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ANOTHER list of “Zimbabwe’s Top (Under 40) 100 Most Powerful Leaders of 2016” made rounds on social media last week – prompting a barrage of feedback.
A lot questions were asked about the criteria used and the people behind the list while some queried the names that made the contentious document. The list features people from fields that include music, sport, media, religion, politics, business and film among others.
Some of the most prominent figures who feature on the list include Kudzai Chipanga, Jah Prayzah, Walter Magaya, Wicknel Chivhayo, Chamu Chiwanza and Tawanda Mutyebere.
The Sunday Mail Leisure tracked down the people behind the latest list, The Zimbabwe Leadership Magazine, and spoke to the editor, Vusa Munjonjo.
Munjonjo explained why and how they had compiled the list.
“We came up with this list because we wanted to celebrate a generation of distinguished young leaders who have done great things this year,” said Munjonjo.
“A wave of negative publicity has plagued Zimbabwe, painting a negative perception towards our local success stories, hence no particular attention has been given to Zimbabwean achievers over the years, which is why we have decided to do just that.”
While it would be difficult to accurately gauge someone’s level of success or the power they wield in society, Munjonjo said they had tried to factor in various issues when coming up with the list.
“We have tried to come up with a list of people that we think have been innovative or have done something significant towards development.
‘‘Some of the people on this list have managed to paint a positive picture of this country while others have been influencing people in a progressive manner. We came up with numerous categories where we selected the people who managed to make it to the list.”
He said they had set up a panel of seven people who monitored and scrutinised trends, media and events among other things since April.
This panel, comprising of experts in various fields deliberated and agreed on who deserved to make it to the top 100 and the position they would occupy, considering their power and influence.
Munjonjo is aware of the criticism being levelled against his project. Like many other lists that came before, this one has not been spared, comments are pouring in from people airing their various opinions.
Said Munjonjo: “Everyone has their own perspective towards things and if you were to give it to someone else to rewrite it, that person on number one might end up being on number 50.
“What I can simply say is that we tried to be as objective as possible and I believe the list we came up with is authentic despite what other people might say.”
The Zimbabwe Leadership Magazine came into being as a platform to highlight the country’s success stories and profile locals who have achieved great things. While they have an online presence, they have since released two print editions with a third set to be published in December.
The list will be included in the December edition of the publication as a way of celebrating the 100. Munjonjo and his team are not yet certain whether they will hold an event to honour the men and women on the list but says it is possible.
“There are many young people who have shone in their various fields of expertise. As Zimbabwe Leadership Magazine we felt it incumbent upon us to celebrate them.”
Part of the Top 100 List
1) Kudzai Chipanga
Secretary for Youth Affairs — ZANU PF
Politician |Trendsetter | Entrepreneur
2) Jah Prayzah (Mukudzei Mukombe)
Lead Singer — 3rd Generation band
Singer | Song Writer | Brand Ambassador
3) Walter Magaya
Founder — Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries [PHD]
Speaker | Entrepreneur | Philanthropist
4) Emmanuel Makandiwa
Founder — United Family International Church (UFIC)
Speaker |Entrepreneur |Philanthropist
5) Thabetha Kanengoni-Malinga
Minister of State in The Vice President’s Office
Developmentalist | Activist | Critic
6) Anastancia Ndlovu
Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry
Politician | Activist | Developmentalist
7) Wicknel Chivayo
Managing Director — Intratrek Zimbabwe
Investor |Entrepreneur |Trendsetter
8) Psychology Maziwisa
Member of Parliament Highfield, ZANU PF
Writer |Developmentalist |Critic
9) Evan Mawarire
Senior Pastor — His Generation Church
Pastor | Author | Entrepreneur | Activist
10) Jason Zhuwao
ZANU PF Information Officer
Politician |Activist | Developmentalist
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