Tiyani Hahlani
Centre News Hub
HARARE- More than 60 entrepreneurs and community leaders were honoured at the second Harare Excellence and Business Awards amid renewed calls for stronger public-private partnerships, localisation and entrepreneurship to drive Zimbabwe’s economic growth and national development.
The awards ceremony, held under the theme “Revitalising Zimbabwe’s Development Agenda Through Strategic Public-Private Collaborations,” brought together business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and community organisations to celebrate excellence across various economic sectors.
Among those recognised was Community Action Group for ED (CAG4ED) representative, Regina Munyamani, who received the Community Champion Award for her organisation’s work in environmental protection, child welfare and youth rehabilitation programmes within communities.
Speaking after receiving the award, Munyamani said she felt honoured and deeply appreciative of the recognition being given to the work they are carrying out in communities.
“I feel honoured and appreciated for the work that we are doing in the community. This recognition motivates us to continue helping vulnerable people and creating awareness on issues affecting communities,” she said.
Munyamani said the organisation has been spearheading tree planting initiatives and environmental awareness campaigns aimed at discouraging deforestation in communities.
“These projects are tree planting and awareness campaigns urging communities not to cut down trees,” she said.
Beyond environmental conservation, the organisation has also been working to protect vulnerable children facing neglect at school and within their homes.
“We also protect children who are being neglected at school and at home,” Munyamani added.
The organisation has further intensified efforts to assist youths battling drug abuse through partnerships with health professionals at Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital.
“We also help children who are abusing drugs in the community for them to get the help they need, and we work with doctors at Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital,” she said.
The recognition of grassroots organisations at a national business platform reflects the growing role community activism is playing in shaping Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
As economic and social challenges continue to affect communities, stakeholders at the awards stressed the importance of empowering entrepreneurs, supporting local initiatives, and strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors to achieve sustainable national development.
For many attendees, the awards symbolised a shift towards recognising that meaningful transformation is driven not only by institutions but also by ordinary citizens and community organisations working directly with vulnerable groups at the grassroots level.
