More than 70 gongs were dished out at the Zimbabwe Community Trailblazers Awards (ZCTA) last Friday making the event one of the country’s biggest award ceremonies.
The ZCTA, which are organised by a local media company - Perfection Media, are an annual ceremony that recognises and celebrates outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations that would have made significant contributions to the community.
The awards aim to honour trailblazers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to creating positive impact in the country.
Last Friday, people from all walks of life thronged the Harare International Conference Centre for the fifth edition of the ZCTA.
All sectors were represented during the event which was spiced by performances from top music groups and individuals, including Black Umfolosi, Gemma Griffiths, Tembalami, Stunner and Dadza D.
Information minister Jenfan Muswere, who was the guest of honour, encouraged “the trailblazers” to do more for their communities in sync with the development aspirations of the second republic.
Organisers said they were thrilled to report that the fifth edition of the awards was their most successful and memorable one yet.
“The event struck the perfect balance between entertainment and substance, with a line-up of exceptional awardees who are truly making a difference in community development,” said Perfection Media director Albert Masaka.
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“These genuine trailblazers were the highlight of the evening, and we are honoured to have recognised their outstanding contributions.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Moreblessing Cherayi for sponsoring the talented musicians who performed at the event.
“The energetic performances by Black Umfolosi, Gemma Griffiths, Thembelami, Stunner, and Dadza D had our guests mesmerised and entertained throughout the evening.”
Masaka said they were inspired by the Muswere’s call to action, encouraging them to do more for the community.
“We take this challenge to heart and are already working on a new model for the awards that will enable us to make an even greater impact in the future,” he said.
“Thank you to everyone who made this year’s event such a resounding success.”
A number of “community trailblazers”, including prominent medical doctor Johannes Marisa, top engineer and Power Giants CEO Edzai Kachirekwa, Pastor Ruth Musarurwa, top banker Nigel Chanakira, prominent eye specialist Solomon Guramatunhu and Prophet Effort Maphosa, among others were inducted among the Big 15 Hall of Fame.
Educationist and preacher Daisy Mukariri, gospel musician Minister Michael Mahendere, Isaiah and Tsitsi Musabayana and businesswoman Zodwa Mkandla were also inducted in the Hall of Fame.
Organisations inducted included Kidzcan, Zimpapers, Radio Zimbabwe, Mutare City Council and Black Umfolosi.
According to the organisers, the ZCTA Hall of Fame is a prestigious recognition programme that celebrates the outstanding contributions and achievements of exceptional community leaders and organisations.
Kachirekwa said being inducted in ZCTA Hall of Fame is a clear testament that the country has acknowledged his hardworking attitude.
“I feel so much humbled by ZCTA Hall of Fame award because this is a national endorsement, the highest honour any individual can get in his own country,” he said.
“Adversity is inevitable, but triumph is hard to come by,. As a child of this country, I feel I still have so much more to do; considering I have so much work to do especially in areas of drug substance where I need to assist the youths with advice, correct application of good behaviour, abstaining from drugs, and benefits of good self-governance through correct application of good quality life skills.
“It’s also an honour coincidentally that I'm celebrating 27 years in the electrical engineering industry.”
Marisa said the award should be a stimulus to many people to plough back to their communities as part of corporate social responsibility.
“Doing well leaves one with many secret admirers who will appreciate the good works done,” he said.
“Pride does not pay as we ought to remember the disadvantaged and vulnerable members of the society.”
Several people were recognised in their respective areas of specialisation.
