CONRAD MWANZA – THE MAN BEHIND THE INITIATIVE TO RECOGNIZE PROGRESSIVE ZIMBABWEANS IN THE DIASPORA – 27/03/2023
The founding principle behind the formation of Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) in 2010 is anchored on the idiom, every dark cloud has a silver lining. The organization was established to celebrate Zimbabweans in the diaspora with outstanding achievements in the arts, business, innovation, sport and community.
ZAA founder Conrad Mwanza says he muted the idea after meeting very successful Zimbabweans in different sectors in the United Kingdom.He says at that time, it was embarrassing to be identified as Zimbabwean due to the country’s negative outlook.
“The idea came about at a time when a lot of negative press was surrounding our country. Unfortunately, this brought about a misconception about Zimbabweans which threatened to overshadow the contributions of our people in different territories around the world,” said Mwanza.
He strongly believes that the biggest resource Zimbabwe has is its people. “If we can find a way to tap into this talent around the world we could turn the country’s fortunes around. As Zimbabweans we generally work to improve ourselves and don’t depend on handouts.” He described Zimbabweans as great ambassadors to the countries they are exported to.
Mwanza who is Managing Director at CMG International Media Group says he also noted that the British foreign and commonwealth office had commended Zimbabweans in the UK for their hard work and being less dependent on social services.
Among the awards recipients are Hollywood actress Danai Gurira of The Walking Dead TV Series, and Black Panther movie and Luthuli Dhlamini of South Africa’s TV Series Generations.
Over the years, the ceremony has had different sponsors that include Steward Bank, Food World, Mukuru, Fastjet, Impala Car Rental, Hamilton Insurance and WorldRemit.
Through his involvement with ZAA Mwanza had the opportunity to interact with influential personalities who include among others Econet founder Strive Masiyiwa and his wife Tsitsi, former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi, Mama Thandi Modise, Hugh Masekela, Thokozani Khupe, Andy Flower, Shingai Shoniwa, Peter Ndlovu, Chi Mhende, Chipo Chung, Oliver Mtukudzi and Dorothy Masuku.
On May 15 2017 Mwanza launched the Zimbabwe Abroad Magazine,a publication that carries success stories of Zimbabweans abroad. Mwanza says the project came up after he envisioned another dream of developing a publication which would complement the awards brand.
“I pondered on how best to unleash it, as well as how the readers especially my fellow Zimbabweans and others would receive it.”
Content for the magazine which has a print and online version is mainly based on biographies, profiles as well as news that portray success stories of Zimbabweans in the diaspora. “Articles in the magazine promote the Zimbabwean communities abroad, are non-partisan and apolitical,” said Mwanza.
In an unprecedented demonstration of the love for his country Mwanza pledged to pay one year’s salary for Bruce Grobbelaar if he landed the post of coach of the national soccer team, The Warriors.
Mwanza made the remarks in September 2021 following the sacking of Croatian coach Zdravko Logarusic by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA). Grobbelaar’s name had emerged among potential candidates for the vacant post.
“I believe Zimbabwe has an immense talent pool to choose from and our players have the potential to reach dizzy heights. “I am throwing my weight behind Bruce.Together with some business colleagues we will pay his salary for a year, should he be appointed coach,” said Mwanza.
After ten years of his illustrious role of sprucing the image of his country, Mwanza dropped a bombshell when he announced that he was stepping down from his position as ZAA chief executive.
The business entrepreneur said in an interview with The Herald Arts, that it was time to hand over the baton and entrust the mission to others to steer the awards into a new chapter.
“I have been leading the ZAA since its inception in 2010 and we have been through many defining moments in our efforts to amplify Zimbabwean success stories around the world,” said Mwanza.
Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa extended gratitude to Mwanza for coming up with the noble idea to recognize outstanding Zimbabweans abroad.
“The ZAA is a befitting platform to celebrate the achievements of Zimbabweans who are known for their remarkable work ethics and warm demeanor. I would like to thank Conrad and team for a remarkable concept and I am excited to see it now in full fruition,” said Mutsvangwa.
Executive chair of the Higher Life Foundation, Tsitsi Masiyiwa applauded Mwanza for expanding the ZAA brand to countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Botswana, South Africa and China.
“Throughout your tenure, ZAA has grown and found a home all around the world. Your great work in celebrating the Zimbabwean diaspora is commendable. We appreciate you for all you have done,” she said.
Zimbabwean ambassador to the United Kindgom, Christian Katsande said the ZAA has played a huge role in the country’s re-engagement drive.
“The bringing to the fore of important digital technology has broadened the scope of our initiatives to re-engage the world and ZAA has been a key part of uniting that community,” said Katsande.
Another diplomat, David Hamadziripi commended Mwanza for creating lasting linkages between Zimbabweans and various influential players around the world.
“He is a hard-worker and a patriot who has used a model to recognize the capabilities of Zimbabweans and inspire many to use the best of their talents and gifts,” said Hamadziripi.
Mwanza was recently bestowed with a surprise special recognition award for his work at the ZAA by the Elite Circle Group.Mwanza said being a businessman was his childhood dream.
“I’ve always wanted to be a businessman, from school I used to ask my mum to send me perfume and watches and I used to sell to my classmates. From Primary school age. I used to organise parties and events.”
Mwanza says he has fond memories of growing up in Bulawayo. “Some of my earliest memories date from my primary school days. I’d be given 15 cents as pocket money at a time when a pint of milk and a bun cost five cents each. So 15 cents was quite a fortune for me then.”
Mwanza said in high school he was chairman of the Conservative Club which organised Miss and Mr Nature at Eveline High school. He studied for a marketing diploma at Bulawayo Polytechnic where he says he used to sell cellphones to other students. “I used to go to South Africa to buy mobile phones with my bursary and pocket money from Mum,” said Mwanza.
Mwanza is proud of bringing some companies from Africa into the UK and in some instances from the UK into Africa.
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