Zim Community Trailblazers Awards
Dr Peta: First Zim to obtain Disability Studies PhD
Dr. Peta negotiates the complexities of the multilayered and multidimensional disability and development terrain with remarkable empathy, passion, humility, flexibility, expertise and determination
Dr Christine Peta raised the flag of Zimbabwe high by becoming the first Zimbabwean to obtain a PhD in Disability Studies, and the third person on the Continent of Africa to obtain such a qualification.
Dr Peta returned to Zimbabwe from the diaspora in 2018, under a Government of Zimbabwe-UNICEF partnership, to lead the process of making the first National Disability Policy of Zimbabwe, thus contributing greatly towards providing a clear roadmap for disability practice in the country.
A world-renowned disability, policy, research and international development expert, Dr Peta has a heart for disability issues, which dates back to her childhood years.
She has given her life to serving persons with disabilities in both rural and urban areas, including in difficult circumstances such as the 2019 Cyclone Idai period and the COVID-19 period which started when the “virus” arrived in Zimbabwe in March 2020.
During both the Cyclone Idai and COVID-19 periods, Dr. Peta put the needs and concerns of persons with disabilities ahead of hers, in scenarios where she directly interacted and assisted affected persons, including at grassroots level.
She also works to enhance the health and wellbeing of people who acquire disabilities because of landmines, which were planted by colonial forces during the war of liberation.
There is evidence that Dr. Peta negotiates the complexities of the multilayered and multidimensional disability and development terrain with remarkable empathy, passion, humility, flexibility, expertise and determination.
In championing the rights of persons with disabilities, Dr. Peta persistently talks about disability issues – on radio, television, in print media, on social media, on the phone and through one-on-one interaction with others.
She has written a book, book chapters and papers that have been published in scientific journals and that are being used as learning resources, including in universities throughout the world. Dr. Peta is a writer for the Sunday Mail, which publishes her disability articles every week.
Clad with humbleness and adjustability, one can find Dr. Peta sitting under a tree talking to women and children with disabilities or landmine victims with disabilities in a rural community, or making a presentation in a city boardroom with high level executives, or participating in international dialogue on disability rights in the main auditorium of the UN headquarters in New York.
Dr Peta later became the first substantive National Director of Disability Affairs, a position that was created by the Disabled Persons Act (Chapter 17:01) of 1992, but which had been vacant for 28 years, due to lack of the required expertise.
Peta has contributed greatly towards the whole of government and whole of society approach on disability issues, thus fostering closer and orderly tripartite relations between 1) government, 2) organizations of persons with disabilities, and 3) international development partners that include UN Agencies, CBM Global, CBM International and Sight Savers among others. She has been instrumental in creating a place of convergence for all disability actors.
In the SADC region, Dr. Peta works closely with the African Union (AU) Southern Africa Youth Council-Disability Chapter, which is headed by a fellow Zimbabwean with disability, Ambassador Nyasha Nhau, and which focuses on enhancing the wellbeing of SADC youth with disabilities by using a twin-track approach of mainstreaming disability in various thematic areas as well as establishing targeted disability projects.
She is also the:
Chairperson of the State Service Disablement Benefits Board under the State Service (Disability Benefits) Act (Chapter 16:05),
Ex-officio member of the National Disability Board under the Disabled Persons Act (Chapter 17:01).
Chairperson of the National Technical Committee on Disability Inclusion which comprises representatives from all government ministries, organizations of persons with disabilities and development partners that include UN agencies.
Co-chairperson of the “Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Persons with Disabilities Thematic Working Group” under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy II
Co-chairperson of the National Technical Working Group on Disability and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), gender-based violence (GBV), HIV/AIDS and harmful practices (HP),Focal person of the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD).
The Zim Community Trailblazers Awards (ZCTA) recently inducted 15 outstanding past awardees into its Hall of Fame at the fifth edition of the prestigious community awards in Zimbabwe.
The ceremony, held at the Harare International Conference Centre on January 31, was officiated by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere.
The ZCTA recognises and celebrates individuals and organisations making a profound impact in their communities.
According to Albert Masaka, one of the event organisers, the ZCTA Hall of Fame aims to celebrate excellence, foster community engagement, and drive positive change.
Future Plans for the ZCTA Hall of Fame
Mentorship Programme: Pairing Hall of Fame inductees with emerging leaders or young individuals for regular mentorship sessions.
Community Engagement: Inviting Hall of Fame inductees to lead or participate in community projects, bringing together inductees, community members, and stakeholders to tackle pressing community issues.
Knowledge Sharing: Creating a digital archive or publication featuring the stories, experiences, and lessons learned from Hall of Fame inductees, hosting talks, webinars, or online courses featuring inductees as speakers.
Recognition and Celebration: Creating a physical or virtual exhibition showcasing the achievements, contributions, and stories of Hall of Fame inductees, hosting an annual induction ceremony to induct new members.
Capacity Building: Offering training and capacity-building programs for inductees, facilitating connections between inductees to provide access to resources, networks, and opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Community Impact: Conducting regular assessments to measure the impact of Hall of Fame inductees on their communities, supporting and amplifying community initiatives led by Hall of Fame inductees.
The ZCTA Hall of Fame is expected to increase recognition and celebration of exceptional community leaders and organizations, foster community engagement and collaboration, drive positive change, and provide a platform for community leaders to share their stories and experiences ¹.
The Big 15 Hall of Fame inductees
ZCTA 2024
Hall of Fame
1. Pastor Dr Ruth Musarurwa
2. Dr. Nigel Chanakira
3. Dr. Solomon Guramatunhu
4. Prophet Effort V. Maphosa
5. Dr .Johannes Marisa
6. Mr/s Isaiah and Tsitsi Musabayana
7. Black Umfolosi
8. Pastor Dr Daisy Mukariri
9. Minister Michael Mahendere
10 . Kidzcan
11. Dr Edzai Kachirekwa
12 Zimpapers
13. Radio Zimbabwe
14. Mutare City Council
15. Zodwa Mkandla
Harare – The Zim Community Trailblazers Awards (ZCTA) has announced a comprehensive strategy that focuses on inclusive partnerships as it celebrates the fifth edition of the prestigious community awards ceremony.
The strategy, aimed at promoting excellence and community development in Zimbabwe, is built around 11 key pillars: commitment to the awards’ mission and vision, inclusive media partnership, innovation, unique selling proposition, strong relationships, robust brand identity, industry analysis, collaboration, quality and excellence, online presence, and audience engagement.
“As we celebrate our fifth edition, we remain committed to our mission and vision,” said Meshia Mambo, ZCTA spokesperson.
The prestigious community awards’ mission is to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements and contributions to community development, social responsibility, and excellence in Zimbabwe. The awards’ vision is to be the premier awards ceremony in Zimbabwe, renowned for recognising and celebrating excellence, innovation, and community development.
The ZCTA board led by Dr. Nigel Chanakira, a renowned business mentor and philanthropist, has been instrumental in shaping the awards’ vision and mission. Its leadership has been pivotal in promoting excellence and community development in Zimbabwe.
Respected medical practitioner Dr Johaness Marisa and Tinashe Nyahwema are the other board members including shareholders Albert Masaka and Tariro Masunda.
“We are pleased to announce that West View Clinics and Westview Group of Schools and Ekenia Chifamba from Shamwari Ye Mwanasikana have come on board to sponsor some categories,” said Meshia Mambo. “We are grateful for their support and call upon more sponsors to partner with us in celebrating excellence and community development in Zimbabwe.”
The ZCTA seeks to foster strong relationships with stakeholders, including nominees, winners, sponsors, and partners. This will enable the awards to continue promoting community development, social responsibility, and excellence in Zimbabwe.
The Zim Community Trailblazers Awards is a prestigious awards ceremony that aims to promote community development, social responsibility, and excellence in Zimbabwe. The awards are open to individuals and organizations from all sectors, including business, sports, education, entertainment, healthcare, and non-profit, among others.
By ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
PREPARATIONS for the prestigious Zim Community Trailblazers fifth edition grand celebrations are at an advanced stage with the organisers calling for more mutually beneficial partnerships.
The coveted awards honour and celebrate trailblazing individuals and organisations who have made significant contributions to Zimbabwe’s development are set to be held at the HICC on Friday 31 January 2025 under the theme “Promoting a legacy of excellence in our communities.
An organiser, Albert Masaka has announced that they were also going to commemorate the trailblazing achievements of past winners.
“The great thing is that our awards will be held in a celebratory mood as this is our fifth ceremony.”
“We are receiving nominations that can win an award anytime and anywhere, from nominees who have a pioneering mentality, a way of visualizing paths that don’t exist and are blazing new trails .”
“In that light, we call on stakeholders to come and partner with us financially or in kind to make this event a memorable one for everyone.
“At the moment we can’t divulge much but we are going to honour deserving winners in the coming edition, and plans are in place for our trailblazers who have won in the past.
Masaka added that they have slashed the categories to be won by more than half and this has resulted in an improvement in the quality of nominations.
He added that it was their custom to provide strategic win-win partnerships with their partners.
In a trailblazing rise, the awards that are led by a board chaired by Dr Nigel Chanakira began as a virtual event during the Covid 19 era have grown in status and appeal.
SOME OF THE NOTABLE PAST WINNERS
Church leaders: Pastor Dr Ruth Musarurwa, Pastor Bonnie Deuschle, Prophet Effort Vakai Maphosa
Businessmen: Dr Nigel Chanakira, Ken Sharpe, Dr Phillip Chiyangwa, Zodwa Mkandla, Beven Makaka, Edzai Kachirekwa, Lincoln Masiyenyama
CEOs: Pikirayi Deketeke, Dr Christine Peta
Politicians: Temba Mliswa
Medical Practitioners: Dr Vivek Solanki, Dr Solomon Guramatunhu, Dr Johannes Marisa, Seasons Pharmaceuticals.
Organisations: Higher Life, Red Cross Zimbabwe, Inner City Mission, Bright Daisies
Sports: Sikandar Razah, Dynamos, Shihan Muripo, Charles Manyuchi, Andie Kuipers, Zim Women U21 (Hockey)
Artists: Charles and Olivia Charamba, Mechanic Manyeruke, Minister Michael Mahendere, Black Umfolosi, Jesesi Mungoshi, Madam Boss, Flame B, B, Rev Chivaviro, Albert Nyathi, Nutty O, Kenny Gamble, Lewis and Tau Ngara, Chaka Ngwenya, Collette Manny.
Journalists: Guthrie Munyuki, Victoria Ruzvidzo, Kholwani Nyathi, Faith Zaba, Robson Sharuko, Charles Mabika, Moses Mugugunyeki, Terrance Mapurisana, Wadzanayi Mhombera, Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi, Abigail Tembo, Michael Gwarisa, Catherine Murombedzi
Philanthropists: Liane Lombard, Brenda Mudzimu, Fayaz Rahman, Bhuran Weston, Sylvia Sanyanga, Daisy Mukariri, Ruvarashe Masarakufa, Nyasha Nhau
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