adminbetween the two and show challenger Smanga Zhou (28).
The other challenger, Munashe Mugarisanwa (21) is really nothing to write about as he was a damp squib, a total waste of match sticks if you may.
The finalists were tasked to come up with a festive season promotion that would push Zimbabwean made products and services on the market. They had to recruit local partners into the promotion and create the necessary buzz around it to ensure that Zimbabweans participate fully. After all, it had to be called the Zimbho promotion, meaning Zim is OK (pun intended).
Final boardroom was more anxious than waiting for the results of a horse race. Head anchor Nigel Chanakira was glad to have had to share the final decision with seasoned business mogul Mr Shingi Mutasa, who was the guest of honour during the last boardroom session held at Celebration Centre.
Smanga clearly came out strong and convincing while our two brilliant young champions Godwin and Odert seemed to have significantly dropped the ball on the final hurdle. Perhaps the idea to kill the competition between the two of them and work together was not so bright after all.
Odert and Godwin focused more on pitching at the level of the experience they have received on the show over the last three or four months. The real substance of the entrepreneurial reality show was not very clear yet this was an opportunity for the two to prove their true mantle as entrepreneurs.
However, Smanga, in true challenger fashion came through all guns blazing like Walker Texas Ranger who works well on his own. The presentation was packed with high moments and the crowd seemed to love him.
His undoing, however, was his grand prize of a foreign assembled vehicle in a proudly Zimbabwean promotion.
One might be tempted to think that maybe he missed something on the brief but his justification seemed solid.
Smanga said the challenge was that the local car assemblers responded slower that is why he opted for a foreign vehicle. Very clever indeed, but I felt he went too deep into criticising the response of the local car assemblers to defend his point so much that Shingi felt that it was a weak defence.
The challenger almost caused a huge upset but what I found disturbing was that while having a chat with him after the show he said he did not expect to win it considering the mentorship training and the experience Godwin and Odert had in the show. I felt that was just an excuse by the way.
For the contestants the question is “Life after My Own Boss,” the reality after reality television.
Godwin walked away with the grand prize of a US$25 000 capital investment into his business of choice which shall be approved by My Own Boss Ventures.
He also walked away with a business starter kit worth R25 000 which comprises modern top of the range business gadgets such as an Apple Mac book pro, business software and a smart phone courtesy of South African businessman Comfort Dewa, CEO of Human Resources consultancy firm Comfort Resources.
Odert walked away with a residential stand courtesy of Head anchor Mr Nigel Chanakira which will be bought from Pinnacle Properties. She also gets a portion of the business they are starting with Godwin.
Smanga walks away with his head held up high knowing that he is among the finest rising entrepreneurs in the country. He gets to conclude the task and walk away with a huge financial incentive. The rest of the contestants that made top 20 get a share of a residential property worth US$12 000 from Pinnacle Properties.
These are all great prizes but we have had of reality show contestants that have failed to make a name for themselves outside the programmes they are involved in.
This is why Godwin (and Odert’s) business shall go into an initial incubation period which will see My Own Boss ventures work with seasoned business advisors to assist in taking off the yet to be announced project. Once the business is stabilised then it will be left to fly solo.
For those who are interested in meeting our three young champions, I invite you to the Buy Zimbabwe — University of Zimbabwe Sports and Fun Festival to be held at the UZ sports grounds this Saturday starting at 08.00am.
Entry will be absolutely free. Individuals wishing to participate in the different sporting events which include track and field, half marathon e.t.c pay from as little as US$5 to join in the fun.
You can get to share Odert and Godwin’s experience on the show and get free entrepreneurial advice from these two before they start charging for their services. Smanga shall also be launching his festive promotion
“Zim is OK” — Zimbho promotion in partnership with OK Stores. The event will attract leading decision makers such as CEOs, marketers, our My Own Boss Champions, and media personnel, former and current UZ students so this is yet another fantastic opportunity to network from Buy Zimbabwe to the people.
Event to look out for include the CEOs 100m challenge, the half marathon and the soccer knock out matches. See you all tomorrow at the UZ Grounds. Bring family and friends and let us have fun celebrating our great products. Lots of local products will be available for sale at great prizes.
Robert Garai Muganda is the General Manager Media and Communications at Buy Zimbabwe. He can be contacted on: Mobile: 0772 714 233; email: [email protected]; Facebook: buy Zimbabwe campaign
leeroy