Bonnie Chimanikire Interview

Bonnie Chimanikire is one Zimbabwe’s young great minds. Activist and founder of High Tea Events, she is a beautiful young woman who is passionate about the plight of Zimbabweans and entrepreneurship . We had the unique opportunity to touch base with her on the interview below! Enjoy

Who is Bonnie Chimanikire?

Bonnie Chimanikire is a creative spirit that has come to make manifest God’s artistic genius on earth through various creative business ventures. I believe my purpose is to help people in one way or another through my work and have lots of growth and fun whilst at it.

How did your upbringing influence everything you’re involved in now?

Growing up in a household where creative expression was permitted influenced me in unimaginable ways. My mom was banker turned designer, business woman and philanthropist. All her business ventures involved empowering her community. She strongly believed in the pursuit of passion. This has made me just go for my dreams head on. I was also lucky to have experienced township and suburban living which helped me fit in into almost any environment, from Hillbrow to Mzilikazi or Sandton to Borrowdale Brooke. I am involved in charity work and it takes me to places people are shocked I go to. The High Tea is a stark contrast to this but again, my upbringing has taught me the art of adaptability.

Did you always know you wanted to work closely with people, what sparked the philanthropy side of Bonnie?

Yes I did. Umuntu, ngumuntu , ngabantu…meaning that a human being is a human being though other human beings. No man is an island, we need each other to survive and they are so many socio-economic problems in Africa that need solutions. I believe that if I can affect change no matter how small, it is significant.

You were involved closely with the victims of xenophobic attacks, can you tell us about your contributions and what you gained from the experience?

Through a social media campaign, my business partner (Ntombizodwa) and I successfully brought people of different nationalities together to donate food, cook and clothe misplaced immigrants at refugee camps. The whole experience taught me humility and gratitude for the things little I have.

Would you call yourself a social entrepreneur and how do you define one?

I am certified social entrepreneur-I establish businesses or do most projects based on solving social problems and effecting social change.

You are the co-founder of High Tea , tell us what it’s all about and how the idea came about.

The High Tea is a great excuse for women to look good, come together over good food …on a sweeter and more serious note though, the high tea is about bringing like-minded women together for a common purpose which is to empower, motivate and encourage harmony and inter-dependence among women from different nationalities residing in South Africa. A fun filled enriching afternoon where we hear the stories from women in different areas of their lives…from business, health, relationships to legal issues. Ever been to a high tea of this nature?

Who is the ideal woman to attend High Tea events and what can they expect to take away?

A woman is driven, determined and understands that the sky is not the limit but only the beginning. A woman who is not afraid to create a path where there is none. A woman who is not intimidated by being surrounded by strong women but rather inspired to step up and do better. Oh and a woman who loves style and food! Our guests can expect to be inspired to bring their dreams to reality. I am proud to say that we have three women who attended the high tea last year and were given that nudge to set their dreams into motion. One is having her first conference next month; one started a fashion label and the other a catering business. Three might not seem like much but to us it is the beginning of a movement-a movement that dares to dream and takes action on that dream.

Of everything you’re involved in, what are you most proud of?

The active role people played during the height of the Xenophobic attacks last year.Through a social media campaign, my business partner (Ntombizodwa) and I successfully brought people of different nationalities , in different countries and continents together to donate food, cook and clothe misplaced immigrants at refugee camps. The way things unfolded was just amazing and humbling. If people who have never met in person can come together and work over a common cause, imagine what more we can do?

What would Bonnie want to be most known for?

For being an activator, a change driver and a woman who did everything she set her mind to. A woman who did things that mattered not only for this generation but the next.

 Congrats on your Zim Achievers SA Award,what does that kind of recognition mean to you?

The recognition meant that I was bestowed with an honour that I had to live up to beyond the awards night, the glitz and the glamour…It meant that I need to continue being a community champion and effecting change in whatever way I can, no matter how small or big, with recognition or no recognition. The fire needs to keep burning.

What’s one thing you value the most?

Your work seems to be glamorous and fun already, what do you do to relax?

Hahhaha it is not always fun and glam but I enjoy most of it. To relax I like to read pan-African fiction, write and watch series.

Do you have any words of encouragement to the Zimbabwean youth?

Think. Dream. Plan. Grind. Get. If you fail, learn from the experience, come out stronger and move on, no matter the circumstance.

Where can people reach you?

People can reach me on [email protected] instagram: @bonniechimanikire , twitter: @bonidiva fb: Bonnie Chimanikire
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