Zimbabwean Voices Zimbabwean Voices
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- Society & Culture
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Conversation with change-makers that and using their platforms to shift the Zimbabwean narrative
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Virginia Phiri: Being a servant of the people
About
In this episode, I had the honor of having a conversation with acclaimed writer Virginia Phiri. In the first part, we discussed how Virginia's upbringing in the Zugali township shaped her aspirations and interests. Despite experiencing personal loss and struggle, Virginia remained curious and creative, harnessing her passion for the arts and literature. The second part focused on Virginia's career path and the importance of pursuing one's passions and taking risks, even in the face of challenges. In the third part, we highlighted the role of technology in helping writers share their work and protect their copyrights, emphasizing the need for support and advice from others. Virginia also discussed her passion for writing and the lack of support for African writers. Before concluding with the importance of preserving African stories and the need for better support systems for African artists and writers. Overall, Virginia inspired listeners to stay true to their passions and seek support in pursuing their creative endeavors.
Key Takeaways
One's environment and community can shape a person's aspirations and interests, and experiencing loss or struggle can be transformed into a source of creativity and curiosity.
Staying true to one's interests and passions can lead to a fulfilling career and creative opportunities, but it may require persistence and courage to break through barriers and gain recognition.
Technology has helped writers in terms of sharing their work and protecting their copyrights.
Seeking support and advice from others is important in pursuing one's passions.
There is a lack of support for African writers, and it is necessary to improve the support system for writers in the country.
Documenting and preserving African stories is important for future generations. -
Creating Opportunities for Future Generations: Ropafadzo Sibusiso Chidawu's Path of Personal Convictions
About
In this podcast, I had the honor of speaking with Ropafadzo Sibusiso Chidawu, Managing Director of Gombe Holdings. In our conversation, we discussed the challenges of succession in African family businesses. Ropa shared personal experiences and lessons learned in confronting personal and professional issues, embracing new talent and ideas, and providing adequate training for young people in family businesses. She also touched on the importance of investing in the creative economy and using art as a means of diversifying one's portfolio. As well as the need for a functioning supply chain, a sustainable creative economy, and social responsibility and representation when collecting art. The takeaway from this podcast is the need for open communication and conflict resolution, perseverance and problem-solving skills, and the willingness to push back against those who may hinder progress.
Key Takeaways
Succession in African family businesses can be challenging and requires open communication and conflict resolution.
The convergence of the corporate and creative world is important and investing in the creative economy can be beneficial.
Perseverance, problem-solving skills, and embracing new talent and ideas are key in navigating leadership and succession in family businesses.
Providing adequate training for young people in family businesses is important.
Art can be used as part of a strategy to diversify one's portfolio and social responsibility and representation should be considered when collecting art.
Difficult conversations are necessary for progress and gendered barriers must be pushed against to pave the way for future generations. -
Prince Sivalo Mahlangu: Embracing & shedding light on our culture through food
For episode 31 I had the honor of speaking with Prince Sivalo Mahlangu - a passionate cook, cultural activist, and host of the Magriza Made me cook Youtube channel.
In our conversation spoke about,
- Food as an expression of culture
- The path that led him to explore indigenous Zimbabwean food
- What he and his team have learned from documenting Zimbabwean cultural practices
The learn more about his team work check their Youtube Channel below:
https://www.youtube.com/@MagrizaMadeMeCook
Enjoy! -
Dumi Mabhena: A part of my story
For episode 31 I had the honour of being interviewed by Kuda Mangwe the first guest of the Zimbabwean Voices Podcast.
In our conversation, we spoke about parts of my story to date, my reason for starting the podcast, and my favourite moments thus far.
Enjoy! -
Kudzanai Tembo: Capturing Zimbabwe's Rising Sports Stars
For episode 30 I had the pleasure of having a conversation with Kudzanai “Kayz” Tembo, national hockey player & the founder of Rising Stars; a media company with a focus on shedding light on Zimbabwe’s young sporting talent.
In his last year of high school, Kudzanai missed out on 2 hockey scholarships as a result of not having any video content to showcase.
Driven to ensure that this would never happen to anyone else he started Rising Stars and has now helped many young Zimbabwean athletes get scholarships and contracts at word class institutions around the world.
In our conversation, we spoke about his dream for the company and his ideas on what could be done in Zimbabwe to better nurture and retain talent.
Enjoy -
Audience Outreach: I would love to hear & share your story
For the next few episodes, I want to listen to the stories of the people that listen to the stories we have shared. I don’t think one person's story is more important than another person's story. I believe every story matters and I would to hear and share yours.
So please reach out to me so we can connect at: hello@zimbabweanvoices.com.
Peace & Much Love