Online Reporter
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
SOUTH AFRICAN screen star and businesswoman Sonia Mbele is set to bring both star appeal and sharp business insight to Harare next weekend as she headlines the Ariel Financial Literacy and Business Summit — Africa, in a visit that underscores the growing intersection between entertainment and enterprise.
Known to many for her commanding presence on “The Real Housewives of Johannesburg”, a franchise that redefined reality television on the continent, Mbele’s visit is being framed less as a celebrity appearance and more as a strategic engagement with Zimbabwe’s evolving creative and entrepreneurial sectors.
It reflects a shift in how African creatives are positioning themselves as entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders beyond the screen.
While many still remember her early rise on “Generations”, Mbele has steadily built a reputation behind the scenes, taking on production roles and expanding her footprint in content creation and business.
Her evolution mirrors a broader trend within Africa’s entertainment landscape, where ownership and financial literacy are becoming just as critical as talent.
Her visit to Zimbabwe comes at a time when local creatives and entrepreneurs are increasingly seeking sustainable models for growth, making her contribution to the summit particularly timely.
“Success in business is not built on talent alone. It requires financial discipline, strategic thinking and a deep understanding of how money works,” said Mbele ahead of the event.
“For creatives, the real power lies in understanding how to turn visibility into value and influence into long-term wealth.”
The summit, organised by Ariel Financial Literacy Hub, will run under the theme “Money, Mindset Empowerment and Transforming Africa’s Financial Future”. It is expected to convene policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs and young people for practical discussions around financial growth and sustainability.
Founder and chief executive Sippie Mungaraza said bringing Mbele on board was a deliberate move to connect the creative sector with financial empowerment conversations.
Sippie Mungaraza
“Sonia Mbele represents a generation of African creatives who understand that talent must translate into enterprise,” said Mungaraza.
“Her journey is relatable but also instructive it shows that with the right mindset and financial knowledge, creatives can build lasting businesses.” Mungaraza stressed that the summit is designed to deliver more than inspiration.
“Africa’s financial future will be shaped by the decisions people make every day about money,” she said.
“We want participants to leave with practical tools — how to manage income, how to invest, how to plan and how to sustain their businesses.”
She added that financial literacy remains one of the biggest gaps affecting entrepreneurs across the continent.
“Many businesses struggle not because they lack potential, but because of limited financial knowledge,” she said.
“We are trying to close that gap by making financial education accessible, relevant and practical.”
The inclusion of voices from the creative industry, she said, is critical.
“The creative economy is no longer informal or peripheral — it is a serious contributor to GDP across Africa,” said Mungaraza.
“By bringing in industry leaders like Sonia, we are reinforcing the idea that creatives must be part of mainstream economic conversations.” A number of prominent local business figures are expected to contribute, including Nigel Chanakira, Gloria Zvaravanhu, Sally Palmer and Napoleon Nyanhi, who will share insights on investment culture, financial inclusion and enterprise growth.
Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development of Zimbabwe, Monica Mutsvangwa is expected to officiate the event.
Youth advocate Brielle Washe is also expected to speak, focusing on the importance of early financial education and building sustainable money habits.
Mungaraza said this grassroots engagement is central to their mission.
“Financial literacy should not be confined to boardrooms. It must reach the people who need it most — in markets, in communities and among young people,” she said.
“That is how we build a financially empowered society.”
