Tiyani Hahlani
Centre News Hub
Sandton- When Regina Munyamani stepped onto the stage at the Icons of Africa 2026 Awards in South Africa, she carried more than just an accolade.
She carried the hopes of communities she has served, the voices of vulnerable youths she has mentored, and a vision of African development shaped from the grassroots.
The award, presented at the Sandton Hotel under the theme “One Nation. Many Leaders. Limitless Impact,” honoured Munyamani for her outstanding contribution to grassroots development and anti-drug abuse initiatives.
The event brought together dignitaries, policymakers, and civic leaders from across the continent, with Zimbabwe’s Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavhima, presiding as guest of honour.
“This award has come as a personal tribute and fight to the late sons and daughters of this continent and beyond.”
“It means we are doing something and getting recognition for it,” says Munyamani.
As chairperson of the Community Action Group for Economic Growth (CAGEG), Munyamani has dedicated herself to raising awareness of social and environmental issues while empowering young people to overcome adversity.
From afforestation initiatives to workshops on substance abuse, her organisation has become a beacon of hope in Masvingo Province, shaping a new narrative of community responsibility and resilience.
“The greatest achievement can only be in the voice that has been given traction.”
“A voice that has been heard as a trumpet call to rally behind a lonely voice. I have shared platforms with government officials, civic groups, lawmakers, and policymakers. All these doors are often closed to a voice crying out in the wilderness, but I am glad to say that bureaucracy has not red-tapped my journey. My voice is now loud. A chance has been given abundantly,” she said.
Munyamani also acknowledges the challenges she has faced as a woman leader.
“Without any doubt, the biggest challenges I faced would be logistical, the doubt associated with it, and the usual stereotyping. Starting from scratch, these have starved the financial capacity of the initiative. But bravely enough, we managed to rise to the surface. Through self-means, resilience, and sheer will, we turned lemons into lemonade. As a leader, just like a lioness, I now understand that I have to hunt to feed the pride,” she said.
Her work has not only focused on combating social ills but also on promoting environmental consciousness.
“Our work is shaping out or telling a new story of hope and of getting back to the foundations, the principles in our language, Ubuntu. We have shown young people that life is around our environment; if we contaminate it, it’s on us. Let’s rally behind wildlife and vegetation conservation because that is the only true good and green we can do. Financial constraints should not hinder humankind’s progress, so we make do with what we have and seek out what we don’t.”
The award in South Africa is Munyamani’s latest recognition after a string of honours in Zimbabwe, including the Harare Excellence and Business Awards, further cementing her status as one of Africa’s leading community advocates.
Yet, for her, the accolades are never personal victories but a call to action.
“The world is one big puzzle, and we just have to find that missing piece and realise that every one of us has a role to play. This is why our president said, ‘Leaving no place and no one behind.’ It’s a global call for the world to fight demons as one and celebrate achievements as one.”
For aspiring women leaders, her journey offers a powerful lesson: leadership and impact are built through courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to community.
As Munyamani continues to champion grassroots development, her story stands as a testament to the transformative power of women’s leadership in shaping Africa’s future.
