dyton mupawaenda
Talent Chimutambgi-Arts Reporter
Zimbabwe Original Rhythms of Africa (Zora) music proponent Leonard “Karikoga” Zhakata has been appointed a trustee for a foundation launched by child president, Navile Mavu.
Zhakata seems fit for the cast due to his unwavering commitment since he started his musical career at the tender age of 13 after he defied all odds by composing his first ever song with “Baba Samson” and professionally sang with Maungwe Brothers with his cousin Thomas Makion before splitting in the 1980s to pursue a solo career.
Zhakata rose to fame with his 1994 solo album “Maruva Enyika” which gave the huge hit “Mugove.”
Child president Mavu recently launched a foundation registered under the name “Navile Tawananyasha Mavu Foundation” for the purpose of bringing young people together through humanitarian work.
Zhakata confirmed the appointment, saying he was ready to render the necessary support to the head of the Junior Parliament whenever necessary.
The artiste said it was an opportunity to serve under the young people and sharing experiences with others to propel development in the country.
“Yes, what I can say is that I am now part of the board of trustees of the foundation of our junior president His Excellency Mavu. I’m really honoured to be nominated looking at the fact that I’m not the only musician in the country, we are many, but I’m selected to be part of the constituency,” said Zhakata.
“I’m ready to use my experience for the development of programmes. I will have a chance to share experiences. Looking at my fellow trustees, the board is very strong as it includes people of diverse and vast experiences,” he said.
The other trustees include Dr Davison Gomo, who is the director of the Commissariat in the ruling Zanu PF, lawyer Mr Wilson Manase, businessman Mr Semikiza Aganze Fidele, Professor Mufaro Gunduza of Mt Carmel Institute of Business and Economic Intelligence, Mr Philip Butler, Mr Lawrence Nyazema and Mr Felix Mukoko, who is Students for ED national spokesperson.
University of Zimbabwe student Theophelus Beans will represent youths on the board whose other members are Ms Linley Carhill, Dr Afra Nhanhanga, Mrs Jannette Mukora and Mrs Willie Mushayi.
Zhakata said he wanted the child president to set the tone for the future of the junior parliamentarians to emulate him.
“The precedent is quite commendable; this tone the child president is setting is good. It will enable other succeeding child presidents to work also very hard to fulfil their mandate. We shall also assist with all kind of help to ensure that we reach all the country’s 10 provinces,” said Zhakata.
“The foundation will help to achieve Vision 2030 since I have realised that we as young people have a role to play in helping the country and His Excellency, President ED Mnangagwa to attain the vision,” he said.
“The purpose of the foundation is mainly philanthropic and we have commenced the resource mobilisation process and hope to assist vulnerable people across the country.
“Considering that my tenure of office will end this year, I want to leave an indelible mark in the country’s 10 provinces,” said Mavu.
The foundation would also tackle issues like drug abuse to save the lives of many young people across the country.
“We will raise awareness against drug abuse in conformity with President Mnangagwa’s call for all youths to desist from taking drugs as the vice is rampant, especially amongst young people,” said Mavu.
“We want also to nurture a powerful generation that is capable of leading the country in future as we are the future leaders. We are also embracing the “Nyika inovakwa ne vene vayo” mantra in order to attain Vision 2030,” he said.
“Our zeal is also highly driven by the exceptional philanthropic work of the Mother of the Nation, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, whose humanitarian work has made an impact across the globe.
“Amai Mnangagwa has impacted positively on the lives of millions of people in Zimbabwe and beyond. She is a true mother,” he said.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter