THE inaugural South Africa MoneyGram Zimbabwe Achievers award winners were announced at a glittering gala event held in Johannesburg last Saturday.
The fete featured a star-studded line-up of artists that included the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi, HHP and Berita Khumalo performing at the black tie event held at Gallagher Convention Centre.
The Awards were “truly a celebration of extraordinary” Zimbabweans’ positive impact on the South African economy, entertainment industry, business, media and sport.
MoneyGram Regional Director, South and East Africa Anton Luttig reinforced said his organisation was proud to be the headline sponsor of the event.
Warrior’s stars Willard Katsande and Kingston Nkatha were part of the celebratory night as well as those who donned the national colours before them such as former Highlanders captain Alexander Maseko and long serving Kaizer Chiefs star Tinashe Nengomashe.
Top Billing presenter, Simba Mhere born to Zimbabwean missionaries, also showed his allegiance to his roots by joining his fellow countrymen.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Walter Mzembi and the ambassador to South Africa represented the government and gave the keynote speech.
“Zimbabweans continue to make a positive impact around the world and South Africa in particular, but it is also important for you in the diaspora to think of how you can also make a contribution at home,” said Mzembi to a thunderous response from the guests.
79 year old Afro Jazz singer Dorothy Masuka, popularly known as “Auntie Dotty” was recognised for her long service in flying the Zimbabwe flag in South Africa and the world.
Mtukudzi, who fondly calls her his mother, handed the sultry singer the Lifetime Contribution award.
The biggest winners in the night of recognition for Zimbabweans doing well in South Africa, was the Mail & Guardian newspaper owned by Trevor Ncube.
The newspaper has become the leading voice of South African media since Ncube took over the weekly paper.
On the sporting front, Springkbok prop Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira edged out Katsande to bag the Sports Personality of the Year.
Business of the year.
Mail and Guardian
Female Entrepreneur of the year
Dr Samukeliso Dube-Molokele
Male Entrepreneur of the year
David Tayler
Geoffrey Masuta
Community Organization of the year
P-Stem Foundation
Community Champion of the year
Sister Rudo Garedondo
Music Artist of the year
Mkhululi Bhebhe
Sports Personality of the year
Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira (received by family friend Thembi Ngoma as Beast is on tour)
Media Personality of the year
Simba Mhere
Personality of the year
Barry Hilton
Lifetime Outstanding Contribution Award
Dorothy Masuku
Academic Excellence of the year Award
Professor Sabelo Gatsheni Ndlovu
People’s Choice Award
Tonderai Mupamhanga
Friends of Zimbabwe Award
The Department of Home Affairs
Chairman’s Award
Alice Chavunduka
