BY WINSTONE ANTONIO
AWARD-WINNING comedian Victor “Doc Vikela” Mpofu has hailed his recognition among the 50 creatives and entrepreneurs shortlisted for the Eight2Five Innovation Hub’s Value Creation Challenge (VCC) 2021 edition.
Eight2Five Innovation Hub, which has partnered with entrepreneurs to achieve a shared vision of solving real world and business problems through technology, announced winners of this year’s VCC edition on Wednesday.
Powered by Old Mutual Zimbabwe in partnership with British Council Zimbabwe, in May, the hub invited owners of businesses and start-ups aged between 18 to 45 to provide innovative and sustainable solutions to the country’s socio-economic and environmental challenges.
Through the VCC, Eight2Five Innovation Hub will capacitate youth-run start-ups.
In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style yesterday, Doc Vikela said he would give his best as competition is stiff.
“Being recognised and shortlisted by an institution as big as Old Mutual is of great value. As young businesses, we have admired how they (Old Mutual) have managed to survive in the business for such a long time,” he said.
“So to be recognised to qualify for the next round of the Value Creation Challenge, it means that we are doing the right things in our pursuit of excellence and creating an organisation that will exist for a long time and cut itself in our creative industry.”
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Pedzisai Chimbwanda, Eight2Five Innovation Hub managing partner, in a statement said the successful contestants were from data analytics, emerging technology, digital content creation, climate action and young and funky.
“After going through a rigorous selection process, it is with great pleasure that we announce the top 50 contestants for the Value Creation Challenge 2021 edition. After reviewing several applications, we have identified the most innovative and compelling to proceed to the next stage,” read the statement.
“Congratulations to the said contestants for making it into the top 50. We kindly advise contestants to confirm receipt of acceptance email by following the instructions therein before or on August 13 2021. We look forward to the next stage of the Value Creation Challenge.”
Also among the winners are screenwriter-cum-co-founder of College Central Film Derby Bheta, director, multi-talented dancer, creative director and content creator Blessing “BBoy Christyles” Fire and creative director Gilmore Khumalo.
Award-winning creative entrepreneur, craft artist, graphic designer Gladys Chibanda also joins the list which includes Elvis Chakwizira, Evangelista Chekera, Nathan Chifamba, Tavonga Chiguvi, Chipo Chikomo, Tafadzwa Chikwereti, Talent Chitepo, Rogen Chitongo, Thomas Chiwambo, Davidzo Chizhengeni, Dumoluhle Dube, Nkosikhona Dube, Richard Goronga, Respect Gwenzi, Trish Hakata, Desire Jongwe , Willard Kachere and Bruce Kadzviti.
Aurra Kawanzaruwa, Alfred Magara, Ruddy Makoni, Einstein Makuyana, Praise Manyonga, Tinashe Manyonga, Ngonidzashe Maphosa, Tichaona Matte, Addi Mavengere, Justin Mkhuntho, Gladmore Muchenje, Ignatius Munengwa and Andrew Mutsau.
Bezel Ndhlovu, Blessings Ndhlovu, Msindazwe Ndhlovu, Langelihle Ndlovu, Simbarashe Nemhara, Leroy Nyangani, Clive Nyapokoto, Tinashe Nyaruwanga, Nyasha Paradzai, Gary Ruwona, Mufaro Ruzvidzo, Natasha Venables and Tapiwa Zishiri complete the list.
Follow Winstone on Twitter @widzoanto
