By Rodrick Simba Mazoyo and Ropafadzo Alice Gavera
In partnership with Zimbabwe Youth Council, the Global Shapers Harare Hub is hosting the Zimbabwe National Youth Awards (ZNYA) 2018 on the 2nd of March in Harare.
The fact that the awards are the only youth awards recognized and endorsed by the Zimbabwe government speaks volumes and ignites the fire of expectation that the organizers have vehemently promised to fulfill.
The Global Shapers Harare Hub is the same team which in January successfully organized the ‘Road to Davos’ town hall where they hosted the President of the Republic, His Excellency E.D Munangagwa. The town hall was a sendoff in preparation and support of his attendance to the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting held in Davos, Switzerland.
In the big picture, the Global Shapers Community is a network of youths doted across the globe, driving dialogue action and change. It is an offspring of the World Economic Forum.
The Global Shapers Community works as a network of inspiring, innovative young people under the age of 30, together to address local, regional and global challenges. It has more than 6 000 members and the community spans 378 city based hubs in 160 countries.
In each city, teams of Shapers self-organize to create ideas and bring to life projects that address the needs of their community. The Zimbabwe National Youth Awards are thus one of the many projects the Harare Hub is doing in their own localized environment.
On the 2nd of March, Global Shapers Harare hub will facilitate the celebration of outstanding youths and their outstanding work. In a world where disasters and all sorts of negatives tend to get all the attention, the vibrant Shapers have taken a stance to defy the odds and magnify the positives.
Adding to boasting moral and open celebration of their works, exposure is also a vital component the winners will get. According to and in his own words, Rinos Mautsa the Harare hub curator said, “Winners and nominees will get a lifetime opportunity to attract the eyes of bigger players in their respective fields and that of relevant government offices.”
Categories from which nominees will be drawn include; Agriculture, mining, media and arts, education, ICT, retail and tourism. Special awards to be issued on the day will include; Young Executive of the year public sector, Young Executive of the year private sector, Young musician of the year, Young academic person of the year, Young writer/journalist of the year, Young Social Entrepreneur of the year and Young media personality of the year.
Expected guest of honor will be the Vice President, Constantino Guveya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga. Minister of Women and Youth Affairs Sithembiso Nyoni, special advisor to the president, Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa and Global Shapers Harare hub founding Curator, Nigel Chanakira are expected to speak at the event.
In an interview with Paul Mandlenkosi Makaya, an entrepreneur and member of the Harare hub, it was highlighted that nominations from the public were now closed.
“We were taking nominations from citizens via the email znyawards@gmail.com and a Google form whose link was on Global Shapers Harare hub official social media platforms including the Facebook page.” “Nomination closed on the 18th of February,” he said. This will culminate into the adjudication by a panel of experts comprised of Denny Marandure , Susan Makore, Lovemore Nyatsine, Chomi Makina, Dr Maxwell Chanakira, Dr Farayi Charasika, Rachel Adams, Livingstone Dzikira, Dr Eve Gadzikwa, among others.
Organizers of the event have highlighted the gap that still needs to be filled in as far as the event is concerned, that of corporate sponsors. According to them, in exchange they are offering superb irresistible publicity packages. To corporates, Simba Nyamadzawo of Gumiguru Incorporated, a key partner of Global Shapers Harare hub said, “Their sponsorship will go a long way. It is also a chance for their brands to be associated with high achievers.” “The youth are the future and one of the ways for corporates to invest in the future is to invest in the youths. These awards are a perfect opportunity in that regard,” he added.
Paul Mandlenkosi Makaya also had words on what attendees of the glamorous event ought to expect; “Because the awards aim to get all exceptional Zimbabwean young people in one room, attendees will experience what I believe is the future of our country. A screenshot of how the next two decades of Zimbabwe will look like through the innovative and creative minds of young people who will be awarded on the night.”
Whilst nominees keep their fingers crossed, prospective attendees can purchase their tickets from Livingstone house, 5th floor, room 8 or alternatively email znyawards@gmail.com for bookings.
In as much as the event is all about high flyers, it is yet to be seen which individuals will outshine the others and bag the coveted ZNYA gongs. At Rainbow towers, in the Jacaranda room, speculation will come to rest and surely reality will fill all curious Zimbabweans.
