Sir Nigel's Journey…

…compliments or complications of the new year depending on your situation.

So much to say and yet so little time…will return shortly to give an open assessment of the situation on the ground.

Lately I’ve been busy writing and blogging elsewhere – www.africaontheblog.com, www.afriqantimes.com and here www.africagoodnews.com. I almost feel like I’ve neglected my own blog somewhat. I haven’t been able to spend as much time as I would like to but I do have various thoughts I want to share. In truth I’ve also been working hard behind the scenes on the ‘social enterprise’ you’ll hear more of going forward. We have an industry trade fair to attend in London next month so we’re currently preparing for that at the moment. I’m experiencing long nights 7 days a week type of situation – which makes sense if one wants to get ahead in life.

Interestingly enough, I’ve actually been reading more blogs than ever as well. I just can’t get over the number of bloggers out there! Many write professionally or otherwise, whereas others like me have recently been mistaken for being journalists especially amongst my own social circle. TrueStory. I laughed when I read this on my Facebook page the other week. Unfortunately I’m just a Zimbabwean with a blog and a passion for writing in that social commentary kind of way. For example, I have a few thoughts on Madiba and why I’m not an ‘automatic’ fan. I want to know more about Oliver Tambo, Steve Biko & Winnie herself.

Lately I’ve been thinking about what it means to be African and how race comes into the equation – I have a story about this. At some stage I’ll share my thoughts on Obama and as expected my thoughts on the new Zimbabwe and Africa in general.  I read a great deal and have various thoughts on the books I read – why I agree or disagree with their perspective. So you see, I have lots to say in general but I have to find that balance. In time I will remedy the situation….’small steps’ as a friend of mine once reminded me.

Aluta continua….

ZimBizNews is born today…watch this space for more details.

I watched the WEF video posted on Friday night/Saturday morning and I have to admit that I was moved. I am excited with the recent events in and around Zimbabwe. I firmly believe that the future is bright – brighter than it has been for years. I also believe that ‘our’ moment is NOW! We must seize it.

Aluta Continua…

I have always written and documented my thoughts; poetry mostly in the last few years as my earlier blog entries will indicate. I make social commentary I guess and tend to write about things that I am passionate about. Things have changed in my own life though. Life is generally even more hectic now with both a day job and my ‘real’ job. I don’t have as much time to sit down and draft poetry like I used. Don’t get me wrong I’d love to just write my art however we need to remain focused on the task at hand here. The entrepreneurial journey is here to stay and is calling loud and clear. There is much work to do.

So getting back to what I’ve been trying to say with this blog entry. I started thinking about what I ‘really’ wanted to achieve with this blog – what’s its purpose really? Well I guess it’s simple – I want to discuss whatever comes to mind especially my continuous and increasing love affair with Zimbabwe and indeed Africa herself. Moving back later this year is now a permanent reality and so my attention has turned to my life there instead. I am consumed with planning, dreaming and trying to prepare. Going home in December 09 reaffirmed all these feelings. The country is waiting for people to invest and start a shop for this or a manufacturer of that. However capital remains a major hindrance to progress. I will discuss this very issue in more detail later on.

Zimbabwe is a young country and the opportunities that exist need to be ‘taken’ by someone literally. We as Zimbabweans have an opportunity to add value, give back by way of resources and skills whilst earning and employing people. I’ve been watching and reading about some of the entrepreneurs on the continent and I am inspired by their own stories or challenges and how they eventually overcame them. I look at people like Strive Masiyiwa of Econet and I can’t help but salute Zimbabweans like that. There are others Herman Mashaba of South Africa or Mo Ibrahim of Sudan and the list goes on. This blog will document my thoughts and my journey giving YOU the reader more detail than before. In the words of Orange (the UK phone company that is), ‘the future is bright’.

Walk with me for a while…