Mtukudzi, Masekela honoured at Zim Achievers Awards SA

Mtukudzi got two awards in the Lifetime Achievement Award and Event of The Year categories. His long-time friend Masekela, who died this year after battling prostate cancer, was posthumously honoured with a Friend of Zimbabwe Award for his contribution and commitment to the arts in South Africa, Zimbabwe and across the world. Masekela’s award was presented to his family by Mtukudzi.

"We are so proud of all the Zimbabweans all over the world doing amazing work and raising our flag high, and proudly,” Mtukudzi said. “May you continue to learn and grow and bring the knowledge you have acquired back home."

ZAA chairperson Conrad Mwanza said the award given to Masekela was befitting. “Hugh Masekela was a true friend of Zimbabwe and played a huge role in a number of local musicians’ lives and musical journeys,” he said.

“His unmatched musicality and charm on stage were incredible. He was a teacher and those who had the pleasure of working with him learnt a lot. His philanthropic work was also instrumental in shaping the minds and hearts of young African children who wanted to pursue music.”

Founded in 2010, the event is designed to identify and reward the contributions of Zimbabweans to the South Africa community as well as celebrate the success of African migrants and their contribution to South Africa. The same version of the event is also held in the UK, US and Australia.

“The ZAA is a distinctly special awards ceremony seeking to recognise Zimbabweans who have pushed the limits against all odds to raise the Zimbabwean flag high,” the ZAA website says. “The ZAA has become one of the most important events in the African community.”

Below is the list of winners:

Lifetime Achievement

• Oliver Mtukudzi

Friend of Zimbabwe Award

• Hugh Masekela

Music Artist

• Nadia Nakai

Event of the Year

• Oliver Mtukudzi Live in Cape Town

Largest Enterprise of the Year

• Diaspora Infrastructure Development Group

SME of the Year

• Urban Grown Organics

Male Entrepreneur of the Year

• Tapiwa Njikizana

Female Entrepreneur of the Year

• Susan Granger

Professional of the Year

• Sibonile Dube

Academic Excellence

• M Chapwanya

Community Champion

• Phephelaphi Dube

Community Organisation

• Young Women in Business

Young Achiever

• Shamiso Kumbirai

Media Personality

• Kim Jayde and Ancilla Mangena

Sports Personality

• Elvis “Bulawayo Bomber” Moyo

People’s Choice

• Oliver Keith aka NaJesac