BY NOTHANDO DUBE

Are leaders born or made? This question sparks debate among scholars. Meet 14-year-old Kimberly Simukai, a young female leader who embodies the answer. Despite her age, Kimberly has already achieved an impressive list of accolades, including being elected to Junior Parliament and serving as Head of SADC Council. In this interview, we delve into Kimberly’s journey and explore her passion for public speaking, leadership, and empowering women.

Our reporter Nothando with Kimberly

N.D: What sparked your interest in Public Speaking, and how did your training in grade three lay the foundation for your current success?

K.S: Well, Public Speaking is all about an audience and you can not call yourself a public speaker when you are a social introvert. So, I think I was always someone who enjoyed talking to people and sharing information with them, so I guess my love for people sparked my interest in public speaking. In the whole journey, I underwent a military public speaking training by my mentor, Miss N Dube and because of the training I grew to realize that this is what I wanted to do and she made me strong to face all obstacles and mountains. I believe all this contributed to my success today.

N.D Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your public speaking journey so far, and how it has impacted in your confidence and skills?

K.S: Well, I still remember when my coach told me to talk to the wall and use it as my audience just because I had failed to rehearse a certain paragraph and now, I have seen the results of it as I am now confident to talk to anyone or any audience.

N. D: As a Form 1 student, being elected into the Junior Parliament is a remarkable achievement. What motivated you to run for office, and what do you hope to achieve in your role as Head of SADC Council?

K. S: As a form 1 student, being elected into Junior Parliament was something that seemed impossible to many and I still remember when I used to tell my mom about Junior Parliament, she would just laugh, thinking that I am making jokes, but I never stopped believing in my dream and I want to be the change so I needed a platform and standing ground for me to do that. That is why I decided to go for it. As the Head of Student Council, an Esteemed Ambassador, I hope to achieve a goal driven nation led by not only men but women as well as a way of promoting women empowerment.

N. D: How do you balance your academic responsibilities with your extracurricular activities, particularly your public speaking engagements and Junior Parliament duties?

K. S: Ever since I was young, I was nurtured and brought up in such a way that I learnt how to manage my academics and my extra- curricular activities at the same time without lacking in any one of them due to the other activity and my journey did not start now. I started in primary school and I used to travel away from school for weeks for chess or public speaking competitions and I would still come back to my school work, so yeah, I have just continued with that and I have never failed. I am an active chess player and I also play golf.

N.D: What advice would you give to younger girls who may be hesitant to pursue public speaking or leadership roles, and how can they overcome any obstacles or self -doubt?

K.S: As girls we have always suffered from toxic masculinity of the opposite sex, always subjected to chores as our duty, but I always tell myself that women are the ones that bring the male species into the world so why allow ourselves to be oppressed by our own produce. As women we need to remember that there is no such a thing as men jobs only, girls and women can take up anything at all.  Women are known to have persuasive tongues so public speaking is a smooth sail for women as we were born with this attribute. The only barrier for many women across the world is fear and being scared of doing what others are not doing as a result we tend to be subjects of oppression. Whilst men use their masculinity to show their availability, why not use our mouths as well as women to do the same.

N.D: Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations, and how do you see your public speaking skills and Junior Parliament experience shaping your future endeavors?

K. S: I have always dreamt of becoming the first female president of Zimbabwe so with my experience in the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe and SADC Junior Motivators Parliament and Public Speaking skills, I think that’s where I am headed to. I am also aiming at representing my country in international forums.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Precious Mathuthu, a 27-year-old member of the renowned IYASA (Inkululeko Yabatsha  School of Arts) group, has been making waves in the arts scene with her captivating performances.

We caught up with her at the Tourism Gastronomy in Victoria Falls, where she shared her journey, passion, and aspirations.

“It’s nice to be part of this group,” Precious says with a smile.

“It’s a free space for us as youths to learn different things beyond just arts and performance that can impart our knowledge in the future.”

Precious joined IYASA in 2013, and her talent and dedication have taken her to various countries, including South Africa, Botswana, and Malawi.

She has performed in numerous productions, including the popular “Sjaiva Sibancane” video which was her first appearance in the production.

“IYASA has that unique spice that tastes good,” she says, explaining what draws her to the group. “People love our performances, big time!”

With her vast experience in dancing, singing, and acting, Precious sees herself managing artists and becoming a choreographer in the next ten years.

“I’m talented, and I grasp things easily,” she says confidently.

IYASA, has been a force to be reckoned with in the arts scene since its inception in 2001.

The group has toured several countries, including France, Spain, and Australia, and has won multiple local and international awards.

With a focus on empowering young people, IYASA works with around 30-40 youths and has partnered with 40 schools across the country to create productions that tackle issues affecting the youth, such as drugs and substance abuse, and climate change.

As Precious continues to shine in the arts scene, her story serves as an inspiration to young people everywhere, showing that with passion, dedication, and hard work, anything is possible.

BY BAYANDA NKATHA

Sheynnis Palacios, the current Miss Universe World, arrived in Victoria Falls on Wednesday as part of her world tour before relinquishing her crown in November.

During her two-day visit, she experienced the best of Zimbabwe’s tourism offerings, including a sunset cruise, interaction with wildlife, and a tour of the Falls.

“I am impressed by the hospitality of the Zimbabwean people,” Palacios said. “Everyone is so welcoming, and Victoria Falls is breathtaking. I will definitely market this beautiful country.”

Palacios was accompanied by Tendai Hunda, Miss Universe Zimbabwe license holder, Brooke Bruk-Jackson, Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2023, and Zodwa Mnkandla, a Miss Universe board member.

They were hosted by Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, wife of Vice President Constantine Chiwenga.

Baloyi-Chiwenga, chairperson of Miss Universe Zimbabwe, emphasized the significance of Palacios’ visit. “This is our way of saying, ‘Come and visit Zimbabwe; it’s safe.’ We are thrilled to have Miss Universe World as part of our strategy to market the ‘Brand Zimbabwe’ campaign.”

Palacios’ visit comes shortly after Nicaragua opened its embassy in Harare, strengthening ties between the two nations. As the first Nicaraguan to win Miss Universe, Palacios is making her maiden visit to Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe.

She had previously represented Nicaragua in the 2017 Teen Miss Universe pageant and the 2021 Miss World pageant.

“I am excited to be here and experience all that Zimbabwe has to offer,” Palacios said. “I will ensure that I market this beautiful country and encourage others to visit.