Themba Gorimbo’s Rise to the Global Stage on Glo-Sponsored African Voices

CNN International’s African Voices Changemakers, proudly sponsored by Globacom, turned the spotlight on the extraordinary life of mixed martial arts fighter Themba Gorimbo in this weekend’s broadcast.

The new episode which first aired on Saturday follows the Zimbabwean-born UFC athlete as he shares a deeply personal account of how adversity, survival instincts and purpose shaped his path to global recognition. Gorimbo’s journey reflects the power of reinvention and the discipline required to rise beyond circumstance.

In the revealing interview, Gorimbo speaks candidly about growing up in extreme hardship and the risky decisions he made in his youth while searching for survival and opportunity. He also recounts a life-threatening escape from Zimbabwe into South Africa experiences that would later fuel his mental resilience and commitment to transforming his life through sport.

The programme will air several times to reach audiences across regions, with scheduled broadcasts on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.; Sunday at 4:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.; Monday at 4:00 a.m. and 6:45 p.m.; and Tuesday at 6:45 p.m., all West Africa Time. Repeat showings will follow next week at the same times.

This episode delivers powerful insights into perseverance, personal accountability and self-belief, as Gorimbo demonstrates how determination and clarity of purpose can turn the harshest beginnings into a story of triumph on the world stage.

From Struggle to Strength: Themba Gorimbo Takes Centre Stage on Glo-Sponsored African Voices (LI)

The extraordinary journey of mixed martial arts fighter Themba Gorimbo commands the spotlight in this weekend’s edition of African Voices Changemakers, CNN International’s acclaimed magazine programme, proudly sponsored by telecommunications leader Globacom.

Airing on Saturday, 24 January, the episode features an intimate and reflective conversation with the Zimbabwe-born UFC star, whose life story reads like a testament to the power of human resolve. Forged in hardship and sustained by an unshakeable sense of purpose, Gorimbo’s path has carried him from the very margins of society to the bright lights of the global sporting arena.

In the interview, Gorimbo speaks candidly about a turbulent youth marked by survival at any cost. As a teenager in Zimbabwe, he smuggled diamonds, and later narrowly escaped death while illegally crossing into South Africa. These harrowing experiences, he explains, became the crucible in which his mental toughness was formed, driving his determination to reinvent himself through sport and discipline.

To reach audiences across multiple time zones, the programme will air several times: on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.; Sunday at 4:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.; Monday at 4:00 a.m. and 6:45 p.m.; and Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. Further repeats will follow next week at the same times, all West Africa Time.

Viewers can expect stirring lessons in resilience, accountability and self-belief as Gorimbo reveals how he transformed adversity into fuel for achievement. His story is a moving reminder that with focus, courage and clarity of purpose, it is possible to rise above circumstance and carve out an entirely new future.