From a Simple Observation to a Bold Idea
When Tawanda Kanhema moved from Zimbabwe to California, he noticed a glaring absence. His home country barely existed on Google Street View. For a digital storyteller and product manager, that gap was more than inconvenient.
Building the Map Himself
Instead of waiting for a big company or government to act, Tawanda applied for Google’s Street View loan program, borrowed a 360° camera, and funded a 2000-mile expedition with about $5000 of his own money. Over just two weeks he traveled by car, boat, bike and even helicopter to capture panoramic imagery of Harare, Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe and more.
Global Impact
Thanks to his effort, anyone can now click and explore Zimbabwe’s landmarks and hidden corners. Families can show their children ancestral neighborhoods. Travelers can plan visits. Local businesses gain visibility. What began as a personal project now serves millions of virtual visitors worldwide.
Why His Story Belongs on U-Blogs
Tawanda Kanhema is a quiet technologist who saw an absence on the map and filled it. His journey proves that world-class impact doesn’t require fame, a big budget or even a formal tech degree. It takes observation, initiative and relentless follow-through. Tawanda Kanhema is currently a product manager at Apple in Cupertino, California.