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Dr Philip Chiyangwa (left) chats to executive producer of MOB Simanga Zhou

Mercy Bofu Entertainment Reporter
It was all glitz and glamour at the Wing War Restaurant last Thursday when entrepreneurial reality show “My Own Boss” season five was officially launched. The event was attended by stakeholders from the media and corporate world. Among the guests was the brains behind the reality show Munyaradzi Hwengwere, Zimbabwe Youth Council director Livingstone Dzikira, anchor for MOB season five Dr Philip Chiyangwa, renowned businesswoman Irene Makamba and last year’s winner Godwin Gogwe.

Also present was the talented vocalist Plaxedes Wenyika who was the emcee.
The ceremony began with the My Own Boss trailer of the first evictions that were conducted last month resulting in 29 contestants getting the boot  and 15 making it to the house.

In his speech, Hwengwere chronicled the history of the reality TV show from Zambia with the assistance of Dr Chiyangwa.
“I initiated this programme after realising the high rate of unemployment, MOB was meant to identify, nurture, educate and expose raw talent within our youth in the business world that we strengthen the economy of Zimbabwe,” he said.

Running under the theme, “Youth Empowerment the Practical Reality”, MOB season five will identify potential entrepreneurs who will start new business thereby creating employment and wealth for Zimbabweans.

Guest of honour Dzikira encouraged youth to be business wise rather than blaming the economic state.
Mentoring the contestants Dzikira said money was not that important in business, but was needed creation of opportunities to create money and good entrepreneurial skills.

Dr Chiyangwa officially announced 15 names of successful contestants who made it to thehouse and wished them all the best on the coveted US$25 000 prize.

Since its inception, the reality show has propelled its previous winners to great heights with Zondo Chulu running a successful timber business, Lisha Chibale managing a poultry project while last year’s winner Gogwe is into business consultancy.

Gogwe testified that the reality show has mentored him into what he is today in the business fraternity.
A lot has been done to make season five different as confirmed by MOB executive producer Simanga Zhou.

“Each of the 15 contestants is going to be given US$5 000 whether you win or not, also the fact that the show is based on the real business world.”

Asked to comment about the event Zhou said they were grateful since the event was well attended and many sponsors are willing to be involved.
The reality show will start running on September 13 and the grand finale will be in November. The winner will walk away with US$25 000, second prize being US$15 000, third prize US$10 000 and fourth prize US$7 500.