ZIMSPHERE
MUTARE – Glitz and glamour marked the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Manicaland Influential Women's Awards hosted at holiday Inn Mutare on the night of Saturday, 2 November, 2024. The event was held under the theme, 'Unlocking New Frontiers for Sustainable lndustrialization and Climate Smart Business Growth.' It was graced by the guest of honour and Minister of Women, Small to Medium Enterprises and Cooperatives Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, and Dr Susan Peters as the guest speaker.
The Holiday Inn Conference room was transformed into a befitting world stage, adorned with elegant glass vases complete with sublime flowery and roses to evoke a picturesque background for the fashionable guests, and all this thanks to Bouncy Bee Events. Photographers captured the winners' elation in time-frozen portraits with the smoothest percussionist on deck to play the event's melodies alongside the eloquent master of ceremonies Farai "Chayamaningi" Nzou—breathing life into Manicaland women's highest celebration.
Minister Mutsvangwa, in her key note address, revealed how happy she was to witness the celebration of women's milestones in the province.
“The time to be distant from the elected government officials has come to an end, under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. As business women you must engage with the local leadership so that you get the best result for yourself through working together as doing the contrary will be a disservice to yourself,” she said.
“In business, politics and matrimony just as in life itself, we must never quit. There is a lot happening in the province and a lot that can assist the women, the youth and smaller businesses are part of the beneficiation and value addition.
“This event is an important milestone for women in the province and I am glad to be part of these glorious celebrations uplifting my fellow community members. As women, we must carry each other forward through mentorship programmes so that we rise together.”
The Minister of Provincial and Devolution Affairs for Manicaland Misheck Mugadza also emphasized the importance of diversification and Innovation for women to grow their business. “As we honour our achievement success is not a solo endeavour but it is a result of collaborations, teamwork and support,” Mugadza said.
The guest of honour’s husband and Zanu PF politburo spokesperson and businessman Christoper Mutsvangwa added, “The destabilization of the nation has drastically affected the Mutare region. It is sad that people here in Mutare import their things through Durban, the container eats fuel about a thousand dollars from China then to Durban so much that by the time it gets to Zimbabwe its four thousand dollars for products.
“You can’t compete, yet you are only 300 kilometers from Beira thus presenting the injustice. But thanks to President ED Mnangagwa in the last four years he has dramatically changed fortunes with a particular focus on Mutare becoming the Eastern gateway to the sea. So he has christened the great logistics corridor which passes through Mutare, back to Beira.”
The crème de la crème of Manicaland's businesswomen vowed to follow Monia Mutsvangwa's advice and visionary insight as they gathered for the prestigious event—an event that honoured outstanding women who have made significant contributions to their respective industries and communities who were as follows:
Special Recognition: Dr. Susan Peters
The evening kicked off with a special recognition award presented to Dr. Susan Peters, acknowledged for her remarkable impact on the business landscape.
Women Icon: Racheal Mugwagwa and Judith Shadaya
Racheal Mugwagwa, a trailblazer in tourism and hospitality, and Judith Shadaya, a mining industry pioneer, were crowned Women Icons.
Visionary Women Executive Award
ZRP Commissioner Elizabeth Phiri, ZPCS Commissioner Spetosomusa Chinobva, and Christine Nyatoti, Regional Head of Telone, received the Visionary Women Executive Award for their exceptional leadership.
Women in Academia Excellence Award
Poniso Watema from Mutare Polytechnic College and Sophie Munjoma from Marymount Teachers College were recognized for their outstanding contributions to education.
Empowered Woman Resilience Award
Alma Nzuzu Chipere, Nomsa Chiadzwa-Chave, and Oppah Chikoka demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, earning them the Empowered Woman Resilience Award.
Innovative Retail Entrepreneur Award
LP Masamvu Retail and Wholesalers took home the top prize, with Patience Puwai and Loveness Matabuka-Madera as runners-up.
Women in Agri-Business Leadership Award
Christina Taranhike from Integral Kumusha was awarded for her exceptional leadership in agri-business, followed closely by Naume Marufiya and Johannah Mwaurayeni.
Women in Tourism Leadership Award
Maggie Mwadiwa from Metlux Enterprises/Valley Lodges and Conference, Rutendo Mugadza-Mugwagwa from Skyview Hotel, and Audrey Mutyamaenza from Enopat Hotel were recognized for their outstanding contributions to tourism.
Outstanding Achievement in Banking Award
AFC Bank's Vanessa Dzvairo, CBZ Bank's Portia Dingu, and Stanbic Bank's Patience Matizha were honored for their exceptional work in banking.
Women in Manufacturing and Construction Awards
Dr. Thokozile Chitepo and Ellen Masocha excelled in manufacturing, while Chipo Saungweme Nunjoma and Tinotenda Maruni led the way in construction.
Women Innovation Award
Tapiwa Marahwa from Eastern Diva took home the innovation award, with Ruvimbo Matipano and Tandiwe Nyakupinda as runners-up.
Women in Arts and Culture Awards
Dorcas Moyo, Caroline Chidzikwe, and Cloris Machuwaire were recognized for their talents in music, while Beauty Dorothy Hughes, Tariro P, and Jackie Alimahomed excelled in crafts and confectionary.
Women of the Year: Greater Mutematsaka
Greater Mutematsaka from Geemax Angelique Events Hub was crowned Woman of the Year, capping off an incredible evening of celebration.
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