Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Arts Editor
THE Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) will this year be held in its homeland for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the history of these awards.
After 15 years of celebrating exceptional Zimbabweans abroad, this year’s awards ceremony promises to be a spectacular homecoming show.
It will take place in Harare on August 29–30 at the Hyatt Hotel.
This year’s event will not only honour the achievements of Zimbabweans but will also serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
The inaugural ZAA Diaspora Forum on August 29 will focus on investment opportunities, policy dialogue, and national engagements.
This forum aims to foster connections between Zimbabweans at home and abroad, encouraging them to work together as nation builders.
The following day, the ZAA Global Honours Gala on August 30 will recognise individuals who are shaping the future across various sectors, including business, media, music, innovation, public service, and philanthropy.
The theme for this year, “Reimagining Home: The Diaspora and Local Collaboration as Nation Builders,” encapsulates the essence of the event, inviting participants to see each other as collaborators rather than outsiders.
Conrad Mwanza, the founder of ZAA, expressed his excitement about the event in an interview with Zimpapers Arts Hub. “Preparations are at an advanced stage, with all confirmed honourees jetting into the country in the weeks ahead of the show on August 30.” This year, the awards will honour individuals who have made a global impact while maintaining a strong connection to Zimbabwe.
Among the distinguished honourees are Sipho Dlamini, president of Gamma Africa & Middle East, Munya Chanetsa, a renowned music executive, Alan Majuru, CEO of ZimTrade, and Kamera, an international producer and cultural ambassador.
“We looked at the contribution to Zimbabwe’s global reputation, the promotion of unity, excellence, and the Zimbabwean identity,” he said.
The selection criteria focused on the impact and influence these individuals have had in their respective industries and communities.
What sets this year’s awards apart is the exclusive nature of the event.
“The event is strictly by invitation due to limited capacity and the exclusive nature of the awards,” Mwanza said.While it is a closed event, some access will be granted to partners, diaspora leaders, government stakeholders, and select media. Opportunities for corporate hosting and sponsorships are still available, ensuring that the event remains accessible to key stakeholders.
Unlike previous ZAA editions, which featured nominees, this year will focus solely on special recognition.
“The ZAA Zimbabwe Diaspora Forum and Awards is unique because it combines both a high-level diaspora engagement platform and the prestigious ZAA honours ceremony,” Mwanza said.
This approach reflects a shift towards re-establishing connections between the diaspora and their home country.
The ZAA has not been hosted in Zimbabwe since its inception in 2010, primarily because the focus was on honouring Zimbabweans in the diaspora across various global cities.
“The idea was to build a community abroad first, then bridge that influence back home when the time was right,” Mwanza said.
With the evolving national discourse on diaspora inclusion, economic revival, and re-engagement, he believes that “the time is now ideal for a homecoming edition.”
The ZAA is not just an awards ceremony; it is a celebration of resilience, excellence and the unwavering spirit of Zimbabweans worldwide. By bringing the awards back to Zimbabwe, the organisers aim to create a vibrant platform for dialogue and collaboration that will inspire future generations.
