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Tafadzwa Zimoyo

Senior Arts Reporter

Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) boss Conrad Mwanza has said he is retiring from the post, after 10 years of pushing and working with the brand.

Mwanza announced the news recently after the ZAA nomination list was released ahead of the awards ceremony in the United Kingdom in September.

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.

“It has been a journey like no other and I could not be prouder of all we have achieved as an organisation and people.”

Mwanza said his last show will run under the theme, “Timeless celebration, a decade and beyond”.

“Our theme for the 10th anniversary celebrations is: ‘Timeless celebration, a decade and beyond’.  It basically speaks of our reflection in the last decade and our ongoing vision to both celebrate each other and empower our communities going forward,” he said.

“I would not call it my last show as ZAA believes in regeneration, it is more of the turning over of a new page with greater possibilities and plans. The ZAA UK 10th anniversary celebrations will be held at The Mayfair Hotel in London on 11 September. 

“As usual, we have a diverse list of nominees across different categories such as business, arts and lifestyle, sport, community and entrepreneurship.” 

Mwanza said they were excited about the special recognition awards, as well as the Zim-Based Influencer of the Year Award to acknowledge those winning from home as well.

“Voting has already started and will run until August 15,” he said. “The People’s Choice Award will be voted for on our social media platform Instagram, then we will turn attention to other ZAA editions.” 

Asked who was taking over as the new boss, Mwanza said they were still doing interviews and research on potential candidates.

“We are in talks with potential candidates and at an advanced stage,” he said. “An official announcement will be made in due course when all modalities are in place.

“What I can tell you though, is that we are actively working to bring in a younger person and also urging female leaders to step up and inject new ideas into the vision.”

Mwanza said despite the ups and downs of hosting the show, it was also a learning curve for him.

“There have been many great moments, as well as our fair share of low moments, but I bear no regrets with ZAA,” he said. “It counts as one of the most satisfying initiatives I have ever embarked on and playing a role in the feel good story of our people is a priceless reward.

“What inspired me to host such awards is that 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.

“The success stories, contributions and innovations of Zimbabweans around the world moved me to come up with a platform that recognizes, celebrates these achievements and create synergies

 “The endgame was always to build a united front as a community and effect further positive change and with the support of friends and partners of the ZAA, I am glad that vision came to fruition and is going strong.”

 The ZAA has grown into a truly international organisation with a robust network across diplomatic, business, leadership, technology, entertainment and sporting circles.

From the flagship United Kingdom edition, they now have five other annual chapters in the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Botswana, with new editions in China and the Middle East set to be unveiled soon.