Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
A quiet transformation is about to lift Zimbabweans whose work is changing lives far from the spotlight with mentors, builders and young problem-solvers who solve real problems every day, mostly unnoticed.
In the upcoming two weeks, the Zimbabwe Impact Awards (Zimpact) will honour them in its second edition to be held in Harare under the theme “Celebrating Excellence. Inspiring Impact”.
Speaking to Zimpapers yesterday, Executive Director Evermore Kangani said the aim is lasting change, not a single night of applause.
“Empowerment is not simply putting a young innovator on a stage and handing them a certificate. Empowerment is what happens after the applause,” she said.
“Recognition is the entry point, not the destination.”
For Universal Woman Zimbabwe 2025 and Style Bar manager Shelly Bent said empowerment begins with who a person becomes.
“I believe beauty must go beyond what we see on the outside; it must shape who we become as a whole,” she said.
“True beauty is creating a generation that doesn’t just look empowered, but is empowered enough to empower others.”
Michael Moyo, founder of The Mentorship and Coaching Circle, said leadership starts within.
“Ultimately, sustainable transformation begins from within,” he said.
“Investing in their inner development, coaching and mentorship is an investment in the sustainability of Zimbabwe, Africa and beyond.”
In agriculture, engineer Panashe Kahonde, who grew up on a subsistence farm, is building affordable tools for farmers.
“Technology does not transform agriculture; accessible technology does,” he said.
“Africa should not just consume innovation, Africa should define it.”
