Zimbabwe’s Credo Kereke honoured at Young Achievers Awards

Ten-year-old Credo Samuel Kereke has received a Certificate of Excellence for his work in community development and sport at Zimbabwe’s inaugural Young Achievers Awards. The ceremony was held in Harare on Saturday by UK-registered charity Ekhaya Skills Centre, working with NZVEDAZ Crypto Academy and other partners.

Kereke, who is known as Mini Mr Africa Zimbabwe, a tourism ambassador and Sports King, was recognised for activities linked to youth advocacy and sporting development. His work has included donating football jersey kits to clubs in both rural areas and Harare.

The award ceremony brought together young achievers from sport, agriculture, technology, music, arts, academics and entrepreneurship. Its purpose was to highlight the contribution children and young people can make to national development and Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 goals.

Kereke’s father, Group Captain Credo Peacemaker Kereke, said he had supported his son’s public-speaking and advocacy initiatives. He described the award as recognition of work Credo had undertaken himself and said the family would continue encouraging projects that assist disadvantaged boys and girls.

The event also placed emphasis on entrepreneurship and wider youth empowerment. Joylene Mazemo, Mini Miss Africa Zimbabwe and chief executive of Joylux Brands, said her own award would encourage her to do more to support children involved in entrepreneurship.

Judges Solom Madzambiri and Joshua Mandizha said the awards were designed to recognise young people who influence their communities and encourage others to contribute. They also said the programme showed that Zimbabwean youth could compete at high levels across Africa and internationally, while showcasing achievement in several fields.