Mat North honours businesses, individuals
MATABELELAND North province has honoured businesses and individuals that have made an impact in community development by giving back to the community and championing environmental management programmes.
The Environmental Management Agency (Ema) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Network Zimbabwe held an awards ceremony in Victoria Falls on Friday at the close of the 5th Business Summit to appreciate these outstanding volunteers for development.
Excellence in community support, environmental sustainability and best business practices are critical in driving Zimbabwe towards achieving an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
The awards ran under the theme: “Celebrating sustainability excellence — Towards Achieving Vision 2030.” Under the media segment two journalists based in Matabeleland North were honoured for reporting issues related to the environment, exposing vulnerability, food security and sustainability in agriculture and nutrition.
Proprietor of Elephants Walk in Victoria Falls, Mrs Gail van Jaarsveldt was honoured for her philanthropic work in helping vulnerable communities.
The environmental stewardship was given to organisations that have dedicated time and resources to environmental management and value of clean energy to conserve the environment and protect it in their day-to-day running of business, including efforts in recycling waste and wildlife conservation.
The winners were Ilala Lodge, Wilderness Safaris, Africa Albida Tourism (AAT), Hwange Colliery Company, South Mining, Sino Hydro, Bubi Milling Centre, Hwange Local Board, Liquorama, Green Shango Environment Trust, Victoria Falls City, Carbon Green Africa Binga, Pure Africa, Shearwater, Solgas, Dinson Colliery, Zambezi Coal and Gas Mine and
Imvelo Safaris.
The social impact and excellence awards were given for positive impact done on society and environment. Those honoured have initiated programmes around employee engagements, equality in education, universal healthcare, community and culture, empowerment of women, environmental impact, and poverty alleviation.
These are Casmyn Mining, Buy-A-Brick-Foundation, Africa Sun Hotels, Wild Horizons, YAGA Trust, Nssa Matabeleland North, Inductoserve Logistics, Hand in Hand, Painted Dog Conservation and Wild Aid.
The awards seek to raise awareness on the importance of the role of companies and organisations in achieving better and more sustainable future for all citizens.
Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Richard Moyo, said the awards will go a long way in challenging and encouraging others to also invest in CSR.
He said the theme was a reminder not to forget the environment and communities “we live in as we work towards achieving Vision 2030”.
Minister Moyo said the Second Republic was committed to working with stakeholders to collectively grow the economy.
“As Government we encourage partnerships and stakeholder participation and the partnership between Ema and CSR Network Zimbabwe is much appreciated,” he said.
Minister Moyo said the concept of CSR entails organisations embracing moral, ethical and charitable responsibilities in addition to their responsibilities to earn a fair return for investment and comply with the laws of the land.
“Ema is not only looking into environmental management through legislative punitive provisions for offenders but also the positive contribution of responsible business players. I encourage the corporate world to join CSR Network Zimbabwe so that collectively our contribution is visible,” said Minister Moyo. — The Chronicle
