They make Bulawayo tick . . . the most influential personalities in the City of Kings

Raymond Jaravaza, Showbiz Correspondent

THIS week Saturday Chronicle honours some of the luminaries leading the charge to make Bulawayo the greatest city in Zimbabwe. These powerful forces, which range from political heavyweights to supporters of the arts who are discovering answers to today’s problems, drive change and advance the City of Kings and Queens for the greater good.

Sandra Ndebele
Figures don’t lie!She made US$30 000 on the night of her 10th album launch and that was enough greenbacks to convince the hardest of a “Doubting Thomas” that indeed Sandy is a music icon who deserves a permanent seat at the high table of Bulawayo’s most influential personalities.

Ezra ‘Tshisa’ Sibanda
Love or hate him Ezra is a trendsetter. He commands a huge following on social media and when he goes “live” on his Facebook page, the internet family comes alive. From tackling social issues to seeking financial assistance for families that are struggling to bury a loved one, cover medical bills for a child in hospital or feed a grandmother taking care of 10 grandkids, Ezra uses his popularity to lend a helping hand to strangers.

Marvelous Nakamba
If you throw a stone in his rural hometown of Hwange, specifically at Dinde Primary School, chances are high that the stone will hit a child whose school fees are paid by Marvelous Nakamba.

The Aston Villa midfielder is a philanthropist whose good deeds are appreciated by hundreds of families in rural Hwange. In Bulawayo, he is setting up an academy to nurture sporting talent. He intends to construct a state-of-the-art sports facility which includes a stadium, training ground, gym and offices — the Bulawayo City Council has already availed five hectares of land.

Raj Modi
Five years ago, Sidojiwe Hostel in Belmont was an eyesore. Sewage spewed all over the place, and calling the place home for the families that lived at the hostels was an insult. Modi took it upon himself to refurbish the place and today the residents of Sidojiwe Hostel can proudly say they live in dignified homes.

He has assisted many vulnerable people with food, money and medical care.

Mthuli Ncube
It’s only last week that Bulawayo got to know the other side of Ncube — the learned professor who takes care of the country’s purse. He is a music fan. Hundreds of budding musicians will benefit from six state-of-the-art studios solely funded by the Minister of Finance.

Bulawayo is the home of the arts and music and the studios are just what the youths have been clamouring for. He is now a Zanu-PF Central Committee member for Bulawayo.

Busisa Moyo
“I perform best when under pressure.” Moyo once told Business Times. Bulawayo couldn’t be prouder of calling Moyo one of its most distinguished sons.

He is the chief executive officer of United Refineries Limited (URL) and sits on several boards such as the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and the Zimbabwe Investments and Development Agency.

Stella Nkomo
Talk of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and one business executive who makes it happen is Nkomo.

Some call her the Iron Lady of Business in Bulawayo and we agree.
The deputy chief executive officer of ZITF is truly an exceptional and gifted woman.

Mngane Ncube
Everyone needs a roof over their head and a place to call home. Ncube — the founder and director of Hawkflight construction company — is a well-known Bulawayo figure whose company has built homes for thousands of families in the city.

Cris Mtungwazi
Starting from humble beginnings, the Managing Director of TCI international is now one of the biggest property developers in Bulawayo, where he is working with the Bulawayo City Council to reduce the ever-ballooning waiting list.

He is also a philanthropist of note, sports administrator and also avid tennis player, working tirelessly to improve various sporting disciplines inclusive of football and tennis.

He is also a board member of the Bulawayo Athletics Club which is active in the city in terms of tennis and cricket development.

This year, his company TCI International is also sponsoring the biggest award at the Bulawayo Arts Awards, the People’s Choice award, where the winning artiste will walk away with a housing stand.

Raisedon Baya
The Bulawayo arts industry is incomplete without the name Raisedon Baya. An experienced playwright and author, Baya is a man who lives, breathes and sleeps the arts.

Chris Mpofu
The boy from Magwegwe suburb broke the barriers when he was selected for the Zimbabwe international cricket team — the Chevrons — in 2004. A kasi boy with a dream can go far and Mpofu is a living testimony to that.

Mpumelelo Mbangwa
The Peter Drury of cricket commentary. He is proof that a black boy can make it in a white-dominated industry.

Many of his childhood cricket playmates couldn’t pronounce his full name “Mpumelelo” and simply called him Pommie. It’s a nickname that has stuck with him for years. The former cricketer and commentator’s love for the game is unparalleled.

KB Mpofu
Photography is an art and Mpofu is the master. In journalism, it’s often said that a picture tells a thousand words but Mpofu has mastered the skills of making his pictures speak a million words. True genius.

Shasha Gomez
Businessman Gomez is a man well-known for his love for rugby. He played the game at Christian Brothers College and today he is still heavily invested in the sport by sponsoring numerous schools and club rugby tournaments through his company Consha Enterprises.

Judith Ncube
Anyone who has had close contact with Minister Ncube would know that beyond being a politician she is a concerned mother who worries about Bulawayo residents.

The Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister does not mince her words when she talks about the anti-social and criminal behaviour of the youth who are involved in drug abuse, illegal parties known as Vuzu parties where they engage in risky sexual activities and other social ills.

Thulani ‘Javas’ Sibanda
A keyboard warrior who propelled Bulawayo Chiefs FC to dizzy social media heights, Sibanda is best known for his role as the club’s spokesman.

Witty, sarcastic, engaging and hilarious are the words that come to mind when describing the Bulawayo Chiefs’ social media engagements and it’s all thanks to Javas.Other premier soccer league twitter accounts have imitated him.

Mandipa Masuku
Ever heard of Munch and Sip? If not, then we dare ask you where you have been living for the last two years.

Munch and Sip founder Mandipa Masuku calls it an event that aims to create a street food culture within Zimbabwe which is excitement surrounding food that can be easily made by Zimbabweans and that is easily palatable by Zimbabweans.

Cathy Mwanza
The chief executive officer of Cake Fairy wowed the country when she designed socialite Mai TT’s wedding cake that hung upside down on the roof for more than 10 hours.

The unique design was indeed a work of art. Creativity at its best. If you can dream it, Mwanza and her team can make it.

Gwendoline Chidoori
Boutique owner Chidoori is crazy about fashion. Women of all ages deserve high-quality, trendy clothing, accessories, shoes and the finer things in life without breaking the bank. It’s her mission to make that a reality through her shops.

JR Goddard
Many simply call him Goddard. His full name is Jim Ross Goddard and he is the founder of JR Goddard Contracting (Private) Limited, a construction company that was founded in 1982. The company has been involved in major construction projects such as roads and housing.