Extraordinary Zimbabweans awarded in SA

The inaugural MoneyGram Zimbabwe Achievers award winners were announced at a glittering gala event on Saturday with a star-studded line-up of artists that included the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi, HHP and Berita Khumalo performing at the black tie event held at Gallagher Convention Centre. Actor Leroy Gopal and Radio 2000 talk show host Bertha Charuma ably presented the show as masters of ceremony.

The MoneyGram Zimbabwe Achievers Awards were truly a celebration of extraordinary Zimbabweans' positive impact on the South African economy, entertainment industry, business, media and sport. MoneyGram Regional Director, South and East Africa Anton Luttig reinforced that MoneyGram is proud to be the headline sponsor of the inaugural MoneyGram Zimbabwe Achievers Awards SA event.

It was an extraordinary night attended by the who is who with proudly Zimbabwean roots gracing the event.



Warrior's stars Willard Katsande and Kingston Nkatha were part of the celebratory night with those that donned the national colours before them such as former Highlanders captain Alexander Maseko and long serving Kaizer Chiefs star Tinashe Nengomashe. Comedian Barry Hilton took many by surprise with his revelation that he is Zimbabwean. Top Billing presenter, Simba Mhere born to Zimbabwean missionaries, also showed his allegiance to his roots by joining his fellow countrymen.



Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Walter Mzembi and the ambassador to South Africa represented the government and gave the keynote speech.



"Zimbabweans continue to make a positive impact around the world and South Africa in particular, but it is also important for you in the diaspora to think of how you can also make a contribution at home," said Mzembi to a thunderous response from the guests.

The uplifting message from the minister was well received but it was no doubt who the stars of the night were. The 79 year old Afro Jazz singer Dorothy Masuka, popularly known as "Auntie Dotty" was recognised for her long service in flying the Zimbabwe flag in South Africa and the world.



Mtukudzi, who fondly calls her his mother, handed the sultry singer the Lifetime Contribution award.

Another special award was conferred posthumously on the late Alice Chavunduka when she received the chairman's award.

The biggest winners in the night of recognition for Zimbabweans doing well in South Africa, was the Mail & Guardian newspaper owned by Trevor Ncube. The newspaper has become the leading voice of South African media since Ncube took over the weekly paper. On the sport front, Springkbok prop Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira edged out Katsande to bag the Sports Personality of the Year.

The full list of winners were:

Business of the year.
Mail and Guardian

Female Entrepreneur of the year.
Dr Samukeliso Dube-Molokele

Male Entrepreneur of the year.
David Tayler

Professional of the year.
Geoffrey Masuta

Community Organization of the year.
P-Stem Foundation

Community Champion of the year.
Sister Rudo Garedondo

Music Artist of the year.
Mkhululi Bhebhe

Sports Personality of the year.
Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira (received by family friend Thembi Ngoma as Beast is on tour)

Media Personality of the year.
Simba Mhere

Personality of the year.
Barry Hilton

Lifetime Outstanding Contribution Award.
Dorothy Masuku

Academic Excellence of the year Award.
Professor Sabelo Gatsheni Ndlovu

People's Choice Award.
Tonderai Mupamhanga

Friends of Zimbabwe Award.
The Department of Home Affairs

Chairman's Award.
Alice Chavunduka