The YALI RLC SA Alumni Chapter of Zimbabwe hosted an alumni exhibition at the Parkview Restaurant, Harare Gardens in February followed by an awards event acknowledging the contributions made by YALI alumni throughout 2023.
The exhibition showcased the diverse talents and innovative projects of 10 peer-selected alumni from Zimbabwe. More than 45 guests mingled, networked, and admired the displays on community initiatives and entrepreneurial ventures. This platform promoted the alum’s products and services and fostered opportunities for collaboration and investment.
Among the alumni involved was Odilo Linzi, the founder of Oleans Waste Management Services. His organization offers waste management services to underserved communities in Zimbabwe and beyond. Odilo established it in response to the 2008 cholera outbreak to support clean spaces. Chipo Mataka, who launched Craftastics Zimbabwe, presented his hand-craft business that produces rugs and mats from fabric waste, aiding tailors in eco-friendly disposal of fabric remnants. Bruce Nyoni advocates for disability inclusion, provides sunscreen lotion, glasses, computer training and other support to visually impaired individuals, specifically those with albinism, through his organization called Albino Trust of Zimbabwe. Josephine Chinake, the founder of Templelite Technologies and Co-Founder of Girls in Tech Zimbabwe is often recognized as the most influential women in technology in Zimbabwe having worked with more than 700 women to connect, learn and grow in the technology industry.
All of the alumni received thunderous applause and heartfelt congratulations, during the awards ceremony underscoring the tight-knit and supportive community that the YALI RLC SA Alumni Chapter of Zimbabwe has fostered.
The list of alumni who received awards included:
- Global Impact – Mhlelusizo Ncube
- Social Change – Zeluleko Moyo
- Leadership Excellence – Nyasha Serimani
- Trailblazer – Josephine Chinake
- Philanthropy – Bongani Dikaya
- Agriculture – Desberia Mutara
- Lifetime Achievement – Robert Malunda
- Public Service – Ralph Mawoneyi
- Rising Star – Thubelihle Roslyn Ndhlovu
- Entrepreneur – Bolivia Mabwe
