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ZimFest founder dies
2 hrs ago |
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Hilton Mendelsohn, founder of the popular Zimbabwean diaspora arts festival ZimFest, has died at the age of 55.
His elder brother, Ivan Mendelsohn, confirmed that he passed away following a short illness in Manchester.
Mendelsohn, who relocated to the United Kingdom in the early 2000s, was a prominent figure within the Zimbabwean diaspora. He was a founding member of ZimFest in 2001, an annual arts festival that celebrates Zimbabwean culture and heritage. The initiative grew out of a charitable organisation, WEZIMBABWE, and became a key platform for bringing together Zimbabweans from across the world.
Beyond ZimFest, Mendelsohn was also involved in community initiatives including Giants Basketball Club Bulawayo, contributing to youth development and cultural engagement.
He is survived by his fiancée, son, three sisters, a brother and his mother.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the diaspora community, with many remembering him as a passionate advocate for Zimbabwe and a unifying figure.
Business partner and friend Ivan Mudzudzu described him as "a pillar of the Zimbabwean community" who believed in bringing people together regardless of background.
Close friend Mike Tashaya said Mendelsohn's dedication to Zimbabwe and his work through ZimFest and WEZIMBABWE had left a lasting impact.
Mendelsohn's legacy is expected to endure through the cultural platforms he helped establish, which continue to celebrate Zimbabwean identity and foster unity among its global community.
His elder brother, Ivan Mendelsohn, confirmed that he passed away following a short illness in Manchester.
Mendelsohn, who relocated to the United Kingdom in the early 2000s, was a prominent figure within the Zimbabwean diaspora. He was a founding member of ZimFest in 2001, an annual arts festival that celebrates Zimbabwean culture and heritage. The initiative grew out of a charitable organisation, WEZIMBABWE, and became a key platform for bringing together Zimbabweans from across the world.
Beyond ZimFest, Mendelsohn was also involved in community initiatives including Giants Basketball Club Bulawayo, contributing to youth development and cultural engagement.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the diaspora community, with many remembering him as a passionate advocate for Zimbabwe and a unifying figure.
Business partner and friend Ivan Mudzudzu described him as "a pillar of the Zimbabwean community" who believed in bringing people together regardless of background.
Close friend Mike Tashaya said Mendelsohn's dedication to Zimbabwe and his work through ZimFest and WEZIMBABWE had left a lasting impact.
Mendelsohn's legacy is expected to endure through the cultural platforms he helped establish, which continue to celebrate Zimbabwean identity and foster unity among its global community.
Source - NewZimbabwe
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