Mutupo winemaker’s star shines in multiple spheres

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

What do you get when you mix a javelin spear, an egg flipper, a wine barrel and travel?

Correct answer is Farayi Chabvamuperu Van Den Bogaert.

The Zimbabwean javelin thrower, based in Belgium, is carving a name for himself both in sports and business.

Combining his love for athletics with his entrepreneurial flair, Chabvamuperu is making waves on and off the field.

His athletic accomplishments are remarkable, having secured numerous gold medals at national youth games, provincial and international competitions.

Chabvamuperu has embraced entrepreneurship with equal enthusiasm. He works as a chef Departie, serving breakfast at Ibis hotel in Antwerp in Belgium from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and runs Skyborne Travel Agency, a travel company offering a unique 3-in-1 service for travellers that includes air tickets, accommodation, and transportation.

Skyborne also offers ride-hailing services through platforms like Uber and Indrive, contributing to the local tourism industry in a modern and innovative way.

"Skyborne Travel Agency was born from my passion for travel and hospitality," he explained.

Additionally, Chabvamuperu founded Mutupo Wine, a brand that highlights African heritage by featuring the continent's wildlife, including the Big Five, on its wine labels.

Mutupo Wine also offers customized bottles for special occasions such as traditional weddings, allowing clients to add a personal touch to their celebrations.

As part of his commitment to wildlife conservation, 2% of all wine sales are donated to wildlife protection efforts, with plans to increase this contribution in 2025.

"Mutupo is more than a wine brand; it's about celebrating and preserving our natural heritage," Chabvamuperu noted.

Chabvamuperu’s journey began at Morgan High School in Zimbabwe, where he honed his athletic abilities. His pursuit of education led him to Cyprus, where he studied Tourism and Hospitality. During his time at Eastern Mediterranean University in Cyprus, he was awarded the title of best athletics student in 2013, showcasing his dual dedication to academics and sport. He also holds a degree in International Tourism and Leisure Management with Mechelen,Belgium .

His outstanding performances earned him the opportunity to represent Zimbabwe internationally, which eventually led to a scholarship to study in Cyprus.

While there, he was named the top athletics student at Eastern Mediterranean University, further underscoring his passion and commitment to excelling in both academics and sports.

Initially a versatile athlete, Chabvamuperu competed in various disciplines, including the 100m, 200m, relays, shot put, discus, and javelin.

Ultimately, he decided to focus exclusively on javelin, a choice inspired by Olympian gold medalist Eliot Mujaji.

He credits much of his success to his early coach, Wellington Zingwe, stating, "Wellington played a pivotal role in developing my skills and discipline as an athlete."

Currently holding Zimbabwe’s national javelin record, Chabvamuperu is a strong advocate for the potential of Zimbabwean athletics.

He emphasizes the importance of mental health, discipline, and proper nutrition for aspiring athletes, saying, "Success in athletics requires more than just hard training; it’s about a holistic approach to personal well-being."

Despite his success, Chabvamuperu has faced challenges along the way.

In his early career, he struggled with limited access to proper training equipment and facilities.

He advocates for better infrastructure and support for athletes, calling for government intervention: "The Government should provide buses for athletes to travel to competitions across the country."

He also encourages the Ministry of Sport to introduce national competitions in all provinces, helping uncover and nurture athletic talent for national teams.

Chabvamuperu is eager to work with the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe to secure sponsorships from Belgium and further support the development of athletics in Zimbabwe.

"I’m committed to helping Zimbabwean athletics reach new heights," he stated.

Chabvamuperu is also passionate about empowering young women. Through his initiative "Simuka Mwanasikana" (Stand Up, Girl), he provides vehicles to help young women start their own businesses.

"I want to encourage young women not to rely on others but to embrace entrepreneurship as a path to independence," he said.

In his downtime, Chabvamuperu enjoys spending time in the gym and going on nature walks, balancing his athletic training with his various business ventures.

His accomplishments in both sport and business reflect a commitment to excellence, community development, and inspiring future generations in Zimbabwe.

With his exceptional blend of athletic talent and entrepreneurial vision, Farayi Chabvamuperu Van Den Bongaert is poised to leave a lasting impact on both the sports and business worlds.