Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
“I CAN put my whiskey in here,” President Mnangagwa quipped with a smile, as he examined a hidden compartment inside a state-of-the-art digital podium recently presented to him.
The podium, designed by Zimbabwe-born inventor Mr Chamunorwa Madakadze, is no ordinary lectern.
It is an executive automated podium, equipped with digital features that allow one to read speeches seamlessly without relying on paper notes.
The sleek machine also contains compartments, one of which the President jokingly suggested could hold his whiskey.
The gift was aligned to the regional theme, “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development Towards an Industrialised Sadc”.
Behind the humour, however, lies a story of resilience, creativity, and the determination of one man whose innovations could place Zimbabwe, and Africa, firmly on the global innovation map.
The gift was presented when President met with the Cross boarders for ED on Sunday.
Mr Madakadze, who once served as a National Board Member of the Zimbabwe Youth Council (ZYC), is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of possibility.
Now based in South Africa, where he runs Cham Engineering and Projects (Ptv) Ltd, the youthful inventor has made a name for himself as a problem-solver whose work is inspired by Africa’s urgent developmental challenges.
“I have always believed that Africans are not short of ideas,” he said.
“What we lack is recognition, support, and opportunities to scale our innovations. My dream is to create technologies that speak to our everyday needs.”
His latest invention, the Executive Automated Podium, was initially meant to debut during Zimbabwe’s assumption of the SADC Chairmanship, a moment of continental pride.
But unforeseen logistical delays meant the unveiling had to be postponed. Madakadze prays that President Mnangagwa will officially unveil the podium as a symbol of both innovation and national pride.
“This unveiling will not only showcase our innovative spirit, but also demonstrate our commitment to supporting the President’s leadership in Zimbabwe and across the SADC region,” he said.
Unlike traditional lecterns, Mr Madakadze’s podium is digitally enhanced.
It allows the speaker to scroll through prepared speeches with ease, reducing reliance on piles of paper.
It also includes compartments for storage and other customisable features that bring modern convenience to a centuries-old piece of furniture.
“It is about moving away from the old way of doing things,” Madakadze said.
“Technology is changing the way leaders communicate. If Zimbabwe is to achieve Vision 2030, even our symbols of leadership must reflect innovation and modernity.”
The President’s light-hearted remark about storing whiskey inside the podium underscores not only its versatility, but also its capacity to be a talking point.
The podium is only one of Madakadze’s many projects.
Perhaps his boldest attempt to date is a car that runs on water, a potential game-changer for developing countries where fuel shortages and high prices continue to stunt economic growth.
The prototype, which is housed in his South African garage, represents years of trial and error, resource mobilisation, and technical refinement.
“The dream is to reduce Africa’s reliance on imported fuel,” Madakadze said.
“Imagine rural communities being able to power vehicles using water. The possibilities for trade, farming and connectivity are endless.”
Though still in experimental stages, the invention has attracted curiosity from engineers and policymakers alike, who see in it a glimmer of Africa’s ability to break free from resource dependency.
Not all projects, however, have met their target.
Mr Madakadze once designed a helicopter, a lightweight model built for short-distance travel.
Unfortunately, it failed to obtain licensing due to aviation standards. But the setback did not dampen his spirit.
“Failure is part of the process,” he reflected.
“Every time something doesn’t work, I learn. Even Edison’s light bulb didn’t work the first time. What matters is to keep creating.”
Madakadze insists that his innovations are not just personal projects, but gifts to his country.
“I am a son of Zimbabwe,” he said.
“No matter where I am, my heart remains at home. That is why when I invented the podium, I wanted the first person to use it to be His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, at such a historic moment for the country.”
His commitment to Zimbabwe’s progress also ties in with Vision 2030, the government’s blueprint for transforming the nation into an upper middle-income economy.
“Every Zimbabwean has a role to play in Vision 2030,” he emphasized. “For me, that role is through innovation.”
Madakadze is also a member of Africa Speaks, GAAB, and the Live Your Dream Project, platforms that nurture young African entrepreneurs. He hopes that by showcasing his work, other African innovators will be inspired to dream bigger.
“What Africa needs is confidence,” he said.
“We should not wait for the West to give us solutions. We must create them ourselves.”
As Zimbabwe pushes towards modernisation under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, innovators like Madakadze stand ready to complement government efforts.
His inventions may still be at varying stages of development, but they speak to a continent that refuses to be left behind.
And if the President’s light-hearted whiskey joke is anything to go by, Madakadze’s podium has already done what every invention should, capture the imagination.
