Wendall, Muzhingi get US$50 000 each

Big Brother Amplified winner Wendall Parson and participant Vimbai Mutinhiri for raising Zimbabwe’s flag high on the international scene.
He handed over US$50 000 each to Muzhingi and Parson for their achievements, while Mutinhiri got US$10 000.
It was an emotional moment for Muzhingi, who said he had never dreamt of meeting the Head of State and Government who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. 
Wendall and Vimbai outlined a tough journey through their time in the House and emphasised the need for Zimbabweans to defend the country at whatever forum.

President Mugabe hosted a luncheon for the three personalities after a special request from the Zimbabwe Youth Council through Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere.

Addressing guests at the luncheon, Muzhingi touched the hearts of many when he dedicated his next “win” in 2012 to President Mugabe.
“In 2009, I ran the marathon after getting news that I had been blessed with a son after my wife gave birth and I dedicated the win to him.

“The following year when South Africa was hosting the Fifa World Cup, I was offered R2 million to change my citizenship then I said no, the World Cup was meant for me to raise the name of Zimbabwe during that time and I was supposed to win it as a Zimbabwean. I wanted to prove that Zimbabweans are very strong in sporting activities.

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“I, however, dedicated the second win to South Africa for hosting the World Cup.”
Muzhingi said his record-breaking win this year was dedicated to the people of Zimbabwe.
“In 2011, I knew that all Zimbabweans were watching the race and I dedicated the race to all Zimbabweans. For next year’s race on June 3, the win is going to be dedicated to the President because he invited me to meet him and I did not think it would happen in my life.

“I feel honoured to be here with you President and next year’s win is dedicated to you President.”
Next year’s Comrades Marathon, which is a down-run from Durban to Petermaritzburg, will cover 88 kilometres, while President Mugabe turns 88 next year.

Muzhingi won his first two Comrades Marathon races on the down-run before last year’s 89 kilometres up-run.
Wendall, a co-winner in the BBA with Nigerian Karen Igho, said the reality show was not easy but it gave him and Vimbai the courage to stand resolutely in defence of Zimbabwe.

“Being in the Big Brother House for 91 days is not easy, especially when people are trying to poke you and get stuff out of you while trying to run down your country.
“But all I gave them was everything positive about my country and as I am here, I am very proud to be Zimbabwean.”

Vimbai, daughter to Retired Brigadier-General Ambrose Mutinhiri and Labour and Social Services Deputy Minister Tracy Mutinhiri, said it was an honour to represent one’s country.

“It is a duty and a joy and one that we grabbed with all excitement to show Africa, to show 50 million viewers in 54  countries what Zimbabwe is made of.
“We got bullied. We were tried, we were tested but the one main thing that we made sure of is that we stood together. We were unified and this was to show what it means if we are united in Zimbabwe,” she said.

President Mugabe said the outstanding performance by three young personalities showed the strength of Zimbabweans as men and women of “steel”.
“We talk of Zimbabwe having stood all the machinations of those who would want us to collapse,” he said.

President Mugabe said people should have the mental and body strength to remain resolute.
“We refuse to fall, we refuse to be last and indeed, where our youngsters are, be it, in sport, anything else, competition, especially in the academic and schools we are always distinguishing ourselves,” he said.

He cited the Presidential Scholarship which targets students who cannot be absorbed into Zimbabwe’s education system because of lower grades but have performed wonders at South African universities.

President Mugabe said the achievements by Muzhingi, Parson and Mutinhiri had proved people could prosper in other fields.
“We must gauge our children properly as they grow up. Some have talents in their muscles. They go that direction and their education must further the physical aptitudes,” he said.
President Mugabe said no child should be condemned for following their dreams.

“There is nobody who is absolutely useless,” he said.
He said the education system in Zimbabwe should not condemn children who fail to perform in class.

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