The closing ceremony of the National Youth Symposium in Harare took an unexpected comedic twist when Zimbabwe’s celebrated comedian Comic Elder — real name Leroy Tadiwanashe Zawari — turned the formal occasion into a moment of laughter and surprise, ultimately walking away with a brand-new double cab vehicle worth US$45,000, courtesy of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The comedian, popularly known by his stage name Anna Mugwaku, had just been presented with the Best in Comedy Award by the President when he seized the moment to deliver one of his signature quips.
“Your Excellency, please give me your home address,” Comic Elder declared to a packed auditorium, pausing only to add amid growing laughter, “Because if you fail to give me the gift you promised, I will come to your house myself to collect it!”
The bold punchline drew roars of laughter from the audience and even from President Mnangagwa himself, who appeared thoroughly entertained by the comedian’s wit.
Earlier, while handing over the award, the President had already shown admiration for the entertainer’s sharp humour, joking in Shona: “Mumusoro makazara zvinhu umu,”
The exchange between the two set the tone for what became one of the most memorable moments of the symposium.
As the crowd’s laughter and applause echoed through the venue, Comic Elder was unexpectedly called back to the stage. To his astonishment, President Mnangagwa announced that he would be gifting him a double cab vehicle, valued at around US$45,000, as a token of appreciation for his outstanding contribution to Zimbabwean comedy.
The revelation was met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation from delegates, who celebrated both the comedian’s quick wit and the President’s generosity.
The lively exchange and surprise gift provided a lighthearted and memorable conclusion to the National Youth Symposium, blending laughter, recognition, and national pride in equal measure.
