The Outcry Experience became a deeply moving and unforgettable moment when its host, Minister Michael Mahendere, paused the flow of worship to publicly honour the woman who raised him his mother.

What started as an intense night of praise unexpectedly transformed into a heartfelt personal tribute that moved many in the audience to tears.

Noticing his mother seated among the congregation, Mahendere abruptly stopped the programme and addressed her emotionally. Fighting back tears, he asked for her to be brought to the front, expressing the deep bond and respect he has always held for her.

As ushers guided his mother forward, the atmosphere in the venue grew quiet and reverent.

Mahendere went on to reflect on the values of honour, obedience, and gratitude, emphasising that his calling and ministry were built on the foundation of his mother’s prayers.

“All that I am today is because of my mother’s prayers,” he shared.

The emotional highlight of the night came when Mahendere revealed that he was gifting his mother a car, a gesture that drew an overwhelming response from the crowd.

The moment served as a powerful reminder that beyond the music and the ministry, the Outcry Experience was a living message demonstrating that true worship begins with honouring one’s parents.

Zimbabwe’s Miss International First Runner-Up and Miss International Africa 2025, Yollanda Elizabeth Chimbarami, received a distinguished homecoming reception at a formal dinner held on December 13, 2025, at Tong Fu Restaurant in Belgravia, Harare.

The invitation-only event drew a cross-section of national leadership, including government officials, pageantry stakeholders, religious leaders, educators, corporate executives, family members and the media, in recognition of a milestone achievement that has placed Zimbabwe firmly on the global beauty and cultural diplomacy map.

Delivering the keynote address, Director Precious Chifamba read remarks on behalf of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland Central, Honourable Christopher Magomo. The address described Chimbarami’s international success as a landmark moment for the country, noting that her rise from Guruve District to the world stage reflects the objectives of devolution and the importance of nurturing talent at community level.

The minister praised Chimbarami for pairing achievement with social impact, highlighting her previous outreach initiatives, including the donation of learning materials to primary schools in Mashonaland Central. He said her work aligns with national priorities on youth and women empowerment, as well as cultural diplomacy, under the National Development Strategy One championed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Chimbarami arrived at the ceremony alongside her spiritual father, Apostle B Java, her mother and other dignitaries. Apostle Java commended her mother for unwavering support, revealing that she observed a 21-day fast during her daughter’s pageant preparations. Several local and regional church leaders attended the dinner, which Apostle Java described as a victory anchored in faith and values.

Paying tribute, Makseth International School Director and Principal Mrs Bako reflected on Chimbarami’s transformation from a focused student seeking mentorship into a disciplined international ambassador. She applauded her dedication to education, mentorship and faith, saying her crown symbolises integrity, perseverance and purpose.

Miss Zimbabwe Trust representative Barney Mpariwa noted that Chimbarami is the first Zimbabwean to secure a first runner-up position at a major international pageant. He attributed her success to long-term preparation and discipline, urging young Zimbabweans to draw motivation from her journey.

Corporate backing featured prominently at the event, with Croco Motors officially unveiling Chimbarami as its 2026 brand ambassador. Additional donations from corporate partners and individuals were also announced in support of her advocacy work, mentorship programmes and upcoming initiatives.

The homecoming dinner concluded with renewed calls for sustained investment in youth development, as Yollanda Chimbarami was formally celebrated as a national symbol of excellence and an inspiration to emerging generations.

Zimbabwean musician Takura Chioniso, popularly known as Blot, has openly shared his painful experience with drug and substance abuse, revealing how addiction nearly destroyed both his life and music career.

Speaking in an interview with ZBC News on Sunday, the artist recounted his fall from fame and subsequent journey into rehabilitation, using his story to warn young people and fellow creatives about the dangers of drug abuse.

Blot gained widespread popularity with hit songs such as Havasati Vandiona, but his rise in the music industry was disrupted as addiction took control, resulting in lost opportunities, damaged relationships and stalled career progress.

He said substance abuse took a serious toll on his physical health, emotions and mental wellbeing, costing him valuable time and connections. Despite the hardships, Blot expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal and beginning the journey toward recovery.

The musician thanked his family, management team and government officials for supporting him during his lowest moments and facilitating his admission into a rehabilitation centre, saying their intervention gave him a second chance at life.

Addressing his fans, Blot said he is now focused, stronger and determined to rebuild his career. He promised new music and performances, adding that his experiences have reshaped his outlook on life and artistry. He also urged fellow artists and public figures to act responsibly, reminding them that young people look up to them.

Currently undergoing rehabilitation at a local facility, Blot hopes his testimony will help raise awareness among youths about the destructive effects of drug and substance abuse.

His manager, Tawanda Mwedzi, described the period as emotionally and financially devastating, noting that addiction disrupted planned performances, especially during peak festive seasons, leading to major losses and missed opportunities.

Blot’s mother, Mrs Chiedza Chanetsa, shared the emotional pain the family endured as they watched their son struggle with addiction. She described long periods when he would either sleep for days without eating or stay awake for days without rest, becoming increasingly forgetful and aggressive.

She said the experience was heartbreaking for the family, as they slowly watched him lose himself to drugs.

Blot’s experience reflects a wider social problem, with drug and substance abuse continuing to affect individuals, families and communities across the country.

In response, the Government has stepped up efforts to fight the growing crisis, including the establishment of rehabilitation centres aimed at helping those battling addiction reclaim their lives.