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Valerie Mpundu
PARTIALLY-BLIND events planner, Tinashe Mukonowatsauka, is making waves in Mutare for his services.
Mukonowatsauka, who is battling a recurring condition known as retinitis pigmentosa, has defied the odds for his professionalism on the entertainment scene despite his disability.
His condition is a group of rare eye diseases that affect the retina which is
causing vision loss.
It is a genetic disease that people are born with and causes loss of vision.
Most forms of retinitis pigmentosa affect the rod cells causing night blindness and poor peripheral vision.
However, Mukonowatsauka is a living testament to the saying “disability does not mean inability” as he has been holding successful events.
These events include pageants, birthdays and church functions.
In an interview, Mukonowatsauka, who graduated with an Honours degree in Accounting from Chinhoyi University of Technology, said he was determined to scale greater heights.
“I am passionate about events planning and managing people. I grew up with a knack for conducting events and socialising with people.
“When I was in form four I was appointed youth leader at my church where I was deeply involved and committed to this and people started calling me chairman,” he said.
Mukonowatsauka, who was an active events planner from high school, was also appointed district chairperson of his church when he was doing Advanced Level.
“I left Mutare for college and when I came back people asked me for a signature event to which I responded with an interdenominational worship night experience.
“That worship night took the town by storm. I was back and registering my presence. Meanwhile at school, I would also manage memorial birthday celebrations.
“It is that great feeling of knowing you have managed to connect and make a difference in somebody’s life through an event, which drives me.Success of an event leaves a lasting impression in somebody’s mind,” he said.
Mukonowatsauka, who had been more onto church-based events and a few birthday parties, was part of the Miss Planet Zimbabwe 2024 pageant organisers held in Mutare in August.
“Mobilising this was quite an experience for me, I did stutter at the beginning but eventually managed to pull it off. I still give myself a little pat on the back for a job well done.
“Having pulled this off is a hallmark for me months after the event I still feel proud of this.
“The sky is not the limit for me, I believe more is bound to come as I sit through my next venture,” he said.
As he continues to soar, Mukonowatsauka is set to rock Mutare yet again this time with a pageant dubbed Miss Elite scheduled for November 23.
“I am counting on nothing short of success on this day. Preparations are coming together with only a few touch-ups left as the day approaches,” he said.
Proceeds from his events will go towards his treatment in India next year.
“I am partially blind and as I am growing older I am starting to experience difficulties with my sight. It is something I need to attend to before it is too late,” he said.
Online Reporter