ZIMBABWE’S pressing infrastructure and service crises are symptoms of a deeper national crisis of mindset and personal responsibility, delegates attending the 4th In Conversation with Trevor Ideas Festival in Nyanga were told yesterday.
In his opening address, festival convener Trevor Ncube argued that the country’s potholes, water shortages and unreliable power supply reflected a broader challenge rooted in individual values and collective attitude.
Ncube is also the chairman of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH), which publishes NewsDay, The Standard, Zimbabwe Independent and Southern Eye.
AMH also runs the online Heart & Soul TV.
“We think this nation is broken because of the potholes, because of the water and electricity.
"No — this nation is broken because most of us are broken up here,” Ncube said.
He emphasised that national change is impossible without personal transformation.
- In Conversation With Trevor: Munyati: Sports, arts are viable careers
- In Conversation with Trevor: Bango: ‘Street wisdom’ shaped me
- In Conversation With Trevor : Diplomatic posting was a mistake: Chihombori-Quao
- I’ve been a victim of racism in classical music: Mhambi
Keep Reading
Ncube urged delegates from business, civil society, diaspora and the creative sector to use the three-day gathering as a catalyst for personal growth and collective accountability.
He stated that nation building required “courage, patience and servant leadership” founded on integrity and mutual respect rather than transactional self-interest.
“Nation building is not about ‘what is in it for me’. It is about service. "We cannot expect transformation when we are toxic, when we are indifferent, when we use our platforms to tear down instead of building,” he said.
The festival, which is supported by TN Holdings, Old Mutual, Eight2Five Innovation Hub and others, is exploring this year’s theme: The Future of Human Capital, Innovation and Ethics in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
Ncube warned that while machines are becoming more capable, they cannot replicate essential human qualities.
“No code, no algorithm and no blockchain can replicate empathy, compassion or moral judgement,” he said.
“Our task is not merely to keep pace with machines, but to ensure that our humanity guides innovation.”
He referenced growing concern among AI pioneers, noting that even technology creators are urging reflection on its trajectory.
“They understand what this technology can become and they are warning us to be reflective, not reactive,” Ncube said.
The festival will also focus on practical opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Ten early-stage innovators are scheduled to pitch their ventures to potential funders, a feature that has led to investment deals in previous years.
“This is where new ideas are born,” Ncube said.
“We have seen young people walk away from this festival with partners and investors.
“This is the kind of ecosystem that changes lives.”
Ncube described the event as a rare space for robust, yet constructive dialogue in an increasingly noisy and hostile world.
He called on participants to leverage on the gathering for long-term collaboration, emphasising that rebuilding Zimbabwe and shaping the continent’s future requires united effort grounded in a renewed sense of purpose.
