Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Lifestyle Senior Writer
MEETING and shaking hands with the President is a dream cherished by many citizens.
President Mnangagwa is a busy leader, constantly engaged with pressing national issues.
While he maintains an open-door policy, it is essential for visitors to schedule an appointment with his aides and personal assistants before approaching his office.
Many individuals, including those in high positions, are eager for this opportunity. For most of us, the closest we have come to the President is watching his motorcade pass by.
In fact, the majority of Zimbabweans have only seen his image in the press or on television. The only individuals guaranteed to meet the President are top athletes who win gold in major competitions or exceptionally talented students who excel in academics.
The same applies to ministers, their deputies and permanent secretaries when they are sworn in; otherwise, the rest of us may never have the opportunity to shake his hand.
A remarkable moment occurred on Wednesday afternoon when Comic Elder, whose real name is Leroy Tadiwanashe Zaware, received recognition from the President on the closing day of the National Youth Symposium.
The President not only acknowledged his talent but also awarded him a double cab vehicle for his influence.
The President was impressed by the comedian’s charisma and skill.
For someone who only began creating skits in 2023, receiving such an honour from the President is a major achievement.
Despite this rare opportunity, Comic Elder remained calm and composed when presented with the expensive gift.
“Your Excellency, please give me your address, because if you fail to deliver the gift you promised, I will come to collect it myself,” he jokingly remarked after the President made his promise.
A true comedian, Comic Elder’s dreams have finally come true. He still can’t believe that he, once just a mischievous villager from Murehwa, has transformed into an influential content creator. With over 840 000 followers on Facebook, Comic Elder has made a big impact in just two years.
His comedy is not only entertaining but has also established him as a prominent brand through his skits. “I am still in dreamland after meeting the President,” he emphasised. I was used to seeing his motorcade passing through, and of course, on television and in newspapers.
“For someone doing skits to be honoured in that way means a lot to my brand and talent. I will always cherish this moment because many people had written us off, dating back to my village.”
Reflecting on his journey as a comedian, Comic Elder revealed that everything happening to him has been a pure miracle. “To be honest with you, words are not enough to express how I feel, but growing up, I have always been naughty. I was one of those hotheads who would interrupt Maths lessons by creating all kinds of mischief that you might think of. As a professional actor, I only started in 2023, and you can see that it takes months of patience, hard work and focus.”
Comic Elder, who has been trending for the greater part of the week, has vowed to remain grounded.
“I have come to a point where I have realised my potential, and there is a need for me to be serious now and take my job seriously. It has dawned on me that I now need to behave like a professional and take my work seriously. The President’s gift has come at a time when big corporations, individuals and other enterprises are now seeking my services as a brand ambassador or marketer,” he pointed out.
With his newfound fame, he also acknowledged that there have been significant changes in his life.
“When big things happen in life, there are some things that should be expected, especially the change in circles. There are people I used to hang around with while back in Murewa, but with my busy schedule, it may seem like I now have pride when, in fact, work commitments might not permit me to do so.
“However, I won’t forget where I came from and my old friends, but in reality, I might not have time for them because of my busy schedule, which requires me to be creating new content,” he emphasised.
With lady luck trailing him like a shadow, Comic Elder has vowed to continue working hard and respecting those who paved his way to acclaim.
“I acknowledge many who showed me the way, like Nijo (Nigel Maritinyu, aka Slick Pastor), Frets Donzvo, Comic Pastor, Dan Grego, and of course, Nyarie, with whom I am still on good terms. The list is too long, but I will be loyal to those who supported me and showed me the way,” he shared.
Was acting his dream, or was it something that came by default for Comic Elder?
“Like any other child being raised in rural areas, my parents wanted me to take my studies seriously as they wanted me to pursue a professional career as a boilermaker. As a naughty boy, I disappointed them when I failed my Ordinary Level and even repeated it, ultimately giving up. I then came to Harare, where I met the likes of Nijo and Comic Pastor, who inspired me to become an actor,” he explained.
Now a busy man, Comic Elder has devised ways to balance his schedule to avoid clashes of programmes.
“I am one person who plans his schedule; I don’t just do things haphazardly. When it’s time for content creation, I make myself available and arrive on time. If I am needed for commercial purposes, I ensure that I am readily available and avoid disappointing those who believe in my talent.”
With all the fame that he has garnered, Comic Elder is cautious when dealing with ladies who literally throw themselves at him.
“Ladies will always be there, trailing successful and rich people. The same women can also dump you when you are poor or down, so there is need for self-control. In my case, I might be single, but I am very cautious when I encounter this; otherwise, you can find yourself in trouble. Self-control is needed, and I will always do my best to ensure that I don’t fall into this trap,” he stressed.
Comic Elder, who has become a role model to upcoming comedians, believes in consistency.
“I will genuinely advise them to be consistent all the time to avoid disappointment. In this profession, one needs to be patient because money will come later.
“If you join this profession expecting quick money, you will be disappointed,” Comic Elder warned the youngsters.
In the last two years or so, skits have proved popular, with several actors being rewarded.
The ZIYA Cultural Arts trio cast —Vharazipi, Chairman, and Mbuya Mai John — received US$10 000 each for their skits two years ago from businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
Fellow comedians, including Admire “Bhutisi” Kuzhangaira, Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima, and Wilson “Mavery-Very” Masakadze, were also gifted vehicles by the same businessman.
Now the honours are on Comic Elder, who has just received a top of the range vehicle from President Mnangagwa.
This shows that comedy is now a significant field that needs to be taken seriously.
His counterpart, Bhutisi, has congratulated him for being honoured by the President.
“A Dream Realised, A Future Secured. Today is not just a good day; it is a historic day. As one of the pioneers who started creating skits in Zimbabwe, I stand here with a heart full of immense joy and pride.
“We started with just a phone, an idea, and a belief that our stories, our humour, and our Zimbabwean experiences mattered. It was a new path, often misunderstood. To see this movement, which began as a simple passion, now recognised at the highest level of our government is profoundly validating.
“I want to extend my deepest congratulations to my brother, Comic Elder. Your creativity and consistency have not only entertained millions but have now been rightfully honoured. This gift from His Excellency is not just for you; it is a symbol of appreciation for every young person using digital content to shape our culture and inspire positive change,” reads Bhutisi post.
He added: “The gesture by His Excellency, the President, means three critical things:
“1. It means Validation. It tells every young boy and girl in their bedroom with a camera that their talent is a legitimate profession. It validates the arts as a real contributor to our national economy and social fabric.
“2. It means Investment. This gesture is an investment in our imagination. It signals that our Government sees the immense potential in the creative industry to create jobs, export our culture and engage the youth.
“3. It means Partnership. It is an invitation for a partnership. A partnership where the innovation of the youth is met with the support of the State, creating an ecosystem where Zimbabwean content can thrive on the global stage.
“Your Excellency, ED Mnangagwa, on behalf of all the pioneers and the new generation of creators, we thank you for this powerful signal. We recommend and pray for continued and increased support for this industry — through training, infrastructure, and policies that allow our stories to be told and sold to the world.
“The movement is here. We are ready to build, to create, and to make Zimbabwe proud. Thank you.”
Without fear or favour, skits are gaining popularity and proving beneficial in various settings due to their ability to engage audiences, promote learning, and develop essential skills. Comic Elder remains an integral part of this movement.
