The nominees for this year’s Cape Town Zimbabwe Excellence Awards have been announced, the event’s organiser Julius Shamu said on Tuesday.
Now with a few more categories, the 2nd edition’s nominees were unveiled at a glamorous event last week in Cape Town.
“We are pleased to have received a large number of nominations this year, proof that the event is gaining momentum and that people are embracing it,” Shamu told The Zimbabwean.
“The red carpet event remains committed to its cause, which is to bring people together, to recognise and acknowledge individuals and companies that are flying the Zimbabwe and South African flags high.”
Shamu said despite the challenges facing those running businesses in the diaspora, individuals and companies continued to be resilient, excelling in their various projects and ventures.
The awards sought to honour these individuals as they played a key role, contributing to the economy of the city of Cape Town, he added.
He said other Zimbabweans would draw inspiration from those who will be honoured and thus be also encouraged to emulate them.
“This year we introduced a voting system different from last year where judges came up with winners, and the fact that the system allows people to vote for individuals based on their profiles allows for wider participation,” he said.
“The voting system does not show real-time results, contrary to what people might think as it defeats the whole purpose of the awards, rendering the event useless.”
Addditional categories, such as the Directors award for best matriculants , the young upcoming entrepreneur of the year, as well as the music/artist/group of the year, have been introduced for much broader representation.
The entertainment category has also been renamed Palmer T Vushe Entertainment Personality of the year Award, in honour of one who passed on early February.
Sponsors for this year’s event include Mukuru Money Transfer, Impress Clothing, Shamstone Production, Uhuru Training, Maps Graphics, Ethelic Boutique, AV Studios, Standard Film and ACT Foods.
Below is a full list of the nominees
Newsleader of the year award
Tariro Washinyira
Victor Chipato
Frank Mushakavanhu
Community Leader of the year award
Delphino Machikicho
Sam Gumbojena
Edmore Mazungunye
Woman Entreprenuer of the year
Chipo Ethel Mkuku
Pamela Jiri
Grace Mujuru
Music/Artist/Group of the year award
Taderera “Shamie” Mabvudzi of Afrikalcha band
Bianca Dhliwayo aka Sweetbeey
Admire Murefu of Kingdom Sensation
Edmore Mazungunye of Flame of Praise
Palmer T. Vushe Entertainment Personality of the year award
Reginald Zvauya aka DJ Ras Reggie
Witness Morgan Chasara aka DJ Morgan Stitch
Albert Zanganembo aka DJ Bashmouth
Mark Mazonde of Marklink Films
Taderera “Shamie” Mabvudzi of Afrikacha band
Business organisation of the year award
Prince Chifamba of Chiftron Transport
Moreboys Munetsi of Zororo Phumlani
Whisper Makuni Ganya of MTA Marketing
Phillip Gwatidzo – International Hospitality Recruitment Services
Young Upcoming entrepreneur of the year award
Munyaradzi Nkomo of Migration Specialists
Thinkwell Matanda – Redress Africa
Kelvin Manlee – Manlee construction
Tongai Joseph Dhafana – Mosi Wines
Businessman of the year award
Prince Chifamba – Chiftron Transport
Whisper Makuni Ganya – MTA Marketing
Tawanda Bako – Bukura & Bako Tours
Phillip Gwatidzo – International Hospitality Recruitment Services
Small business of the year award
Moses Munzwembiri – Labelle Afrique
Tafadzwa Desire Marshal – TD Mash Tours
Weston Willie Hussein – Wasillah Projects
Chipo Ethel Mukuku – Etheliq Boutique
Albert Zinhanga – N7 Zimbabwe Farmers
Directors Award
Valention Phiri
Caroline Chikomba
Kimberly Bangure
Tafara Nyatsanza
Trish Nyabadza
