25/12/2025
End Of Year Zimbabwe Youth and Cultural Identity Enhancement Trust (ZYCIET) Keynote Address By Sir Simbarashe Gwawawa, (ZYCIET President And Chief Sustainability Director)
As the President and Chief Sustainability Director of the Zimbabwe Youth and Cultural Identity Enhancement Trust (ZYCIET), CEO of Fabulous Modeling Agency, Executive Director at Fabulous Modeling Academy, and National Director of Miss Fabulous Zimbabwe, I, Sir Simbarashe Gwawawa, extend my heartfelt wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in 2026.
Reflecting on this past year, I am proud of the significant milestones we have achieved. Our commitment to community outreach has been unwavering; we have donated essential items—foodstuffs, blankets, bedding, mosquito nets, and clothing—to organizations like the Jairos Jiri Children Center in Waterfalls, Khayelalile Children Village in Bulawayo, and the Foundation of Hope in Epworth to name a few. We have run agricultural projects in Manicaland , Masvingo, Midlands, Matebeleland North & South, Mashonaland Central,West & East provinces, offered free courses in all provinces, offered modeling free training and mentorship program in all provinces , provided driving license training in all provinces, and launched a national fabric giveaway campaign where we celebrate Zimbabwe Independence through giving away national fabric not in Zimbabwe only but also in Malaysia where our Miss Tourism International Zimbabwe Queen Nomqhele Sisa Nkomo go and distributed it amongst all 60 Contestants from different countries as a way to market our Brand Zimbabwe.
We have raised the bar in empowering our youth and women through various programs across Zimbabwe. This includes eliminating drug and substance abuse, advocating for zero early child marriages, and promoting a zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence. We have formed partnerships with government entities and private sector organizations to create tangible empowerment opportunities for our communities.
Our members actively participated at the Ramsar COP 15 held in Victoria Falls in June 2025, and our initiative to plant one million indigenous and fruit trees across Zimbabwe contributes significantly to reforestation and biodiversity efforts is still running.
Notably, this year of 2025 we payed school fees for five children from different communities, and also our commitment to nurturing talent has led to the rise of young stars like Tarren-Lee Hannel Hodera, a multi-award winner at the 2025 Zimbabwe Models Awards and also at the Kids and Teens Awards. Our modeling academy (Fabulous Modeling Academy) was also recognized as the Best Modeling Academy of the Year 2025 at Zimbabwe Models Awards.
Also we managed to facilitate sponsorships for models like Christine Ngoshi Miss Elite Global Zimbabwe 2025 who represented Zimbabwe in Goa India in May 2025 and Nomqhele Sisa Nkomo Miss Tourism International Zimbabwe 2025 who represents our nation in Malaysia in October 2025 among others to name a few as it is part of my vision to make sure that the girl child vision got full support inorder to eliminate early child marriages and prostitution.
I extend my sincere gratitude to all our stakeholders, partners, sponsors, and members for your continuous support. Together, we are making strides toward realizing our vision for empowerment and sustainable development. I assure you that 2026 will not only focus on creating more opportunities but also on celebrating the triumphs of those we have uplifted.
I want to acknowledge the vital contributions from organizations like the National Museum and Monuments, Eat n Lick Zimbabwe, Carbonwise, OnNetZero, Eagle Wear Fashions, Serene Soirees, and Haym Legacy. Your support has been instrumental in advancing our charitable endeavors.
Additionally, I express my appreciation to individuals such as Hon Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry T.M. Mnangagwa, Deputy Director Marketing for POTRAZ Sibo Muteyiwa, Fashion Designer Kudzayi Bodzo, and ZYCIET Bulawayo Province Director Buhlebenkosi Ndlovu for their invaluable advice and support in ensuring our models are well-prepared for international representation.
This year, we lit up platforms like the Sanganai Hlanganani Carnival street party and the Save Beach Party, placing our models in the spotlight while actively engaging in tourism initiatives, such as the World Tourism Day celebrations. We are committed to developing young tourism players and encouraging investments in local brands to support the Zimbhoo initiative.
It is crucial to highlight the importance of initiatives like the ZTA Innovation Challenge, which fosters creativity and innovation among the youth. I urge our Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Hon B. Rwodzi, to reinstate this program in 2026, as it plays a vital role in nurturing young minds to create sustainable income-generating projects.
As we close the chapter on 2025 and step into 2026, we pledge to contribute actively to the implementation of NDS 2. We stand behind our President, His Excellency Dr. ED Mnangagwa, in his vision for a united and prosperous Zimbabwe—one where no one is left behind.
A special thanks to the media teams from all outstanding platforms, including ZBC, Zimpapers, Newsday, and Mighty Mutapa from Closure Productions. Your dedication ensures our message reaches all corners of the nation.
To our friends and strategic partners at Serene Soirees, we are united as one family. Let’s continue our collaborative efforts to support those in need, combat substance abuse, and create meaningful empowerment opportunities for our future leaders.
Once again, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperously empowered New Year in 2026. Together, let’s continue to sow the seeds of change and make a lasting impact in our communities.
