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The Paragon Hub ISSUE 9

Introducing our 9th issue magazine, showcasing the inspiring stories of business owners, brand creators, and talented individuals from Zimbabwe. As a team, we have discovered that the future is filled with promise and potential, reflected in our theme for this issue “Exploring the Brightness: A Journey Through Balanced Living”. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted as you read about the resilience and creativity of our featured entrepreneurs, athletes, and artists. Let this issue ignite hope in every aspect of your life, whether it's in business, sports, or the arts. Embrace the positivity and optimism within these pages and let it fuel your own journey towards success.

Introducing our 9th issue magazine, showcasing the inspiring stories of business owners, brand creators, and talented individuals from Zimbabwe. As a team, we have discovered that the future is filled with promise and potential, reflected in our theme for this issue “Exploring the Brightness: A Journey Through Balanced Living”. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted as you read about the resilience and creativity of our featured entrepreneurs, athletes, and artists. Let this issue ignite hope in every aspect of your life, whether it's in business, sports, or the arts. Embrace the positivity and optimism within these pages and let it fuel your own journey towards success.

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THE PARAGON HUB

ISSUE 9

DAKAR JOURNEY

WITH ASHLEY THIXTON

AFCON 2023-ROUND UP “BILLED AS

THE BEST EVER

EXPERIENCE THE MADNESS AT

HASQVARNA

TRAILBLAZER 2024

COMMUNITY FOOD LIFESTYLE NEWS OUTDOOR SPORT TRAVEL

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 1


LETS

RIDE


THE PARAGON HUB

“Exploring the

Brightness: A

Journey Through

Balanced Living”

Dear readers,

Welcome to the most recent edition of our lifestyle magazine! As we begin

a new season, we are excited to provide you a multitude of interesting and

inspiring content that will undoubtedly add a touch of brightness to your

daily lives.

In this issue, we have handpicked a wide range of stories and features that

delve into numerous elements of modern living. From fashion and beauty

trends to health and wellness suggestions, we seek to live you with a wellrounded

guide to maintaining a balanced and fulfilled existence.

We recognise the vast range of interests and passions that comprise our

readership. As a result, we’ve included pieces on travel locations, culinary

pleasures, and unique cultural experiences that will definitely fuel your

interests and inspire your next vacation.

We would like to thank our faithful readers, whose support and feedback

continue to influence and drive the content we create. Your passion,

enthusiasm and engagement motivate our dedication to providing an

amazing lifestyle lifestyle magazine that is relevant to your interests and

objectives.

We hope you like this issue and find it to be a source of inspiration,

enjoyment, and helpful insights. As always, we appreciate your thoughts,

recommendations, and ideas to help us improve, grow, and expand.

Wishing you a fulfilling and joyful voyage through the pages of our magazine!

Warm regards,

The Paragon editorial team


THE PARAGON HUB

CONTENTS

8

12

16

20

24

30

36

38

42

46

52

THE FRIEND ANIMAL

FOUNDATION

LOCAL INFLUENCERS

BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME

THE COMMON CAUSES OF

ROAD CRASHES IN ZIMBABWE

LOCAL ARTIST

LEADING WITH INFLUENCE IN

BUSINESS

TRAILBLAZERS 2024

EXPERIENCE THE MADNESS AT

HASQVARNA

AFCON 2023-ROUND UP

“BILLED AS THE BEST EVER

MANA POOLS

INTERVIEW WITH MARIA

ECONOMOU

BSc Pastry and Chocolate Arts

28

40

DAKAR

JOURNEY

WITH ASHLEY

THIXTON

e

U19 CRICKET

WORLD CUP

THAT HAD IT

ALL

Advertsing

Stacy@paragon.co.zw

Head Office

17035 Cedora Road,

Graniteside, Harare

Paragon Express

Suite ZB, Sam Levy’s Village

Borrowdale, Harare

Paragon Express

Arundel Village

Harare

Paragon Express

Paddington Square

Harare


THE PARAGON HUB

CONTRIBUTORS

PRINTING

Paragon Printing & Packaging

(Pvt) Ltd

ADVERTISING

Stacy Lambert

hub@paragon.co.zw

FROM THE EDITOR

DISCLAIMER

MAGAZINE DESIGN

& EDITOR

Kinsley P Ravhu

kingsley@paragon.zo.zw

Tremendously excited to present to you Issue 8, in all it’s glory.

Thank you to all of our contributors.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of its

content, the editor cannot be held responsible for any omission or

errors. The Paragon Hub has the right to make alterations to any

article submitted and cannot be held responsible for the loss of

or damage to any material submitted for publication. The views

expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of the

editor. All prices quoted were correct at the time of going to

press and may vary from shop to shop. The Paragon Hub is not

responsible for copyright issues with advertisers and the pictures

and texts they have used – this is their responsibility.

CONTRIBUTORS

ASHLEY THIXTON

THE ANIMAL FOUNDATION

JILL DAY

MARIA ECONOMOU

SABRE

MARC POZZO

HASQVARNA

TRAILBLAZERS

DINA GOHIL

Have you got something for us?

We are always looking for new and

exciting local stories, from product

launches to community projects. If you’ve

got something to share please contact us,

we would love to hear from you.

COPYRIGHT

No part of this magazine may be

reproduced or transmitted in any form or

by any means, electronic or mechanical,

including photography, recording or any

information storage or retrieval system

without prior permission from the publisher.

hey

KEEP IN Touch

Stacy@paragon.co.zw

paragon print zw

Kingsley@paragon.co.zw

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 5


THE PARAGON HUB


THE PARAGON HUB

HAZELNUT

#BDA55D

Seasonal

COLOUR

PALETTE

RUSSET

NEVADA

SEAWEED

HAZEL WOOD

#80461B #666A6D

#354A21

#C9BB8E

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 7

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 7


THE FRIEND ANIMAL FOUNDATION

HISTORY

AND AIMS OF THE

FRIEND ANIMAL

FOUNDATION

The Friend Animal Foundation was founded in 1997 by

Ms Jean Friend, a wealthy, animal-loving lady who took

over Filippa’s Kennels in Tynwald.

Sadly, Jean died of cerebral malaria only a year later. Her

finances were left in trust mainly for these kennels and

cattery in Tynwald but her legacy has also helped many

other animal welfare organizations. At the time of the land

redistribution programme, the Foundation helped wherever

they could by offering to board pets free of charge and

then relocate them - in conjunction with Commair/British

Airways - all over the world.

The economic hardships Zimbabwe has faced have

taken their toll and sadly Jean Friend’s trust fund has

been exhausted. This led to the creation of a new Board

of Trustees with the dedicated aim of continuing Jean’s

legacy and good work for the animals at The Friend Animal

Foundation. The Foundation now works on businessapproached

protocols and procedures to streamline

monthly expenditure without negatively impacting the

animals, while enabling the Foundation to run in a more

effective, efficient and self-sustaining manner.

By applying for a Private Voluntary Organization number,

we are registering as the only NO KILL Shelter in Zimbabwe

and hope that this will allow us to source help from

international animal welfare agencies.

The Board of Trustees has focused on forming an

enthusiastic, reliable and hard-working staff contingent, as

well as attracting a dedicated Management Committee and

other volunteers to assist with the day-to-day management

and running of The Friend Animal Foundation.

running costs each month, we rely heavily on public support

and donations in cash and kind. Unfortunately, this is not a

stable enough income.

Our aim is not only to continue, but to improve our ability to

provide sanctuary to strays and surrendered domestic animals

in Harare, and we strive to be the model NO KILL animal

shelter in Zimbabwe.

DAY-TO-DAY RUNNING

We take in stray and surrendered dogs that we bring back

to health. Once they are physically stronger we start working

with them to socialize them and teach them to work on a

lead.

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 8

One of our aims is to educate the public about the needs

and care of animals in order to stop the many cases of

animal cruelty that we encounter.

We encourage volunteers and sympathetic members of

the public to get involved in our most basic programmes:

dog walking, puppy socializing and cat interaction.We

also always require people to assist with fund-raising,

sponsorship, building and renovations, veterinary aid, food

drives, fostering etc.

The Friend Animal Foundation cares for around 475 dogs,

160 cats and 100 farm animals. In order to cover the basic

We have 7 dog handlers who work with the dogs daily –

either in social groups or individually.The dogs start coming

out into our 40 exercise runs at around 7.15am, we do this in

rotation throughout the day, managing to exercise over 300

dogs daily.

We have a big social group of 30 dogs around the office that

interact with the public.We try to re-home as many dogs (and

cats) as we can and we have two specific projects:

(1) Anti poaching, where we have dogs assisting the Forestry

Commission, Chizarira Wildlife and Save Valley.

(2) Farm Security patrol dogs.


THE FRIEND ANIMAL FOUNDATION

PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS ACT ZIMBABWE:

Title 19, Chapter 19:09

This law constitutes Zimbabwe’s cruelty to animals

act. Under the act, “animal” means: (a) any kind

of domestic vertebrate animal, (b) any kind of wild

vertebrate animal in captivity, (c) the young of any animal

referred to above.

The law prohibits the cruel beating, kicking,

overriding, overdriving, overloading, or torturing of

animals, among other things.

In this Act “animal” means:

(a) any kind of domestic vertebrate animal;

(b) any kind of wild vertebrate animal in captivity;

(c) the young of any animal referred to in paragraph

(a) or (b).

An offence is committed by any person who

(a) cruelly beats, kicks, ill-treats, overrides, overdrives,

overloads or tortures any animal or causes any animal so

to be used; or

(b) drives or uses any animal which is so diseased or so

injured or in such a physical condition that it is unfit to

do any work; or

(c) being the owner, abandons any animal or causes or

permits any animal to be abandoned; or

(e) wantonly or unreasonably does or causes or procures

the commission of any act likely to infuriate or terrify any

animal

(g) cruelly or unnecessarily ties up or confines any animal

or causes or permits any animal so to be tied up or

confined.

any veterinary surgeon is within reasonable distance and

if the animal can without causing it unnecessary suffering

be moved, take it or cause it to be taken to the veterinary

surgeon for such treatment.

Entry by police officer or inspector

(1) Any police officer or inspector may enter upon

any premises where he has reasonable grounds for

believing that such entry is necessary for the prevention,

investigation or detection of an offence in terms of this

Act.

(2) Any person who hinders or obstructs a police officer

or an inspector in the exercise of his functions in terms

of subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable

to a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars or to

imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or

to both such fine and such imprisonment.

Separate charges in respect of each animal

Separate charges may be brought against any person or

persons in respect of each animal if more than one are

concerned.

Where the owner of an animal is convicted of an

offence in respect of such animal, the court may, in

addition to any other punishment

(a) deprive such owner of the ownership of the animal

and make such order as to the disposal of the animal as

it thinks fit; and additionally, or alternatively

(b) order such person to be disqualified, for such period

as it thinks fit, from having custody of any animal or of

any animal of a kind specified in the order.

Power of police officer or inspector to remove animal

for treatment

If a police officer or inspector finds any animal which is

so diseased or injured or is suffering in such other way

that in his opinion it is desirable that it should receive

treatment in order to relieve its suffering, he may, if the

owner is absent or refuses to consent to the treatment of

the animal, at once summon a veterinary surgeon or, if

7 Kirkman Road, Tynwald

293 0442/ 077 342 9152/ 073 3816 804

friendanimalfoundationzim @gmail

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 9




PUBLISHER’S FEATURE

Top Local Influencers

Nicole Duma

Ever since childhood, I have been fascinated by

the power of words and the art of captivating

an audience, shaping my commitment to

the impactful fusion of words, image, and

demeanour.

My journey as a Master of Ceremonies and

Keynote Speaker, enriched by eight plus years

in debate and public speaking roles, has been

incredibly rewarding. From hosting events like

the Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy’s Diploma

Graduation to Word of Life International

Ministries’ Youth Events, I thrive on making

every moment unforgettable. With three years

of experience crafting compelling content, I

also thrive on bringing various ideologies to

life and engaging audiences across various

platforms. I’ve also created, proofread, and

copy-edited corporate, official, and creative

literary work through adequate use of my

written communication and research skills.

Director of First Impressions || Keynote Speaker &

Master of Ceremonies || Content Writer

|| Brand Image

Currently, I am the Director of First Impressions

at Zimworx, where I enhance stakeholder

engagement by maintaining one of my key

strategies: offering my services with a smile

(a seemingly simple yet key strategy to ensuring

people fall in love with your brand). I also voluntarily

head the Word of Life International Ministries’

Impact Administration Team and participate in

community-centred programmes via the Zimworx

Workplace Wellness Department.

Beyond my professional life, I find joy in reading

books and novels, which adds depth to my creative

process and overall approach to my work.

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 12

“Be the best version of you there is”

nicolekdblog.wordpress.com

“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or

Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the

hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.’”

Martin Luther King Jr.


PUBLISHER’S FEATURE

Caroline Lucy Ruzariro

Chef Caroline is a qualified pastry chef based

in Harare, Zimbabwe, and the owner of

the up-and-coming gastronomy enterprise

Patisserie Classics. Her burning passion

bloomed at a tender age in her high school

food and nutrition classes into something

much more complex and exciting. She carries

twenty years of experience, and in those same

years, she has gone through both culinary

and patisserie-based routes, mastering the

techniques of both crafts. Patisserie, however,

proved to be her safe haven.

Caroline's endeavours have taken her to

Singapore, Poland, and Dubai, to name a

few. She has also had the honour to mark

international pastry competitions. Patisserie

Classics has been in operation for sixteen

years, finding its voice in the tutoring sector.

Caroline has formulated her own original

cheesecake and chocolate mousse recipes

that have taken the industry by storm.

She has inspired and tutored over 200

Zimbabwean bakers, who have utilised the

skillets to revive and upgrade their own

CEO of Patisserie Classics

businesses. In 2023, she was awarded Gold for

Best Tutor of the Year at the Zim Cake Artists

Awards Ceremony. Additionally, she received

a Gold Award from the CEO's Network for her

professional excellence and selfless contribution

to the industry. Patisserie Classics deals with

weddings, birthdays, and many other events,

bringing clients' well-curated menus to life. The

business continues to flourish, and Caroline looks

forward to a prosperous future ahead.

“Obstacles can't stop you”

@ Patisserie Classics

“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s

problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has

shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.”

Michelle Obama

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 13


THE PARAGON HUB

Paddington square,lewisam

NOW

OPEN

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 14

Fife Avenue Shopping Centre

Paddington square,lewisam


THE PARAGON HUB

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 15


BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME

By Jill Day

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 16

The book most young Zimbabweans have read

is Robert E. Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad. They

are in good company: written 27 years ago it still

ranks as the #1 personal finance book of all time.

While the rich invest in assets and let money work

for them, the middle class invest in liabilities, naively

considering them as assets, and work for money. To

the middle class, a car is an asset. To the rich, it is a

liability because it costs them money: it doesn’t earn

for them. “If you have to invest in something, invest

in financial literacy,”Kiyosaki says. My own memory

of the book is that once you have left poverty

behind you, one of the best things you can invest

in is property. Sure, the value graph of property

does fall as well as rise, but over the last 20 years

it has significantly outperformed any other asset in

Zimbabwe and continued to increase in value, unlike

any dollar you care to name. So you’ve read the

book, made your stash and now you are looking at

how to invest in something you can live in or rent out

to make your asset work for you. Where do you start?

Websites

There are four online property portals; www.property.

co.zw, www.classifieds.co.zw (both are run by WebDev

and have the same information) www.propertybook.

co.zw and www.property24.co.zw. This last one is a

spin-off from the South African website of the same

name and it features listings of the international

estate agents. We sell property in return for a 5 per

cent commission, paid by the seller. All registered

estate agents are listed at the Estate Agents Council

of Zimbabwe--eac.co.zw. It’s worth checking that the

agent selling a property you like is listed with them

so you have someone to complain to should things

go wrong. The EAC has introduced exams that all

estate agents have to pass by the end of the year:

make sure yours is qualified, so you can trust what

they tell you. You don’t pay agents to go and view

a property or to buy it. And all agents are required,

by law, to represent all properties listed by agencies

other than their own in a proper, professional manner.

Don’t worry legally we have to share commission

equitably, so if you have a friend who is an agent

he can sell you any property listed with any agent.

Making an offer

Once you find a property you like, you complete a

written offer form and take a copy of it. It asks for your

name, contact details, ID, the property you want to

buy, how much and how you will pay for it. You ought

to say how long your offer is valid for you might find a

house you like better and, as written offers are legally

binding (although it’s unusual for this to be enforced)

putting a deadline on the offer gives you an out.

Your agent presents your offer. Incidently, it doesn’t

have to be at the asking price: most sellers expect

to negotiate on a sale. But if you are at a show

day (that’s when agents advertise that a property

will be open for viewing between certain hours

on such and such a day and anyone can go to

see) and 20 people are filling in offer forms, you

are likely to have to offer up to 5% more than the

asking price if you really do want that property.

If your seller comes back with a new offer “I only

want to sell it for $120,000, not $100,000” that

negates your offer immediately. Normally the agent

will run back and forth until you both agree a price. If

both seller and buyer are a little disappointed, I feel

I have done a good job and achieved a fair price for

the property. If either of you is dancing a jig, I’ve let

the other one down. And if a property ticks seven of

the top 10 things you must have in your property,

I’d say it’s a good deal. Along the way, the agent

will ask you for your ID and probably a utility bill for

proof of address. You will be asked to complete a

Know Your Customer form, because the Reserve

Bank asks agents to do this and to keep it in your file.

Title deed

You in turn should ask for a copy of the title deed, to

make sure you are buying the property you think you

are and also to check that there is no caveat, such as

it being subject to a divorce settlement and so may

not be sold, on the deed. Deeds in this country bear

the stand number of the property, not the physical

address. You can confirm this at the Surveyor

General’s office but if the seller’s name is on the title

deed you can be fairly confident that all is well. The

conveyancing lawyer, who is chosen by the seller,

because s/he owns the asset, will also ensure all is in

order before transferring the property to your name.


PAM GOLDING

The lawyer will in due course request payment of 3 per cent of the purchase price for handling the

conveyancing for you. This is a fee set by the Law Society. You will also have to pay 4 per cent government

stamp duty, meaning you pay 7% over and above what you agree to pay for the property. There are no

other costs directly involved in the sale of a property with title. Some properties are sold under cession: the

developer agrees to sell you the property and one day you may get title. This is more risky and normally

relates to new urban areas that were agricultural land. Having title ensures that you, and only you, own the

property and the deed can be used for surety for a loan.

Agreement of sale

The agent or the lawyer will send you a draft agreement of sale and this is legally binding so please check

that your personal details are right, that you are paying the right price for the correct property and any

conditions you requested have been included. Once both parties are happy, this is signed and witnessed.

It is normal practice at this time either to pay in full for the property or to pay a deposit of at least 20 per

cent to show you are a serious buyer and to enable the agent to put the property on hold while you pay the

balance, at which point it is delisted. The sooner you can pay, the less you may have to offer.

The lawyer will then apply to ZIMRA for a capital gains’ certificate. This normally costs 5 per cent of the

purchase price (under certain circumstances it can be set at a percentage of the difference between the

original purchase price and the one you will pay) and is payable by the seller. Both the buyer and the seller

will be asked to attend an interview at the ZIMRA office in Harare or Bulawayo in order for this to be granted.

ZIMRA is interested in ensuring it is being paid the correct amount of tax: there is no collusion between

buyer and seller or falsification of the value. Both the tax office and the deeds office are entitled to ask for a

valuation, for which the parties have to pay.

Once the capital gains tax certificate has been issued, the lawyer applies for transfer. This can take time and,

depending on your agreement and providing you have paid for the property in full, you may be permitted

to move in before transfer. If there is a tenant in the property, however, s/he must be given three months’

notice to vacate. Once you have paid for the property, you are entitled to receive the rent. But you are also

now responsible for the insurance and upkeep of it.

Four bed family home

in Emerald Hill on 5707

m2 for sale at $420,000.

Good borehole,

swimming pool, two

cottages in established

garden. A good buy

in an up and coming

area with supportive

neighbours.

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 17


PAM GOLDING

Neat two and three bed

semi-detached garden

flats in Bluff Hill, just

off Lomagundi Road

selling for $95,000 and

$125,000 respectively.

Well built, convenient

and about to be

completed.

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 18

When your financial

acumen really pays

off, what about this

architect-designed

cottage on 24,000

m2 in the heart of old

Borrowdale? Yours for

$1,2 million


ART THERAPY

THE PARAGON HUB

23


DRIVE ZIMBABWE

The common

causes of

road crashes

in Zimbabwe

Adopting a responsible and vigilant approach to

driving is crucial for preventing road accidents. By

understanding and addressing common causes,

adhering to traffic regulations, and prioritising

safety, motorists can create safer roads for everyone.

Remember, responsible driving is not just a legal

obligation but a moral responsibility ensuring all road

users’ well-being. Stay safe on the roads!

The common causes of road

crashes in Zimbabwe

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 20

Car crashes, often resulting from carelessness,

dangerous driving, and unhealthy habits, remain

a significant concern on our roads. However,

many incidents can be prevented through

patience, heightened awareness, and adherence

to the rules of the road. Let’s delve into the most

common causes of road accidents and explore

essential practices to avoid them.

1. Speeding is Always a Bad Idea.

Despite numerous awareness campaigns,

exceeding speed limits continues to be a

prevalent cause of accidents. Driving too fast for

road or weather conditions significantly reduces

reaction time, making it challenging to prevent

collisions. It is imperative to prioritise safety

by adhering to speed limits, ensuring a safer

journey for everyone on the road.

2. Avoid Distractions: Put Down Your Phone

and Food.

Distracted driving, whether from mobile phones

or eating, seriously threatens road safety...

Texting while driving is twice as likely to cause

a crash as driving under the influence of alcohol

due to impaired reaction times. Driving and

using a phone involve multitasking, which our

brains are not designed to manage efficiently.

Consider using ‘driving mode’ or placing your

phone in the dash to mitigate distractions.

While there is no specific law against eating and

driving, avoiding any activity that compromises

your control of the vehicle is crucial.

3. Reckless Driving Causes Wrecks

Responsible driving is not just about managing

speed but also entails considerate behaviour

towards other road users. Abrupt lane changes

and tailgating can lead to collisions. Following

the two-second rule, maintaining a safe distance

behind the vehicle in front is essential for

adequate thinking and stopping distances.


4. Look Out for All Road Users.

Being aware of your surroundings

is vital for preventing accidents.

Scan the road for vehicles,

motorbikes, and bicycles, and

use your mirrors regularly.

Approximately 71% of reported

fatal crashes involved drivers who

were reckless or negligent. Even

exiting your vehicle demands

caution; the Dutch Reach

technique, opening the door with

the hand furthest from it, ensures

you check for oncoming traffic,

enhancing safety for cyclists and

other road users.

DRIVE ZIMBABWE

5. Drowsy Driving is Dangerous.

Fatigue contributes to many accidents, with

studies suggesting it plays a role in up to 20% of

crashes. Recognising the signs of tiredness and

taking necessary precautions, such as avoiding

driving when exhausted or during typical sleep

hours, is crucial. Staying vigilant about your

energy levels and being willing to pull over and

rest, when necessary, can prevent accidents

caused by drowsy driving.

6. Don’t Drive Under the Influence.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

severely impairs judgment and reaction times,

endangering both yourself and others on the

road. The simple mantra, “If you’re driving,

don’t drink; if you’re drinking, don’t drive,”

encapsulates the responsible approach needed

to avoid accidents caused by impaired driving.

Which breakdown cover do I need?

Though roadside assistance is provided by

many different companies, their products are

fundamentally the same. That is to say, if your

vehicle breaks down, you can call your provider

for assistance and, if necessary, they’ll dispatch

a roadside contractor or tow truck to help you.

So how can one roadside assistance provider

be distinguished from another?

For some consumers, the choice of provider boils

down to factors such as cost and rescue-vehiclefleet

size (which they may surmise translates to

shorter waiting times).

However, not all towing companies are created

equal. Some might offer cheap rates but

compromise on quality, safety, or reliability.

Others might charge you hidden fees, keep

you waiting for hours, or damage your vehicle

during the towing process. What sets a top-tier

24/7 towing company apart is a customer-centric

approach, where your needs and concerns

are the priority. Drive Zimbabwe Roadside

Assistance goes the extra mile to ensure clear

communication, transparent pricing, and prompt

service, significantly reducing the stress of a

vehicle breakdown. We understand the urgency

of your situation. That’s why we prioritize prompt

response times to get you back on track.

Our skilled technicians are equipped with stateof-the-art

tools to handle any vehicle recovery

scenario. From flatbed towing to winching, we

have the solutions you need.

Contact us now and experience the

reliability and expertise of our Roadside

Assistance Towing and Recovery

Services.

0780 579 261/ 0718 084 297/ 0736 523

424 Office+2638677160725

Email:info@drivezim.co.zw now and get

towing services at unbeatable prices

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 21


THE PARAGON HUB

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 22

THE STORY OF FAMS ZIMBABWE

FAMS Zimbabwe story is rooted in the history of two major

international forwarders – UTI and DSV.

UTI started in Zimbabwe back in the 1970’s and became a

household name in the country. UTI continued through to

2016 when UTI’s global business was bought by DSV – a

large Danish international logistics company.

In 2019, when DSV decided to restructure its Africa business,

the Zimbabwe operation was bought out by FAMS Group

whose partners have a long history working across Angola,

Mauritius and other southern Africa countries.

SERVICES

FAMS Zimbabwe now has offices and warehouses in both

Harare and Bulawayo as well as at all the main Zimbabwe

border posts. It provides both air, road, rail and sea transport

to and from all global origins thanks to its agency

agreements with DSV.

Besides doing international forwarding, the company also

operates bonded warehouses and a full service of customs

clearance, warehouse management and last mile domestic

distribution.

COMPANY POLICY

The company has focused on local experience. All of its staff

are experienced Zimbabwean logistics specialists with many

of them having been with the company for more than 20

years. Experience in Mining, Energy, Healthcare and the

Automotive sector mean that the company knows how to

meet local needs as well as providing global logistics

solutions.

FAMS also focuses on ensuring that it uses the latest

technology in cargo management platforms (its Cargowise

© system is a global leader used by many of the biggest

logistics companies worldwide)

FAMS also maintains global standards in Health Safety and

Security, as well as complying with all global standards of

anti-bribery and corruption.

Care of the environment has also resulted in the company

taking its offices off grid through investment in solar power,

electric forklifts and progressively renewing its transport fleet

with more fuel-efficient vehicles.

WHAT CLIENTS AND STAFF EXPECT FROM FAMS

The experience of its staff and FAMS ability to handle high

volumes of shipments mean that reporting to clients is

tailored to client needs and staff understand the products of

its clients and the need for transparent reporting of when,

where and how shipments will be delivered to their end

destinations.

Difficult economic times have mean that staff working

conditions and support for their needs are kept constantly

under review.

“Our staff are the lifeblood of our business and our

relationships with our customers are critical to their

success, so we have regular performance reviews to assess

future needs, as well as past operational performance

“says Peter Kazingizi, Managing Director of FAMS

Zimbabwe.

FAMS MISSION STATEMENT

To provide high quality and tailored international &

domestic supply chain services to southern Africa entities,

adding value to and effectively communicating with our

customers, delivered by a motivated & dedicated team,

embracing “zero tolerance” compliance and high HSE

standards, and to be recognised as a leading logistics

provider in Southern Africa.

FAMS FUTURE IN ZIMBABWE

FAMS plans to continue to invest to consolidate its

position as one of the leading logistics providers in the

country. Continuous improvement through capital

investment, improving services levels, investing in digital

technology and staff training are all part of the FAMS

Philosophy. FAMS is proud of the company’s long history

in Zimbabwe. The future success and growth of the

company can draw on its experience and as well as its

aspirations to be part of what keeps Zimbabwe moving

forward.

FAMS GROUP VALUES

• Customers first

• Respect our employees

• Best performance

• Be a trusted partner

• True collaboration

• HSE and CSR part of our DNA

• Use sustainable solutions

• Simple, efficient, cost effective and

compliant freight logistics solutions


THE PARAGON HUB

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 23


LOCAL ARTIST’S

MICHAEL

ANTHONY

LEES

Artist Statemement

Art runs through my veins, a gift passed down

through generations of talented individuals in my

family. From an early age, my father recognized

my artistic abilities and did everything in his

power to nurture them. Despite his unwavering

belief in me, I have always struggled to

see the same potential within myself.

Growing up in the breathtaking landscapes of

Zimbabwe, I am constantly surrounded by beauty

that serves as an endless well of inspiration. The

vibrant colors, rich culture, and diverse wildlife

of my homeland fuel my creativity, driving me to

pick up my pencil and sketch the world around

me. The act of drawing only strengthens my

connection to this remarkable place, igniting a

passion within me that grows with each stroke.

As an aspiring artist, I am grateful for the

opportunity to share my work in The Paragon

Magazine. I hope that through my modest

efforts, I can bring a sense of joy and inspiration

to those who view my art. The world is in need

of artists now more than ever, and I am humbled

to play a small part in adding beauty to our lives.

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 24

I urge every young artist to embrace their talents

and create with all their heart. The act of creation

is a powerful force that can bring light and hope

to a world in need. Thank you to the publishers

for giving me this platform to showcase my work,

and I hope that my art resonates with someone

out there, sparking a sense of wonder and delight.


TINASHE

ESTERY

KAMBEU

Artist Statemement

My name is Tinashe Estery Kambeu, and I am

a multidisciplinary artist. I started art at a very

young age, and my sister, Gally Kambeu, was

the one who got me interested in art. I was the

annoying little sister that copied everything from

her, and art was what stuck with me.

Currently, I am working with another local artist,

Marko Kalanzi. We have a series of works we are

collaborating on where we fuse our different styles

into one painting or artwork, and some of that work

can be viewed on the Instagram and Facebook

page @EverythangEverywhere.

I was very fortunate enough to go to a high

school that had art as part of its curriculum, so I

got a chance to explore my talent a little more.

My artistic journey really started later on when I

enrolled at the Peter Birch School of Art, where I

did my A-level art, and then later on got to perfect

my skills when I trained at the National Gallery

of Zimbabwe Visual Art Studios. I also have a

diploma in graphic design from the Business

Computing Examination of London, a certificate

in multimedia from NIIT, and a certificate in frontend

web development from Muzinda Hub in

conjunction with Treehouse.

I define myself as a multidisciplinary artist, and that

just means I work with different media. I paint on

multiple surfaces, whether it be canvas, bottles,

or stones, just to name a few. I do abstract, semirealism,

embroidery, craft work, murals, mixed

media art, woodwork, photography, and graphics.

I have so many interests, and embracing all my

interests has enriched every area of my artistic

abilities. I thrive on being fluid in my creativity.

I don’t like to limit myself, and this is evident in

my work, hence the name of my Instagram page,

Everythang_Everywhere. I draw my inspiration

from everything and everyone around me, as well

as other artists I see.

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 25


PUBLISHER’S FEATURE

Dakar journey 2024

with Ashley Thixton

What was your day to day life like in terms of

training and preperation for the Dakar?

Training all changed for me when the Dakar journey

began. I started training really early in the mornings.

Wake up each day is 4;15 to be at the gym 4:45 to

start training. Dakar is know for its really really early

morning starts so I firstly had to start training my

body to be awake in those early morning situations.

It started with a lot of Strength training to get the

body strong. A lot of band work out with a lot of low

intensity long sessions of Zone 2/3 training. Then it

progressed into a lot of cardio with a requirement

of a minimum of 1 hour additional a day on top of

your everyday workouts. That was all (off the bike

training). I’d normally train 14 days solid then 2 days

off. The (on the bike training) was super long hours,

simulating stages of 10 to 11 hours of riding at a

time. Although I wish I had done more time on the

bike, day to day duties and work commitment sadly

got in the way of more bike rides. But I rode at every

opportunity I got.

What was the highlight of the trip and what was

something that surprised you the most about it all?

The highlight of the trip would defiantly be riding up

that finish line and being handed that Dakar medal,

the feeling I got as I went on the stage was like

nothing I have ever felt in my life. I honestly struggle

to put the feeling into words. But there were some

small moments daily that I really enjoyed, things

like hitting the correct notes in good time, and also

seeing others getting lost and sticking to your guns,

passing riders going in circles. That’s one part that

felt really good. There are more, like coming into the

Bivouac (Pits) daily, knowing you have one less day

ahead and you are one more step closer to achieving

your dream.

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 26

How would you describe the food, and what did

you eat?

Food was great if I am honest. There was a really

wide variety of food every meal. From chicken,

fish and beef every meall, a starch of potatoes or

croissants and obviously the veg was really good

each day. There was an unlimited amount of water

you could take, and all the cokes and fizzie drinks

available. I didn’t really have too many of these at

meals, only as soon as I got off the bike each day.

With you burning so many calories each day I pilled

my food on my plate.

There was a 24hr pasta station which I made use of

often and it was always fresh and hot.

I also had a lot of snacks Back at the HT rally Rig,

there was unlimited amount of pringles which I

realized that I really like. The team was great and

as I would come off the bike each day, I would have

noodles and anything in front of me would go down

the hatch. I ate a lot, lets put it that way.

How many calories did you burn during the day?

I wear a Whoop strap all the time and I believe that it

is accurate with the calorie count. I did not take it off

for the whole trip. I burnt a total of 121540 Calories

over the 15 Days of riding. That’s an average of 8105

per day. I lost a total of 10kgs over the 20 days I was

in the Dakar Scene.


PUBLISHER’S FEATURE

What was the team you were with and how did they help you everyday?

HT Rally Raid Husqvarna was the name of the team I was with. I really enjoyed the team and it only took a

matter of minutes to feel right at home with the them. As I got back they would be waiting for me to take

the bike. I would have a small debrief with them and discuss the days stage, and if there were any issues

with the bike they would attend to it. Each day the bike would get a clean, new oil and filters, new tyres, as

a standard. If anything was broken it was also replaced.

How did you manage to eat and get enough nutrition everyday while you were moving the whole time?

My eating and nutrition was on point, and I had done a lot of testing of different things to find out what

worked for me. The important thing for eating was to get a good breakfast in. The night before I had to really

carbo load which helped my body for the next day, but normaly I would wake up around 4am. First thing I

would do is make a BIG bowl of oats with a few pieces of fruit and some peanut butter, that was my base

for the day. I would also have a carbohydrate drink that would allow for more slow released energy. With

that I would then have my electrolytes and my hydrate solution. I carried with me a goodies bag which had

5x fast bars (amazing bars) 1x, (I call it baby food) as its like a fruit puree, 2x energy gels, a protein pack and

anti-cramp. We normally had a long liaison before the actual start of the race. Once I got to the end of the

Liaison and just before my roadbook area and start, I would have a bar to keep me running. Then roughly

every 250kms we had a naturalization zone where we would refuel the bike, here we had a 20 minute rest to

refill our water packs and this is where I would have the remainder of my 4 bars. That would fill me up and

keep my energy going. I also had energy Gu that was on stand by for if I lost energy and needed a pick me

up, which I defiantly had to use on a number of occasions. After the stage there was a food station that was

provided by the ASO that all the bikers could stop in at, it had a variation of things including burgers and

chips, chicken curry and as always, pasta. Together with this I would have my protein right after the end of

the stage that would allow my body to start recovering while I was on my Liaison back to the Bivioac.

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 27


PUBLISHER’S FEATURE

A brief insight of my stages and positioning:

Prologue P105

Stage 1 - 46th 514km sp414

Lots of dust overtaking so many people.

Horrible rocks

Small crash

Stage 2 - 50th 655km SP 463

I crashed really hard. Biggest one of the rally.

Broke rally vest.

Broke clutch pedestal.

Road book switch stopped working.

1st time meeting cars.

1st time in thick dunes, these beat me up.

Stage 3 - 37th

start of marathon 733km sp 433

Day I felt the slowest but was super consistent.

Really got the hang of the road book.

Stage 4 - 36th 631km sp 299

Huge dunes very fast.

Lots of dust from cars.

Stage 5 - 30th 645km sp 118

Stage 6 - 38th 48h Crono

Stage 7 - 32th 873km sp483km

Behind leading quads.

Sooo much dust from quads and then cars.

Stage 8 - 32nd 678 km sp458km

Stage 9 - 46th 639kms sp 417km

Mechanical

Freezing cold.

Stage was amazing, fast same tracks. Big dunes to

climb

Stage 10 - 33rd 612km 371 sp

Dare award.

Big crash hit a rock in shade.

Went to the medical tent.

Rode really well that day.

Stage 11 - 34th

Rocks rocks rocks.

Stage 12 - 27th

Overall - 32nd

20th in my Class

4th Rookie

Interesting facts

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 28

I burnt at total of 121,540 calories,

an average of 8105 calories per day.

I lost a total of over 10kgs in body

mass.

I spent 123hrs on the bike - 8.2 hours

a day average for 15 Days.

Biggest Question asked:

Would I do it again.

Heck YES…….. Where do I sign??


PUBLISHER’S FEATURE

2024

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 29


BUSINESS

Leading with Influence

in Business

In today’s interconnected and distracted world,

all of us are seeking motivation, guidance,

reassurance and a promise of a brighter future.

If you choose to lead, you choose to take on

the responsibility of positively influencing those

around you.

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 30

Leadership is a choice; it is not a title. When you

choose to be a leader, you effectively choose

to take responsibility for the results in your

businesses and in your life, and you also choose

to take responsibility for the well-being and the

success of the people around you.

5 Key Tips to Lead Effectively

1. Lead Yourself First:

Before you are able to lead others effectively, you

need to be clear on who you are, what you believe

and what you want.

When you have clarity as a leader, you then can

engage and interact with the world around you in an

authentic way, and with integrity. You will do things

the same way day after day which makes you reliable

and predictable and enables the people around you

to trust you.

2. Multiply Energy:

You will quickly realise that the only way to achieve

what you want in life is by being able to positively

multiply the energy of the people around you.

You can only truly influence someone who believes

in you and who is “intrinsically motivated” to do

things. They do things because they want to, not

because they have to. When people are intrinsically

motivated, motivated from within, they are creative,

they are excited, they innovate, they are enthusiastic,

and they don’t get tired.

The opposite of this is “extrinsic motivation”.

This is when people do things because of fear or

because of outside pressure. Any pressure you force

onto people to perform, whether it be your team

members, your spouse or your children, will result

in their performance being short lived. People who

are pressurised to perform generally have a level

of resentment, which means they will do as little as

required to get by, unnoticed.

3. Understand People:

Everyone is different. We therefore need to invest

time into understanding the people around us. We

must understand the fears and motivations of people

in our teams and in our families. This will enable

us to become better equipped to interact in a more

abundant way. You must learn what excites people,

and what scares them, what makes them productive

and what makes them hide. We must develop our

own character and awareness so that we interact

positively with the different people around.

4. Clarity, Direction and Alignment:

Whenever there is confusion or frustration in teams,

this results in blame, excuses and under-performance,

the opposite of what is required to achieve success.

Work with your team to create clarity. Ensure they

understand what is expected of them, what they are

responsible for delivering, how their performance is

measured and how they will be rewarded.

We must then set a clear direction. It is important

to share what the future looks like for the business,

so that people understand the direction that the

business is going in and they can buy-in and commit

to travelling the journey with you. This also guides

them on what to focus on and what not to do.

We must then get alignment, get everyone on the

same page. Understand what the people around

you want, and make sure they know what you, as the

leader, wants. Your job then becomes to align the

objectives of the business with the objectives of the

individuals in your team and show them their path to

success.


BUSINESS

5. Be Yourself:

To truly influence others, you need to be authentic. People follow leaders that they know, like and trust.

Just be you! Show that you care, understand, and appreciate the people around you. When you’re genuine,

people feel more comfortable around you.

Positively influencing others…

Here are a few activities you can do to positively influence and support those around you:

1. Have regular informal one-on-one meetings. Get to know people personally, ask them how they are, ask

them what they want out of life.

2. Offer people help. Ask them…”How are you?, How can I help?”

3. Listen without judgement. Allow people the chance to talk and share their enthusiasm, their fears, their

frustrations with you and listen with an open mind.

4. Say “thank you” and “well done”. What gets recognised, gets improved. People deeply appreciate a

kind word or a gentle recognition of their efforts. Send out appreciation messages by WhatsApp or email.

“Being a leader who influences

others means understanding

yourself, understanding your

team, making things clear

and getting everyone onto the

same page. Keep it simple, be

kind, and watch your influence

grow!”

Sally Palmer, is a High Performance

Trainer and Coach, with a passion

for igniting people through teaching

skills that enable them to ignite their

lives and their businesses.

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 31


LIFESTYLE

Comprehensive Footwear Recommendations

for Men and Women: From Everyday Wear to

Workouts and Running

By Dina Gohil

FOOTWEAR

Choosing the right footwear is crucial for maintaining foot health, enhancing comfort, and optimizing performance

in various activities. Whether you’re navigating daily life, working, exercising, or running, selecting appropriate shoes

tailored to your needs is essential. This article provides comprehensive recommendations for men and women across

different categories of footwear, including everyday wear, work, workouts, and running. We’ll delve into factors such

as materials, toe box space, cushioning, width, and ensuring proper shoe sizing to promote optimal foot health and

functionality.

1. Everyday Wear:

For everyday activities, comfort and versatility are key

considerations when selecting footwear. Here are some

recommendations:

2. Work:

Footwear for work should prioritize both comfort

and professional appearance. Consider the following

recommendations:

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 32

Materials: Opt for breathable materials like leather,

mesh, or canvas to promote airflow and prevent moisture

buildup.

Deep Toe Box Space: Look for shoes with ample toe box

space to allow natural toe splay and minimize pressure on

the toes.

Cushioning: Choose shoes with moderate cushioning

to provide adequate support and shock absorption for

prolonged wear.

Width: Select shoes available in various width options

to accommodate different foot shapes and prevent

discomfort or constriction.

Sizing: Ensure proper shoe sizing by measuring both foot

length and width, and try shoes on in the afternoon when

feet tend to be slightly larger.

Materials: Depending on the dress code, leather or

synthetic materials with moisture-wicking properties are

suitable for work shoes.

Deep Toe Box Space: Opt for work shoes with a roomy

toe box to accommodate foot movement and prevent

discomfort, especially during long periods of standing or

walking.

Cushioning: Look for work shoes with adequate cushioning

in the insole and midsole to provide support and alleviate

pressure on the feet.

Width: Choose work shoes available in wide or extrawide

widths to accommodate foot swelling and ensure a

comfortable fit throughout the workday.

Sizing: Ensure proper shoe sizing by considering both

length and width measurements, and prioritize comfort

and functionality over style alone.


3. Workouts:

Footwear for workouts should offer stability, support,

and flexibility to accommodate various movements and

activities. Here are some recommendations:

LIFESTYLE

Materials: Opt for breathable, lightweight materials with

added durability and support for intense workouts.

Deep Toe Box Space: Choose workout shoes with a

wide and deep toe box to allow for natural toe splay and

prevent discomfort or irritation.

Cushioning: Look for workout shoes with ample cushioning

in the heel and forefoot to absorb impact and provide

shock absorption during high-impact activities.

Width: Select workout shoes available in wide or narrow

widths, depending on your foot shape and preferences, to

ensure a snug yet comfortable fit.

Sizing: Ensure proper shoe sizing by trying shoes on with

athletic socks and allowing space for the toes to move

freely without feeling cramped or restricted.

4. Running:

Running shoes should offer optimal support, cushioning,

and stability to minimize the risk of injuries and enhance

performance. Consider the following recommendations:

Materials: Choose lightweight, breathable materials

with moisture-wicking properties to keep feet dry and

comfortable during runs.

Deep Toe Box Space: Select running shoes with a spacious

toe box to accommodate natural foot movement and

prevent issues like bunions or hammertoes.

Cushioning: Look for running shoes with ample cushioning

in the heel and forefoot to provide shock absorption and

energy return with each stride.

Width: Opt for running shoes available in various widths

to accommodate different foot shapes and sizes, ensuring

a snug yet comfortable fit.

Sizing: Ensure proper shoe sizing by getting your feet

measured regularly and trying on shoes with running

socks to allow for slight expansion during runs.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right footwear for everyday wear, work, workouts, and running is essential for promoting foot health,

comfort, and performance. By considering factors such as materials, deep toe box space, cushioning, width, and

proper shoe sizing, individuals can select shoes that cater to their specific needs and preferences. Prioritizing comfort,

support, and functionality will not only enhance the overall wearing experience but also contribute to long-term foot

health and well-being.

Dina Gohil

CEO of DG Podiatrist

BSc (Hons), MRCPod, HCPC Reg.

DG Podiatrist Mayfair

61 South Molton Street,

Mayfair,

W1K 5SN

www.dgpodiatrist.com

DG Podiatrist Harare

35b Kingsmead Road,

Borrowdale,

Harare,

Zimbabwe

Youtube: The Foot Scraper

FB: facebook.com/dgpodiatrist

TW: twitter.com/dgpodiatrist

Instagram: dgpodiatrist

Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dgpodiatrist

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 33


JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 34

THE PARAGON HUB


THE PARAGON HUB

PADDINGTON SQUARE

Sam Levy’s Village

+263 77 214 3307, 86 77 006 177 EXT 237

jonathan@paragon.co.zw

NOW OPEN

paragon.co.zw

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 35

Arundel Village

+263 77 214 3307, 86 77 006 177 EXT 237

steve@paragon.co.zw


OUTDOOR

4

Trailblazers 2024

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 36

The trails have started

blazing again as we

kicked off our year with

the Troutbeck trail run

in February. We had

a successful signup,

participating alongside

Triathlon Zimbabwe,

exploring beautiful

mountains and Nyanga

scenery on a family

weekend away, being

with friends and making

memories.

As a community based group, we are

encouraging trail runners of all levels, to

get together and share the one love we all have,

and that is to be out in the countryside, taking

in the surroundings, soaking up the peaceful

environment, running with friends and making

new ones along the way too. As some say, with

the calorie intake that is encouraged, it can also

be called “picnics in the mountains”. What a

beautiful way to spend our weekends, escaping

the craziness of city life, exploring trails and

going on adventures.

Up next on our calendar we have some trails

planned out at Hippo Pools. This is a fantastic

weekend to attend if you are new to trail running

as the routes are clearly colour coded and marked

throughout the route to assist navigation. We

look forward to welcoming those who have

registered for this event. Please remember we

always encourage safety, nutrition, hydration

and good navigation skills for all our events.

For the first time in Zimbabwe, we bring to you

an exciting new event that is taking place on

the 6th April , called the “Backyard Ultra”. This

will be happening in the beautiful Gosho Park,

Marondera, amongst the beautiful wildlife and

msasa trees so we encourage you to join in on


this amazing challenge. You will be running a

6.7km loop, on the hour, every hour, for as many

laps you can do at your own capable pace, to

total up your mileage to create your own PB

(personal best) on distance in one single event.

So if the furthest you have ever run in an event

is 21km then you only need to complete 4 laps

and you have reached your new PB. Have you

thought about asking for sponsorship to fund

raise each lap completed, to contribute towards

our chosen cause?

We will be raising funds for The Peterhouse

Crown Foundation which provides scholarships

for less privileged children. To any current

Peterhouse staff members or Petreans out there

who are planning on competing – you have the

opportunity to compete for our “Crown Cup”

OUTDOOR

which will be awarded to the runner who can go

the furthest. There will be food available to buy,

as well as a cash bar, so come join us on this

family fun-filled day in the holidays and come

witness this inaugural event, and see who is the

last runner standing.

We had had an incredible response to our

membership signup for the year, thank you to all

those who have shown interest, and we continue

to encourage more to join us throughout the

year. We have some exciting events lined up

for you, in our calendar series. Lets explore our

countryside together, leaving nothing behind,

but our footprints.

Join us in our trail running

adventures where we believe

“the journey is our goal”

Instagram: @trailblazerszim

Facebook: Trail Blazers Zimbabwe

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 37


OUTDOOR

Experience the

MADNESS at the

Husqvarna MUD RUN

Get down and dirty at the annual Husqvarna Mud

Run, taking place on Saturday, 6 April 2024 at The 4x4

Club in Donnybrook. This family-friendly event is sure

to be a highlight of your year and the best part is, all

of the proceeds are donated to KidzCan Zimbabwe.

Every year, thousands of adrenaline seekers turn

up to tackle the course, which has been a staple

event for over a decade. Mud pits, rope swings, tyre

obstacles and slides are just some of the challenging

components along the course. But these won’t stop

your six-year-old from breezing through and having

a blast.

While Husqvarna is the title sponsor, over 60 other

local brands will attend the event and set up their

own sections of the course. Attendees can expect

loads of interaction, incredible food and drinks, a few

giveaways and some fantastic surprises throughout

the day.

In 2023, the Husqvarna Mud Run raised over $55

000 for KidzCan Zimbabwe, which provides critical

resources and medical treatments to children living

with cancer. The event has directly impacted the lives

of many Zimbabwean children and their families.

However, the Husqvarna Mud Run is more than just

a fundraiser. It’s an experience that pulls people

together, instilling a sense of belonging, camaraderie,

and support. Participants and onlookers alike share

in the excitement, cheering each other on as they

conquer difficulties and push themselves throughout

the course.

Despite this, participants never tackle the challenges

alone. The event is all about collaboration, with

everyone receiving the support they require to push

through and finish strong. The Husqvarna Mud Run

is an opportunity to give back to the community,

support a good cause, and have fun while doing so.

The event is a celebration of Zimbabweans’

perseverance and compassion, symbolising the spirit

of unity that brings us all together. It’s an adventure

that will challenge you, reward you, and help out

an amazing cause at the same time. Join us in

experiencing the madness of the Mud Run and see

for yourself why it’s a must-do event for every thrillseeker

in the country.

Tickets are just $10 per person, which include a free

t-shirt, a goodie bag and the experience of a lifetime.

Online registration can be done between Friday, 1

March and Friday, 15 March at Cuttingedge.co.zw/

mud-run.

Ticket payments can be made on weekdays at Cutting

Edge (159 Citroen Road, Msasa) or at KidzCan (111

East Road, Belgravia) and The Hub (170 The Chase,

Groombridge) on the following days:

Friday, 8 March (12pm to 3pm)

Saturday, 9 March (12pm to 3pm)

Friday, 15 March (12pm to 3pm)

Saturday, 16 March (12pm to 3pm)

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 38


saturday, 6 april 2024

The 4x4 Club, Donnybrook

8am to 1pm

$10 per person

All proceeds go to

Registration and payment details:

www.cuttingedge.co.zw/mud-run/


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U19 CRICKET WORLD CUP THAT HAD IT ALL

Marc Pozzo

After 23 days and 41 matches, it was Hugh Weibgen’s

Australia who got their hands on the coveted ICC U19

Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 trophy, beating five-time

champions India in the final in Benoni. Weibgen’s triumph

places him in esteemed company with Geoff Parker,

Cameron White, and Mitchell Marsh as captains who

guided Australia to U19 Men’s CWC titles. This triumph

marked the end of a 14-year U19 trophy drought for

Australia.

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 40

Weibgen not only led by example with the bat but was

praised for his tactical acumen during difficult moments in

the tournament, including the brave decision to pick four

seamers and bat first against India in the final in overcast

conditions. Australia posted a formidable total of 253/7

in 50 overs. Harjas Singh’s half-century, coupled with

significant contributions from Harry Dixon, Weibgen, and

Oliver Peake, played a pivotal role in Australia posting

the highest score in U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup final

history. In response, the Australian pacers dominated

the Indian batsmen, who had performed exceptionally

well throughout the tournament. The pressure of the

scoreboard eventually led to India falling short by 74

runs, securing Australia’s first victory over India in the

tournament since 1998. India’s woes in finals against

Australia continue, the senior side having previously lost

out to Australia in last year’s ICC World Test Championship

Final and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

A total of 16 teams were divided into four groups of

four, with three teams from each group progressing to

the new Super Six stage. India, Bangladesh and Ireland

progressed from Group A while South Africa, England

and West Indies moved forward from Group B. While

Australia, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe qualified from Group

C, it was Group D that witnessed a dramatic finale to the

group stages, as Nepal edged out Afghanistan in a lowscoring

thriller to join Pakistan and New Zealand in the

Super Six. The Super Six stage infused a renewed sense

of excitement and energy into the tournament, elevating

the stakes for the eagerly awaited semi-finals. England

ended their U19 Cricket World Cup campaign with an

emphatic 146-run victory over Zimbabwe, despite batter

Hamza Shaikh’s controversial dismissal when given out for

‘obstructing the field’. The incident occurred in the 17th

over of the Super Six clash in Potchefstroom when Shaikh

blocked a delivery from Ryan Simbi and the ball stopped

after hitting his foot. The right-hander then picked the

ball up to throw it back to wicketkeeper Ryan Kamwemba

as he approached from behind the stumps, prompting

Zimbabwe to appeal on the grounds Shaikh had done so

without seeking permission from the fielding team.

Law 37.4 of cricket states: “Either batter is out Obstructing

the field if, at any time while the ball is in play and, without

the consent of a fielder, he/she uses the bat or any part of

his/her person to return the ball to any fielder.”

The two on-field umpires consulted with each other

and sent the appeal for a review, with the third umpire

signalling Shaikh was out (for one off nine deliveries) after

viewing the replay, leaving England 78-3 after losing the

toss and having been made to bat first. This was a sad day

for Zimbabwe cricket and the spirit of the game in general.

The Zimbabwe Captain Matthew Schonken should have,

with consultation from the side lines consulted with his

team and called the batsmen back with just a warning. If

that’s how one wishes to get wickets, they are extremely

desperate or very nieve about the rules of the game and

way the sport is played . While the decision to give Shaikh

out was correct within cricket’s laws, there will no doubt be

debate around whether it was in the spirit of the game for

Zimbabwe to appeal in the first place. From that moment

on, my support of Zimbabwe U19’s dropped a notch or

three for the rest of the game after that debacle.

Shaikh’s dismissal is reminiscent of a near-identical

incident which occurred in the 2018 U19 World Cup, in a

match between the West Indies and South Africa, which

created a minor furore in the cricket world. In total, eight

players have been given out for obstructing the field in

the history of senior men’s one-day international cricket,

including current England Test captain Ben Stokes in a

match against Australia at Lord’s in 2015.

In Group 1, Bangladesh and Pakistan played out a

humdinger in a low-scoring affair. In the end, it was

Pakistan’s pacers who made the difference, defending 155

runs to take their side through to the semis.Group 2 saw

the vibrant West Indies crash out due to rain interruption

in their virtual knockout against eventual champions

Australia. Both teams needed a victory to progress, but

the match concluded with no result, leading to Australia

and West Indies sharing points.

Both semi-finals were closely contested matches that

went right down to the wire. For the first time in the


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tournament, the undefeated Indian team faced a stern test from the hosts South Africa. Despite a formidable effort

by the South African pacers, led by the exceptional Kwena Maphaka, India – reduced to 32 for four in a chase of 245

– managed to secure victory, with skipper Saharan and Sachin Dhas putting together a pivotal partnership. The second

semi-final witnessed Australia initially cruising in their pursuit of 180 before Pakistan’s talented pace attack made a

spirited comeback, with 15-year-old Ali Raza claiming four for 34. Australia still emerged victorious but by the slimmest

margin of a one-wicket victory in the last over. The win gave them valuable momentum to help them secure their fourth

U19 Men’s CWC title

The inaugural day of the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 provided a tantalising preview of the tournament’s emerging

talents. In the clash between South Africa and West Indies, Kwena Maphaka showcased his prowess by dismantling

the Windies batting lineup with figures of five for 38. However, his efforts were countered by the determined Jewel

Andrew, who nearly single-handedly guided his team to victory in a thrilling fightback. Entering the crease with the

scoreboard reading 52 for four while chasing 286, Andrew exhibited extraordinary poise, not only rescuing the team

from a precarious situation but also steering them within reach of victory. Mixing caution with aggression, Andrew

crafted a remarkable innings, tallying 130 runs off 96 deliveries, laced with 14 fours and three sixes.

Windies were 36 runs away from victory when Andrew fell, extinguishing West Indies’ hopes of securing a victory. South

Africa ultimately won by 31 runs. It wasn’t just the hosts’ bowling that shone in the tournament, with Steve Stolk leaving

an indelible mark with his batting prowess. Having succumbed to their first defeat of the tournament against England

in the previous game, South Africa bounced back with authority in their next, led by the fiery batting of Stolk.

Scotland put up a formidable total of 269 and the pressure was on South Africa. However, Stolk’s eye-catching strokeplay

eventually made light work of the chase. Scotland were blown away in the early exchange as Stolk created history by

smashing the fastest fifty in U19 Men’s CWC history off just 13 balls, surpassing Rishabh Pant’s record off 18 balls. The

onslaught didn’t halt there, as the opening batter neared a century before being adjudged LBW, falling just 14 runs

short of a memorable hundred. Stolk concluded his blistering innings having scored a remarkable 86 runs off 37 balls,

comprising 7 fours and 8 sixes, boasting a staggering strike rate of 232.43.

Both the semi-finals of the U19 Men’s CWC 2024 lived up to their billing, going right down to the wire as all four teams

fought for their chance at glory. In the first semi-final, India won the toss and opted to field first for the first time. Prior to

the semis, India had steamrolled all their opponents, with four of the five victories coming by a margin of over 100 runs.

Batting first, Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Richard Seletswane scored fifties and laid the foundation for a final flourish from

Juan James and Tristan Luus, setting India a challenging target of 245. Kwena Maphaka and Luus wreaked havoc with

an outstanding exhibition of pace and swing bowling. At 32for four, India were staring at defeat when Uday Saharan

and Sachin Dhas bailed them out of trouble with a 171-run partnership.

India were cruising to victory with the two at the crease when Maphaka struck twice in his final spell, including the

wicket of Dhas on 96 to bring South Africa back into the contest. Despite the setback, Saharan remained resolute at the

other end and nearly guided India across the finish line. Unfortunately, he was run out in the penultimate over, but Raj

Limbani stepped up, scoring the winning runs and securing India’s place in the final with two wickets and seven balls

to spare. The second semi-final clash between Australia and Pakistan produced perhaps the most blockbuster finish in

the tournament.

Tom Straker wreaked havoc on the Pakistan batting line-up, reducing them to 79 for five before Azan Awais and Arafat

Minhas anchored Pakistan’s innings with solid half-centuries to rescue them from a dire situation to 179. What looked

like a routine chase for Australia with a 33-run opening stand took a dramatic turn when Ali Raza bowled an inspired

spell to turn the game on its head.

At 102 for five, the partnership of Oliver Peake and Tom Campbell took the team closer to victory before another

collapse meant Australia fell to 164 for nine, still needing 16 runs. In a heart-pounding climax, an inside edge from Raf

MacMillan’s bat found its way to the boundary, eluding the desperate dive of Ubaid Shah as Australia sealed victory

with just a wicket and five balls remaining.

Zimbabwe’s U19 World Cup Campaign

Results

Lost to Sri Lanka by 39 runs ( DLS Method)

Lost to Australia by 225 runs

Won against Namibia by 8 wickets

Lost to South Africa by 9 wickets

Lost to England by 146 runs

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 41


JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 42

SPORT

AFCON 2023

Round Up “Billed as

the Best Ever“

By Marc Pozzo

Many are calling it the best-ever Africa Cup of

Nations. The 34th edition of the biennial soccer

tournament served up more goals, plenty of late

drama, and surprising twists and turns as underdogs

had their day. It finished with a happy ending for host

nation Ivory Coast after its remarkable path to the

final, including near-elimination in the group stage.

The Elephants defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the final on

Sunday 11th February in the 60,000-capacity Alassane

Ouattara Stadium to set off unbridled celebrations

across the country. It affirmed locals’ belief that God

was helping the team according to various reports

doing the rounds .

Few could have imagined Ivory Coast reaching

the final after a humiliating 4-0 loss to Equatorial

Guinea left it on the brink of elimination. But highly

unlikely results in other groups favored the home

team. Ghana’s late collapse, conceding two goals in

injury time to Mozambique , and a subsequent win for

Morocco over Zambia meant Ivory Coast squeezed

into the knockout round.

It prompted the Ivorian soccer federation, which

had already fired its coach, to look for another, but

it failed to “borrow” the France woman’s team’s

coach for the rest of the tournament. Ivory Coast’s

interim coach Emerse Faé did not allow the clear lack

of confidence from his federation affect him as he

quietly prepared the team for the knockout round.

And so the country’s scarcely believable run began.

Nigeria’s progress was much more straightforward

as Super Eagles coach José Peseiro banked on

defense for success. Nigeria did not concede a goal

in four games straight after an opening 1-1 draw with

Equatorial Guinea, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali

was the hero with two saves in the penalty shootout

win over South Africa in the semifinal.

Nigeria star Victor Osimhen, the African player of the

year, only scored one goal. The Napoli forward was

unlucky to have three ruled out over the tournament,

and his inspirational performances helped his team

to the final.

Equatorial Guinea forward Emilio Nsue finished the

tournament as top-scorer with five goals. Nsue is

a 34-year-old right back for a third-division team in

Spain. It wasn’t the only surprise. There was more to

come elsewhere.

Seven-time champion Egypt flopped as it failed

to win a game despite sacrificing a cow. They lost

Mohamed Salah in the first half of the draw with Ghana

with muscle injury. While there was hope he would

return to the competition, it never materialized and

he returned to his club Liverpool for rehabilitation

and never returned with his dream of landing Afcon

delayed yet again .

Defending champion Senegal was knocked out by

Ivory Coast in the round of 16. Five-time winner

Cameroon, four-time champion Ghana, and former

winners Algeria and Tunisia were all been knocked

out before the quarterfinal stage, which had a freshlooking

lineup compared to the last edition.


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None of the eight quarterfinalists from the previous Africa Cup in Cameroon Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Senegal,

Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Cameroon, Egypt and Morocco made it to the last eight this time. Congo made

to the semifinals despite only winning one game in regular time. The Congolese players drew attention to

the humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo with a gesture before their semifinal against Ivory Coast.

South Africa also made it to the final four by upsetting World Cup semifinalist Morocco on the way. Bafana

Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams followed up with four penalty saves in a shootout win over Cape Verde

in the quarterfinals.

The tournament was tough on the men in charge. Egypt coach Rui Vitória, Ivory Coast coach Jean-Louis

Gasset and Ghana coach Chris Hughton were all fired. The Tanzania coach was suspended after one game,

the Gambia coach resigned, the Senegal coach was hospitalized, the Tunisia coach’s contract ended, and

Burkina Faso has a coaching vacancy.

The futures of Cameroon coach Rigobert Song and Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi remain uncertain.

Algerian Football Federation president Wali Sadi said he agreed to end Belmadi’s contract, but Belmadi was

reportedly unhappy with that announcement and is yet to finalize his departure. Samuel Eto’o, president of

the Cameroon Football Federation, offered his resignation if other members followed suit. They declined.

The tournament is usually held every two years. However, Covid 19 postponements and bad weather

conditions have disrupted the standard scheduling.That means that the event is now scheduled to be held

for two years in a row, in 2024 and 2025. But with plans for an expanded 32-team Club World Cup, for which

two African teams have already qualified . The exact dates for AFCON 2025 have been thrown into question.

The 2025 AFCON tournament will be hosted by Morocco, but ‘its exact dates are yet to be confirmed.

UNDERDOGS

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 43


TRAVEL

Looking for an exiciting

adventure? Look no further

than Zimbabwe!

"Hop on over to Matobo National

Park and feel the spiritual vibes of

its ancient rock art sites.

Explore Bulawayo’s colonial charm

and uncover the secrets of the

Rozwi Empire at Naletale Ruins.

In Harare, stroll through picturesque

streets and visit the National

Botanic Gardens for a blooming

good time."

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 44


TRAVEL

Venture into the Eastern Highlands for a highland getaway reminiscent of

Scotland, complete with coffee shops, mountain trails, and the thrill of the

world’s highest zipline.

Discover the ancient wonders of Great Zimbabwe, where stone structures

tell tales of a bygone era.

And don’t miss Gonarezhou National Park, home to majestic tuskers and a

diverse range of wildlife.

This year, let Zimbabwe be your playground for adventure, history, and

natural beauty. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and hop on a plane to

explore this amazing country!

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 45


THE PARAGON HUB

Mana Pools

National Park

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 46


THE PARAGON HUB

Travelling to Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe is a journey that

transports you into the heart of Africa’s untamed wilderness, where the

beauty of the natural world unfolds before your eyes in breathtaking

ways. Located in the far north of Zimbabwe along the Zambezi River, this

UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit destination for any safari enthusiast

looking to experience the magic of the African bush. Highly recommended for

4x4 enthusiast.

Kyle Jira

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 47


THE PARAGON HUB

As you embark on your adventure to Mana Pools,

you are greeted by a landscape that is both aweinspiring

and humbling. The park’s dramatic

landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for the

incredible wildlife encounters that await you. Walking

safaris in Mana Pools offer a unique opportunity

to immerse yourself in nature and witness animals

such as elephants, lions, and zebras in their natural

habitat. The experienced guides lead you through

the bush, sharing their knowledge and expertise,

creating unforgettable memories that will stay with

you long after you leave.

In Mana Pools, you’ll find an abundance of impala,

eland, elephant, zebra, buffalo, waterbuck, and kudu

– a rich source of food for the lions, leopards, wild

dogs, hyenas, and other predators and scavengers

that call this extraordinary place home.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience,

Mana Pools offers canoeing safaris that allow you

to explore the park from a different perspective.

Paddling down the Zambezi River, you glide past

hippos and crocodiles, all while enjoying superb

game viewing opportunities along the riverbanks.

This intimate connection with nature and the sense

of tranquility that comes with it make canoeing

safaris in Mana Pools a truly special experience.The

accommodation options in Mana Pools cater to a range of

preferences, ensuring that every traveler finds their perfect

retreat in the wild. From National Parks camp sites for those

seeking a more rustic experience to luxurious lodges and

tented camps for those looking for comfort, each choice

offers its own unique safari experience. Falling asleep to

the sounds of the bush or enjoying gourmet meals under

the stars, the accommodations in Mana Pools enhance

your overall safari experience.

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 48

While exploring Mana Pools, birdwatchers are in for a

treat with over 350 recorded bird species to spot in the

diverse habitats of the park. From colorful resident birds

to migratory species passing through, there is always

something new and exciting to see in the skies above. The

park’s impressive trees and picturesque landscapes provide

the perfect backdrop for birdwatching enthusiasts to

indulge in their passion and capture stunning photographs.

No matter what time of year you visit Mana Pools, you

are sure to be captivated by the abundance of wildlife,

the beauty of the landscapes, and the sense of peace that

permeates this wild wilderness. Each season brings its own

unique experiences, from lush greenery in the rainy season


THE PARAGON HUB

to dry landscapes teeming with wildlife in the dry season. Every visit to Mana Pools promises something

different and unforgettable, making it a destination that beckons travelers back time and time again.

As you plan your safari trip to Africa, consider including other travel destinations in Zimbabwe to

complement your experience at Mana Pools. From the majestic Victoria Falls to the ancient ruins of

Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe offers a wealth of diverse attractions for travelers to explore. Immerse

yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Matobo National Park or embark on a thrilling adventure in

Hwange National Park, home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations.

In conclusion, travelling to Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe is an enriching journey that allows

you to connect with nature, witness incredible wildlife sightings, and create memories that will last a

lifetime. This gem of Africa beckons travelers with its untamed beauty and sense of adventure, offering

an unforgettable safari experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Explore Mana Pools and

discover the magic of Zimbabwe’s wild wilderness, where every moment is an opportunity for discovery

and wonder.

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 49


THE PARAGON HUB

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 50

The Black-winged Stilt is a widely distributed very long-legged wader in the avocet and stilt

family.

Adults are 35 cm long. They have long pink legs, a long thin black bill and are blackish above and

white below, with a white head and neck with a varying amount of black. Males have a black back,

often with greenish gloss. Females’ backs have a brown hue, contrasting with the black remiges.

In the populations that have the top of the head normally white at least in winter, females tend to

have less black on head and neck all year round, while males often have much black, particularly in

summer. This difference is not clear-cut, however, and males usually get all-white heads in winter.

Kyle Jira


THE PARAGON HUB

The African wild dog is known as the painted dog or Cape hunting dog, is a wild canine native

to sub-Saharan Africa.

It one of the world’s most endangered animals. In Mana Pools National Park in the north of

Zimbabwe, there are only approximately 20 dogs left. This is the lowest number in the park in

10 years. African wild dogs live and die for their family—literally. Though the bigger the clan the

more efficient the hunt, non-breeding adults sacrifice their own nourishment to ensure the pups

in the group get enough to eat and grow. Subsequently these altruistic elders tend to gradually

become malnourished and die younger than their peers in packs with fewer offspring.

African wild dogs work together in packs of 6 to 20 or more to hunt antelopes and even larger

prey such as wildebeests. These highly social beasts communicate with each other by touch,

actions, and vocalizations—before a hunt, you can see them playfully circling each other and

seeming to psych each other up for the endeavor. They’re also one of the few mammals that care

for the old, sick, and disabled members of the pack.

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 51

Kyle Jira


INTERVIEW

with Maria Economou

BSc Pastry and Chocolate Arts

Are you a budding entrepreneur with a fiery passion for food? Dive into the world

of culinary arts and watch your dreams sizzle to life! If you crave adventure, love

exploring diverse cultures and cuisines, and can tell a moelleux from a fondant,

then Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland is your ultimate destination!

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 52

Immerse yourself in our cutting-edge campuses located in the heart of Lucerne’s

historic center and the picturesque shores of Le Bouveret. With top-notch kitchens

and exclusive partnerships with industry leaders, your journey with us promises

to be a delectable experience like no other. Don’t miss out on this tantalizing

opportunity to turn your culinary dreams into reality!


1.What inspired you to pursue pastry arts and chocolate?

Since childhood, I’ve been passionate about pastry and

chocolate arts, finding joy in crafting treats. With an art

background, pastry is another medium for me. The precision

and creativity in this field fascinate me. Watching “Cake Boss”

fuelled my dream of creating desserts. Pastry isn’t just a career;

it’s my lifelong pursuit of happiness through sharing creations.

2.Can you share a challenging pastry technique you’ve mastered

recently?

This term we have focused on chocolate tempering which

requires a good understanding of the intricacies of chocolate

chemistry. The process involves heating chocolate to a specific

temperature, then cooling it down while agitating it, and

finally reheating it to a precise temperature. It is a very intricate

process to achieve the smooth glossy texture and finish that

will result in the satisfying snap when it sets! Fun fact is that

different chocolate types have different melting points and

tempering temperatures.

3.What specific aspects of culinary and pastry arts are you

most excited to learn about?

I am very excited for Term three as we will be learning how to

make wedding cakes and chocolate sculptures. I’m excited to

learn how to create outstanding showpieces and finally design

and create my own for my final end of first year exam.

Maria Economou and Chef Anton Mosimann

generations of the royal family. Throughout his career,

Chef Anton Mosimann has been a prominent figure in

the culinary world, celebrated for his culinary mastery

and dedication to excellence

7. How do you envision applying your culinary and

pastry skills in the future? (e.g., opening your own

bakery, working in a restaurant, teaching culinary

classes)

4.How do you stay updated on current pastry trends and

techniques?

To stay updated on current pastry trends and techniques

always remain open to learning. Attend workshops, seminars,

and classes offered by pastry schools and industry experts.

Take advantage of all online resources such as social media

and publications for tutorials and insights. CAAS has a library

offering some very interesting recipes which students are

always encouraged to read. Dedicating time to experimenting

with ingredients is a fantastic way to refine techniques and

foster creativity. By incorporating these practices, you’ll stay

informed and relevant in the ever-evolving culinary landscape.

5.What aspect of pastry making do you find most rewarding?

My favourite part of pastry is serving the desserts to customers

because it’s profoundly rewarding to see their mood lift from

something that you poured effort and skill into making. Pastry

also fosters a sense of connection and warmth by bringing

people together both in the kitchen and out when gathering

together to enjoy it.

6.Are there any pastry chefs or bakers who particularly inspire

you? If so, why?

I have had the pleasure of meeting Anton Mosimann in

person, a highly acclaimed Swiss chef known for his expertise

in classical French cuisine and his innovative approach to

cooking. Hearing him tell his life story was very inspirational as

he was the youngest chef to receive two Michelin stars at the

age of 28. He has always had a strong passion for culinary arts

and pastry and has cooked for many celebrities as well as three

During my degree I will have to go through two

internships. My first internship will begin 1st of July

2024 for five months at Het Ge Baar, Antwerp Belgium.

It is a Michelin star restaurant and I am very excited to

expand my knowledge in the kitchen. My dream is to

open my own pastry shop in Zimbabwe and hopefully

expand internationally.

8. What do you hope to gain personally and

professionally from pursuing a career in pastry arts?

I hope to learn and expand my knowledge in pastry

and chocolate as much as possible. Personally, I would

like to see my skills expand enormously. Professionally,

I would like to establish a well-known name for myself

and brand for my future enterprise.

9. What made you choose culinary arts academy over

other institutions?

At the age of thirteen we were encouraged to start

researching about universities and potential career

paths. The moment I found the website of Culinary

Arts Academy I knew that’s where I belonged. Their

motto “Passion for food, Career for life” stood out

to me and I couldn’t wait to start studying with

likeminded students. The university is also situated

in a small town that overlooks Lake Leman. The view

of the lake and mountains takes my breath away

every time. The pastry chefs are also very qualified

and enjoy what they have to teach which makes the

classes enjoyable.

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 53


THE PARAGON HUB

MACARON

Ganache filling

Ingredients”

Chocolate macaron (French meringue)

Ingredients

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 54

Cream 200g

Chocolate 52% 155g

Cacao mass 20g

Butter 70g

Total: 445g

Chocolate ganache filling

Method

1. Melt the chocolates to 45 degrees

2. Bring the cream to a boil

3. Pour it over the melted chocolates

1/3 at atime to emulsify

4. When the ganache reaches 35 degrees celsius add

little at a time the butter

5. Set in piping bag (round tip 10) and leave it to

crystalize overnight

Egg white 120g

Icing sugar 1 150g

Almond powder 150g

Icing sugar 2 150g

Cocoa powder 20g

Total: 570g

Chocolate macaron (French meringue)

Method

1. Sieve together icing sugar 2, almond powder and

cocoa powder

2. In a mixing bowl with whisk attachment

make a french merignue with egg white and sugar 1

3. Pour the merignue over the dry product and start

the macaronade

4. Pipe the macaron on silpat (round tip 6) leave to dry

for 30 minutes

5. Cook them 12 minutes 140 degrees celsius

Recipe by Maria Economou


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SWISS ROLL

Vanilla Roll

Ingredients”

Yoke

125g

Sugar 1

50g

Egg white

125g

Sugar 2

75g

Flour

100g

Vanilla Powder 1

Total

475g

1. Whip yolk and sugar to rubban stage

2. Make a french meringue with egg white and sugar 2

3. Fold the meringue into the yolks mixture

4. Finish with the sifted flour

5. Spread on a silpat mat

6. Bake 7/8 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius

7. Remove the tray when baked

Lemon Curd

Ingredients

Eggs

Sugar

Corn Starch

Lemon Juice

Butter

Total

150g

180g

12g

90g

120g

562g

1. Combine eggs and sugar by whisking

2. Add in the corn starch

3. In a sauce pan, combine all the ingredients together

4. By whisking bring the curd to a light boil

5. Allow to cool to 4 °C

6. Spread the curd on the swiss roll

Italian Meringue

Ingredients

Water

Sugar

Egg White

Total

37g

150g

75g

200g

1. Warm water and sugar to 118 °C

2. Whip the egg white ( until get fluffy )

3. When the syrup reaches 121 degrees Celsius

slowly pour down the side of the whipping egg

whites and then increase to maximum speed

4. Allow to cool by whisking

5. Use for decoration

Recipe by Maria Economou

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 55


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THE PARAGON HUB


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FUN FACTS

1. Earth’s rotation is changing speed.

Earth’s rotation, the spinning motion that gives us day and night, isn’t constant.

Over long periods, factors like the distribution of Earth’s mass and the

gravitational influence of the moon and the sun can alter its rotation speed.

This means that the length of a day is gradually changing. Due to factors like

the melting of glaciers and changes in ocean currents, Earth’s rotation is slowing

down, causing days to get slightly longer over the course of millions of years.

2. You have more taste buds than adults.

You have more taste buds than adults.

Taste buds are tiny structures on your tongue that help you enjoy the flavours

of your favourite foods.

As you grow older, some taste buds stop working, but don’t worry, you’ll still

be able to savour delicious meals even with fewer taste buds!

3. Oranges weren’t originally orange!

Originating in Southeast Asia, wild oranges were green.

Through centuries of cultivation and selective breeding, humans developed

the sweet orange we know today.

The process favoured orange-hued mutations, leading to the development of

the vibrant colour we associate with oranges.

This evolution in colouration made the fruit more appealing and easier to

distinguish when ripe.

4. Play-Doh was originally invented to be wallpaper cleaner.

Play-Doh was initially created in the 1930s as a wallpaper cleaner.

4. Brain freeze is known as “sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia” in

scientific terms.

The sudden and intense headache triggered by the consumption of cold

substances, is known as brain freeze, but did you know it has a scientific

name? Sphenopalatine Ganglioneuralgia!

This phenomenon occurs when cold substances come into contact with

the roof of the mouth, causing blood vessels to constrict and then rapidly

dilate, resulting in a sharp pain sensation.

Its soft, malleable texture and ability to lift soot and dirt without damaging

surfaces made it an effective household cleaning tool.

However, its transformation into a popular children’s toy occurred when

people recognised its potential for creative play and artistic expression.

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 57


THE PARAGON HUB

THE PARAGON HUB

DID YOU KNOW?

1. There are 54 countries

in Africa - and 9 dependent

territories. More than 1.3

billion people live on the

African continent. This

means about 15% of the

world's total population live

in Africa!

2. Animals: In Africa, you

will find some of the largest

mammals on this planet. Among

them are the largest land

mammal, the African elephant,

the tallest mammal, the giraffe,

and the fastest mammal, the

cheetah, which can run with

speeds up to 113 km/ hour or 70

miles/ hour

2. Africa makes 70% of the

world’s cocoa beans.

Cocoa beans are used to

make chocolate. Most of

the world’s beans come from

4 West African countries:

Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria

and Cameroon.

3. Africa has the world’s

largest desert – sort of!

The Sahara desert is the

largest desert in the world

– well technically the

largest hot desert. It is the

third largest desert overall,

smaller only than the

deserts of Antarctica and

the northern Arctic.

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 58

4. Africa is the home to the

world’s longest river, The Nile.

The Nile is the longest river

in the world – although some

researchers are arguing that

The Amazon is longer. It flows

through many different African

countries and is the main water

source of Egypt, Sudan and

South Sudan.

5. Africa is the 2nd largest

continent at 30 million

square kilometers or 11.7

million square miles. Africa

is bigger than China, India,

the continental U.S., and

most of Europe combined. The

Sahara alone is bigger than the

continental USA.


WHERE TO EAT IN HARARE

THE PARAGON HUB

Alo Alo

10 Forest Row, Arundel

Village, Mount Pleasant

024 2 369198,

0773 265 932/3

Aroma Cafe

167 Enterprise Rd,

Chisipite

0242 480 904

0772 235 693

Casa Mia

King George Rd,

Avondale

0242 233 2044

0732 272 642

Coimbra

61 Selous Ave,

CBD

0242 700 237

CU LATTE

101 Churchill Ave,

Harare

077 529 0720

Great Wall

94 East Rd,

Belgravia

0712 616 282

0242 33 4149

Jam Tree

40 Bargate Rd,

Mount Pleasant

073 401 8003

Little Eately

1 Hurworth Rd,

Highlands

086 771 77349

Ocean Basket

Shop 3, Sam Levy’s

Village, Borrowdale

0242 852189

Pariah State

Borrowdale 08677 103644

Avondale 08677 103920

Belgravia 0242 251399

Pizazz Pizza

Greystone Park

Shopping Centre

0777 781 583

0777 800 663

Rocomamas

Village Walk

Borrowdale

0703 120 0901

Sabai Thai

Cnr Rolf Ave/Stokesay

Close, Ballantyne Park

0776 743 775

Shangri La

155 Enterprise Rd,

Chisipite

0242 443 263/4

0773 709 686

Spice Lounge

63 Churchill Ave,

Alex Park

+263 470 1672

0779 581 000

St Elmo’s

Sam Levy’s Village

Borrowdale

0242 288 6959

Taj Restaurant

157 Borrowdale Rd,

Gunhill

0732 110 222/333

Tinkabells

Ballantyne

0242 664 745

The Horsebox Bar

1 Hurworth rd

Highlands

0771 929 914

The Mustard Seed

27 Ridgeway South,

Highlands

0772 572 620

The Village Greek

Shop 3,

Sam levy’s Village

Borrowdale

0242 850 666

Tin Roof

1 Lewisam Shopping

Centre, Highlands

0242 495 874

Veldemeers Cafe

Arundel East Village

Arundel

078 459 6116

Let s

eat

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 59


THE PARAGON HUB

Colour in Page Tip: When coloring on gloss paper use markers or even paints

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 60


THE PARAGON HUB

Colour in Page Tip: When coloring on gloss paper use markers or even paints

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 61


THE PARAGON HUB

THE PARAGON HUB

ANIMALS IN AFRICA

Solve the puzzle based on the clues given.

1

2

3

4

5 6

7 8 9

10

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 62

Across

[2] Tallest mammal with a long neck

[3] Spotted big cat

[5] Large, bovine mammal found in herds

[7] Has a large horn on its snout

[8] Fastest land animal

[10] Largest land mammal

E T O

E L E P H A N T P

I K P

D R I

R H I N O C H E E T A H

C E

B U F F A L O M

O A

G I R A F F E

N L R

O L C

B

E

Z

I I

L E O P A R D

Down

[1] Animal with black and white stripes

[2] Largest primate

[3] King of the jungle

[4] Large reptile found in rivers and swamps

[6] Small, social mammal known for standing upright

[9] Large, semi aquatic mammal


Find and circle the vocabulary words in the grid. Look for

them in all directions including backwards and diagonally.

THE PARAGON HUB

N G V S L C T J E D F P Z O R L B

E T O I P H R A S B I J E D M V G

L Z R M T A O C N I A R G T Y Q N

I P E J S N Y K F W H S L A I F I

A Y B E G M D E P T E Q E W C K R

D S O K R E N T Y L W H J B U I P

M U P H T B I L D E N O C Z A F S

K N T C D A W D G P L D B G P L M

F S E I R Z U N O S A E S N U B L

W H Z N A P R S M Y T L F M I W S

P I F C L E A N I N G E B H K A V

T N U I B M V R Z O F R C A W H R

M E D P H C R A M B E K L N S T G

X L F J Y A S N G L S H O W E R S

H B R E A K O P L V C Z U F Y D K

C F T X M U B A S I L W D H G N E

W I H P E D L J R Y Q B S A O X R

APRIL

BASEBALL

BREAK

BREEZE

JACKET

MAY

RAINBOW

SHOWERS

THAW

CLEANING

KITE

PICNIC

RAINCOAT

SPRING

UMBRELLA

CLOUDS

MARCH

PUDDLES

SEASON

SUNSHINE

WINDY

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 63


THE PARAGON HUB

Spot The Difference(10)

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 64


THE PARAGON HUB

CONTACTS YOU MAY NEED

THE PARAGON HUB

Ace Air & Ambulance

0242 302 141

0782 999901/2/3/4

Cimas Rescue

Ambulance

0242 700 070

08 080 300

Mars Ambulance

0242 771 221

0242 706 034

0242 790 391

0712 600 002

Avenue’s Clinic

66 Baines Ave

0242 251 180/1/99

0242 252 480-5

0772 135 259

Healthpoint

15 Lanark Road Belgravia

0242 700 666 – 8

+263 78 703 3834

+263 86 771 74760

The MedRehab Clinic

Physio O.T Speech Therapy

23 Clayton Road,

Milton park

0773023758/0773510223

Parirenyatwa

Mazowe St, Milton Park

0242 702 224

0242 701 554-7

0242 705 941-3

Arundel Mediclinic

Norfolk Rd,

Mount Pleasant

0242 301 495

0867 700 0269

Fire Brigade

994

0242 700 950

Borrowdale Trauma Center

Borrowdale Lane

0242 886 921/4

0773 333 691

Monson Funerals

19 Key Gardens,

Kensington

0772 685 601

0772 368 418

0783 883 111

Road Angels

0242 334 418

0772 122 122

0732 122 122

0713 122 122

0714 122 122

AA (Automobile Association)

0242 776 760

0782 783 691

0712 406 033

Central Police Station

0242 748 836

0242 777 777

Avondale Police Station

0242 336 361

0242 336 632

Highlands Police Station

0242 495 504

Marlborough Police Station

0242 301 802

0242 301 853

Milton Park Police Station

0242 799 298

0242 708 113

Snake Handlers

0772 275 550

0775 707 118

0772 269 647

Miracle Missions

112 Enterprise Rd,

Highlands

0774 136 239

admin@miraclemissions.co.zw

Childline

0716 116 116

0732 116 116

116

reception@childline.org.zw

Belvedere Vet

128 Rudland Ave

0772 732 940

0718 932 940

128

Borrowdale Vet

12 Kings Row,

South Gate

0242 883 099

0712 451 328

0774 166 065

Chisipite Vet

303 Harare Drive

0242 494 862/3

0732 252 318

chisivets@gmail.com

Drive Zimbabwe

303 Harare Drive

0242 494 862/3

0732 252 318

chisivets@gmail.com

ZNSPCA

156 Enterprise rd

0242 497 574

0778 844 196

Baines Intercare

15 Baines Ave

0242 700 950

ZESA 24 Hours

0242 704 040

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 65


Design, Advertising, Social Media

CONTACT

Stacy - 077 225 9619

Kyle - 078 391 0295

Kinsley - 0778069826

7 Cam road,

Graniteside

Harare

SIGNAGE GE & BRANDING

CONTACT

Terry - 077 992 5698

terry@paragon.co.zw

7 Cam road,

Graniteside

Harare

C

M

PRINTING & PACKAGING

CONTACT

muni@paragon.co.zw,

tinashe@paragon.co.zw

primrose@paragon.co.zw

sibi@paragon.co.zw

lynn@paragon.co.zw

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Head Office

17035 Cedora Road,

Graniteside, Harare

JAN - MAR| ISSUE 9 66

CONTACT

Jonathan - 077 294 9949

jonathan@paragon.co.zw

Suite ZB,

Sam Levy’s Village

Borrowdale

Harare

CONTACT

Mariah

mariah@paragon.co.zw

Paddington Square

Harare

CONTACT

Steve - 077 214 3307

steve@paragon.co.zw

Arundel Village,

Harare



THE PARAGON HUB

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