'My Own Boss' reality show contestants named

At least 20 contestants for ZBCTV's upcoming entrepreneurial reality show "My Own Boss", have been announced just eight days before they go into bootcamp.

While in camp, several business executives will mentor the contestants and then select 14 finalists who will make it to the television show for 13 episodes.

Whoever wins in the reality series, depending on their business projects and character, will walk away with US$25 000 to start their own businesses.

The season four of "My Own Boss" has been dubbed "Buy Zimbabwe Edition" and it seeks to identify, nurture, educate and expose raw talent for youths between the ages 18 and 35.

Rumbi Matinanga, the spokesperson of the reality show, said the contestants will be in bootcamp for two weeks with the launch of the show scheduled for August 3, 2012 when the final 14 will be selected.

Each week contestants are given real business tasks and within 48 hours to a week the task is completed and a review of the task with prominent business executives is done in the boardroom.

A losing team will have one or more contestants eliminated from the show. Judging criteria are based on task profitability, leadership skills, communication, innovation and exploration of new opportunities.

Below is the first batch of contestants up for the show:

Garikai Magwenzi (22)
Currently studying ACCA at Opening Learning Centre.

Professional qualifications: Diamond evaluator with Corlia Roberts Diamond Education College.

Getrude Mvududu (24)
Academic qualification - Honours degree in insurance and risk management.

Godwin Vincent Gogwe (23)
Currently studying for a BSc (Hons) Degree in Applied Accounting with Oxford Brooks University in conjunction with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Knowledge Nyenyayi (24)
Academic qualifications - Chemical Engineering undergraduate. Operates a small hot dog business on campus at Nust.

Kudakwashe Gwasera (19)
Currently runs a company that specialises in logistics.

Malvern Hunda (32)
Managing Consultant of Project 7 Corporate Solutions, a consultancy firm that specialises in human capital development coupled with offering advisory services in business planning, strategic management and operational audits.

Ngonidzashe Killian Mudzimu (26)
Academic qualifications - BCom International Business and currently running a fish business in Gokwe.

Nobble Tamirirashe Moyo (19)
Academic qualifications - Degree in Human Resources Management

Odert Kosimoni (27)
Law student in third year with Unisa and currently runs two small businesses in Gweru.

Raymond Mashiri (26)
Currently studying Bachelor of Commerce Accounting Honours degree at Midlands State University

Sandisiwe Mahlangu (28)
Academic qualifications - Advanced Levels and qualified nurse

Tafadzwa Munatsi (22)
Academic Qualifications - Bachelor of Business and Administration Degree in Finance

Tapiwanashe Chikwinho (27)
Academic qualification - BSc (Hons) Human Resources Management (Class 2.2) Midlands State University (2005-2009). Currently managing a number of personal business initiatives predominantly in retail (including running flea markets, a shop and a bar).

Tavavaviri Gocheki (31)
Currently an undergraduate national certificate holder in machine shop engineering at Masvingo Polytechnic. He invented the diametric land examiner, the cantilever field stretcher and the static cylinder rifle.

Tendai Nyarai Hombarume (23)
Currently a Masters student at Midlands State University

Thamsanqa Bhala Ndlovu (20)
Chief Executive Officer of Lloru

Thelma Chimbgando (23)
Currently studying for a BSc Hons in Management and Entrepreneurship

Thesius Marufu (27)
Currently runs a printing and events planning company

Tsitsi Murahwa (26)
Academic qualification - Bsc Hons Human Resources Management

Welldone Zingunzi (26)
Studying BBA Accounting at Solusi University. Welldone is Retail Management Trainee (OK Zimbabwe). Currently employed as a Branch Buyer (OK Kuwadzana)