Gweru-based events professional and restauranteur, Farai Nandipa Mabodza has been selected by the South Africa-based Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) to be part of its mentorship programme.
An elated Mabodza announced the news on her LinkedIn page this week.
“It has been an honour to be selected to be part of the AAXO mentorship programme. Nothing tops the icing on the cake like having Projeni Pather as a mentor. Looking forward to the learning opportunity and getting a better understanding of the exhibitions industry on a regional and international landscape.” Mabodza posted.
Pather is a South African marketing strategist, exhibition and event specialist as well as a keynote speaker.
“It was a pleasure meeting with Projeni and some of her team members. It is rare to have someone that is willing to share their wealth of knowledge and guide one on the right path. I have been challenged and from just the meeting and conversation we had, I have been stretched to think outside the box,” she said.
Pather expressed joy at the opportunity to mentor Mabodza.
“Thrilled to be mentoring this amazing young entrepreneur. It’s tough starting out as an entrepreneur. But having the right guidance can make all the difference to your professional growth,” Pather commented.
The AAXO mentorship programme, which was launched in March last year, connects and nurtures young professionals with leading mentors.
According to engineeringnews.co.za, an AAXO mentor must be a current AAXO member and have at least three or more years of experience in the exhibitions and events industry. To qualify as a mentee, applicants must be current AAXO members or be employed by an AAXO member.
The mentorship can run for four months or longer, with the mentor and mentee meeting face-to-face, and talking by phone or email or meeting using video conferencing.
Mabodza owns Farirai Nandipa Events (Pvt) Ltd and the Pallet Garden Café. She is the founder of the Institute of Events Professionals in Zimbabwe (IEPZ) and the brains behind the Midlands Weddings and Events Expo.
