Chronicle Editor
Leonard Ncube
DELEGATES from 12 Southern African countries are expected to gather in Victoria Falls this Friday and Saturday for a two-day Toastmasters ThunderCon conference whose objective is to build skills and human capital capacity in individuals and organisations.
Delegates have started arriving at a local hotel, as Victoria Falls continues to attract local and international conferences as Government Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (Mice) agenda continue to bear fruits.
Speakers for the conference are drawn from local and foreign experts.
World champion of public speaking 2021, Ms Verity Price will be one of the keynote speakers.
Toastmasters is a non-profit making organisation established in United States in October 1924 and will be celebrating 100 years next year.
It is found in 164 countries with over 4 million people that have benefited from programme over the years.
There are about 40 branches in Zimbabwe, mostly in Bulawayo and Harare, the youngest being Victoria Falls which was started last year.
ThunderCon 2023 conference convener Ms Maxinne Mugabe said this is the first time the conference is being held outside South Africa in its 44-year history.
“We are bringing in people from 12 different countries and we thought that this is the ideal venue to make people have a feel of what the district has. It is being held outside of South Africa for the first time. We thought we could bring people outside to see what Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe has to offer and know our culture and diversity that Victoria Falls has in terms of hosting events.
“The conference is held annually at the end of Toastmasters year and this is where members celebrate some achievements and also elect new leadership whose term starts in July. What makes it more exciting is that we have a public speaking competition taking part during the conference,” said Ms Mugabe.
Zimbabwe won the bid to host the conference ahead of other member states that make up District 74 in Toastmaster circles.
Toastmasters Southern Africa chief executive, Mr Andrew Tsuro said the organisation is open to people with a willingness to develop themselves, especially with public speaking skills and career progression.
He said there are over 280 branches in Southern Africa and membership is open to anyone above 18 years.
“Toastmasters is where leaders are made, where people with fear or who feel that their public speaking skills are not at par find space to develop and are helped to overcome the fear and then they become influential.
“It is more of a supportive space to build confidence, network and coaching for individuals and human capital development in corporate companies. I want to urge the corporate community to get involved and understand Toastmasters, it can be a game changer to entrepreneurs and corporate,” he said.
Work is underway to open new branches in Masvingo and Gweru.
Follow on Twitter @ncubeleon
Online Reporter