adminMelissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
WENDALL Parson who made history in 2011 by becoming the first Zimbabwean to win the Big Brother Africa (BBA) reality show, has finally spent his prize money by investing in mining. For winning , Parson received $200,000 and was given another $50,000 by President Mugabe for doing the nation proud.
Unlike most housemates who venture into showbiz after leaving BBA, Parson decided to do away with the fame that comes with the reality show, and instead focused on setting up the mining venture, Wentso Milling, in Shamva. He secured the mining claim three years ago and is into gold mining. He is also into custom milling so small scale miners take their ore to his stamp mill for processing into gold.
Asked how the mining business was going, Parson said: “I am keeping my head above water and I hope to further expand my business,” he said.
Parson is already highly involved in Shamva as he from time to time assists the local community through fixing roads and making donations to the local council. Parson who has always been into assisting the needy, employs 45 locals from Shamva.
“We are in the process of building a compound where our workers will be housed. It is halfway and all is going according to plan,” said Parson.
Not wanting to make rushed decisions, he took more than a year without using even a single cent from his prize money.
“I took time thinking of what I would do with the money. As I was thinking, the money was also gaining interest. I am one who loves being in the bush, hence my decision to venture into mining as I will be doing my things out there in the bush,” he said.
After BBA, Parson took it upon himself to help the underpriviledged at Harare Children’s home. “I haven’t stopped supporting the Harare Children’s Home. I from time to time take donations there to keep them going whenever I can,” he said.
Though he tried keeping a low profile after BBA, Parson was under the spotlight for the better part of last year when he was arrested for alleged fraud. He, together with his brother William who were facing fraud charges in a car insurance scandal were found not guilty and acquitted in October last year.
Parson said being arrested had affected him as it took some of his time.
“Going through the legal process was a big waste of time for me as I knew I was not guilty. I wasted four months of my life which can never be replaced but I’m over it now,” he said.
The hunk, a qualified pilot said he had put flying on hold.
“I am a pilot by profession, but I have put flying on hold as I am focusing on my new found business for now. Maybe I will go back to flying as a fall-back plan,” he said.
The BBA winner, who is undeniably mummy’s boy had earlier offered his BBA prize money to his mother, who according to him means a lot to him. His mother refused to accept the money and urged him to invest it or keep it for his family.
The miner is still single and says he is not planning on getting married anytime soon.
“My mind is still far from getting married. I am just focusing on my business for now. Maybe when I make money I will consider getting married,” he said.
Asked if he would go back to BBA if given a chance, Parson happily said he would as he enjoyed the experience.
“I just love having fun and I would definitely go back if I was given an opportunity. The first time I entered for fun and I would enter again for the same reason – just to have a good time,” said Parson.
Meanwhile, Parsons BBA co-winner, Karen Igho from Nigeria who also got $200, 000 for winning the reality show spent her money on building two houses for her mother and grandmother. According to Nigeria press, she invested the rest and is working to make some more.
Online Reporter