THE Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Midlands Province recently honoured outstanding businesses, institutions and individuals who have demonstrated excellence, innovation and leadership across various sectors of the economy during the annual Midlands Provincial Business Awards.
The awards brought together captains of industry, entrepreneurs, Government officials and business leaders from across the province.
The event recognised organisations and individuals whose contributions continue to drive economic development, employment creation and innovation in the Midlands Province.
In one of the highly contested categories, Dandemutande Kwekwe branch emerged as the winner of the Customer Service Award, ahead of Gweru Toyota and Gweru Specialist Children’s Hospital.
The award recognises organisations that have made customer satisfaction and service excellence the cornerstone of their operations.
ZNCC Midlands Businessman of the Year Dennis Goredena
The Emerging Business of the Year Award went to Sino Brick Company Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd, with Terrasurveys Land Surveyors taking first runner-up position while Maonei Leisure Centre was second runner-up. The category celebrates young businesses that are making significant contributions to the provincial economy through innovation and entrepreneurship.
In the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises category, Sixspeed Tech Systems claimed the MSME Award, ahead of Bradley Gardens and Hanaka Hardware, in recognition of its growth, innovation and job creation efforts.
The financial services sector was also recognised for supporting small businesses and sustainable development. CBZ Bank won the Financial Institution Supporting MSME Award, beating FBC Bank and ZB Bank.
Meanwhile, ZB Bank walked away with the Sustainable Financing Award, ahead of Old Mutual Zimbabwe and Nedbank Zimbabwe, for its commitment to financing environmentally and socially responsible projects.
The province’s commitment to innovation was highlighted through the Innovation Award, which was won by Kwekwe Polytechnic. Gweru Polytechnic finished as first runner-up while Graphix World secured second runner-up position.
In the education sector, Stanley Primary School was crowned winner of the Academic Excellence Award, while Shabani Primary School was first runner-up.
Gweru Polytechnic added another accolade to its growing list of achievements by winning the Tertiary Institution Award, ahead of Zimbabwe Open University and Midlands Business School. The award recognises institutions that are producing graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The mining sector featured prominently among the award winners. Hapazari Mines won the Small Scale Miners Award, with Nights A Mines and Birthday Mines taking first and second runner-up positions respectively.
In export performance, Mimosa Mining Company scooped the Exporter of the Year — Mining Award, outperforming Valterra Unki Mines and Zimasco. The awards were based on Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe export statistics.
Almid Pvt Ltd received the Improved Exporter of the Year Award, recognising significant growth in export performance and market expansion.
The Exporter of the Year — Road and Freight Services Award was won by Makanaka Investments trading as Pote Transport, reflecting the company’s contribution to regional and international trade logistics.
Among public institutions, the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) emerged victorious in the Public Enterprise
Award category, ahead of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) and the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera).
Individual excellence was also recognised during the ceremony. Trevor Jiri won the Corporate Manager of the Year Award, while Karen Dzvuke and Elizabeth V Dube were named first and second runners-up respectively.
The Business Leader Award was presented, in no particular order, to Walter Nemasasi and Stephen Ndiyamba for their outstanding leadership and contribution to business growth in the province.
Similarly, the Transformational Leader Award was conferred upon Prof Victor Muzvidziwa, Clever Pote and Moses Zuva, in recognition of their role in driving positive organisational transformation.
Youth entrepreneurship was celebrated through the Young Entrepreneur Award, which was won by Lawrence Makomborero, while Tawanda Mashamba and Marshall Macheza were recognised as first and second runners-up respectively.
The prestigious Businessman of the Year Award went to Dennis Goredema, with Itayi Hapazari and Bryce Katsande finishing as first and second runners-up.
In the women entrepreneurs category, Ruth Rubengo was crowned Businesswoman of the Year, ahead of Pauline Samuriwo and Irene Mukarakate.
The organisers also honoured Zimbabwe Bata Shoe Company with a Special Recognition Award for its longstanding contribution to industry and economic development.
Bazibi Maphosa received the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of decades of service, mentorship and contribution to the Midlands business community.
The Guest of Honour at the event was Dr Munyaradzi Gwatidzo.
Speaking during the awards ceremony, ZNCC Midlands Province officials said the awards were designed to inspire excellence, encourage innovation and recognise businesses and individuals who continue to play a critical role in driving economic growth and transformation in the province.-herald
