; Business of the year Award went to Tann Law Solicitors Ltd; Professional of the Year Award was taken by Sarah Chitongo;, Community Champion of the Year Award was received by Patience Ndebele-Omijie ; Cultural Ambassador Award 2019 to Rejoice Bhila Kwaramba; Break Through Award was won by Rutendo Mushongo; UK based Music Artist of the Year was claimed by Kevin Jones;  Male Entrepreneur of the Year was Patrick Ndlovu; Community Organisation of the Year Award was won by Budiriro Trust, Event of the Year Award; End of Year Gospel Show; Male Personality of the year Award claimed by Jan-Paul Weaper, Female Entrepreneur of the Year was Sabe Connor (Director of Honeywell Care group); Innovation of the Year Award was Codilia Gapare, Female Personality of the Year Award gained by Samantha Tapfumaneyi (CNN Reporter), Sports Personality of the Year Awarded to Farai Mudariki (Rugby Player).

For the People’s Choice Award, the winner was Ivy’s Kitchen /Taste of Zimbabwe; Zim Cultural Award went to Bruce Ncube(Touring Performance Artist), ZAA Cultural Award to Rejoice Bhila Kwaramba (Entrepreneur,,Author, Speaker and Founder of Nubian Dolls), ZAA Breakthrough Award was gained by Rutendo Mushonga (performing as a dancer in the Lion King ensemble in London); Patience Ndebele-Omijie(Charity Founder of Inspire Women, Men and Children).

Lord Richard Heygate (pictured above) was given an Honorary Award as a Friend of Zimbabwe due to his part in endorsing Zimbabwe as an investment destination and his investments in solar power, agriculture and new business innovation.

The Honorary Award for Services to Community Development was awarded to Zimbabwe International Women’s Awards’ Founder, Juliana Jonathan

Vusa Mkhaya was honoured with the Honorary Award for Services to Music and Cultural Promotion

Dr Melanie Abas was honoured with the Friend of Zimbabwe Award mainly in recognition of her extensive work in raising awareness and solutions for mental health matters and improving the quality of life in Zimbabwe

Dr Sam Kamuriwo received the Honorary Award for Services to Academics and Leadership because of his contributions to the world of academia and business leadership.

The event finished with a live performance from Shingai the headline artist. It was a memorable night for all proud Zimbabweans.

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