MARONDERA – The highly anticipated second edition of the Dungwiza Community Trailblazers Awards (DCTA), originally scheduled to take place today, Friday 29 May 2026, has been postponed until June following critical feedback from community partners.

Organisers of the prestigious event announced the abrupt delay early Friday morning, citing a strategic decision to avoid compromise and protect the overall quality of the ceremony.

In a statement released to stakeholders, the DCTA Organising Committee emphasised that proceeding with the original date would have resulted in “cutting corners” on the guest experience and limited the participation of key regional stakeholders.

“The brief pause protects the value of what our stakeholders paid for,” the committee stated, promising that a rescheduled event in June will deliver the world-class standard originally guaranteed to the community.

Addressing potential corporate anxieties regarding financial risk, the organisers took the unusual step of publicly guaranteeing the absolute security of all ticket and table revenues. According to the committee, all financial transactions are currently locked in a dedicated, untouched awards project account, legally earmarked strictly for the ceremony.

“The postponement doesn’t change ownership — your money remains safe and untouched,” the statement read, reassuring stakeholders that no operational funds have been spent outside direct event logistics.

To manage the fallout from the last-minute scheduling shift, organisers announced that all existing corporate table bookings will automatically roll over to the unconfirmed June date. As an incentive for patience, early-booking stakeholders have been promised premium priority seating and exclusive first access to the revised itinerary.

The awards, which draw heavy participation from prominent regional bodies including various agricultural and industrial giants, are intended to honour trailblazing leaders across various socioeconomic sectors.

The organising committee extended an apology for the logistical disruptions caused by the delay but maintained that a high-calibre execution outweighs a rushed event. A finalised date and an upgraded official programme are expected to be made public soon, whilst organisers confirmed that table bookings remain open for prospective corporate partners.

MARONDERA is bracing for a high-profile cultural convergence as the second edition of the Dungwiza Community Trailblazers Awards (DCTA) prepares to roll out the red carpet this Friday at 6:00 PM at the premier Hope Fay Hotel and Conference Centre, located in the central business district .

Tickets and corporate tables are available directly through the Zim Community News Organising Desk by calling Cell 0776963414.

Organisers have confirmed a stellar nominee list headlined by ZimDancehall powerhouse Master H, alongside visionary leaders like Mutoko South MP Isaac Tasikani and spiritual leader Madzibaba Simba among others.

The Guest of Honour, Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti, tops the VVIP guest list for the prestigious gala.

Operating as a crucial regional offshoot of the national Zim Community Trailblazers Awards (ZCTA), the DCTA is explicitly designed to transition from a local talent showcase into a premium, high-impact regional development catalyst.

The official theme for this year’s landmark event is “Celebrating Our Trailblazers: Driving Growth in Chitungwiza and Mashonaland East.”

Awards CEO Albert Masaka stated that the ceremony is a deliberate intervention to merge corporate interest with cultural capital to support national development goals.

“By shifting the venue to the provincial capital of Mashonaland East, Marondera, we are leveraging the lucrative economic corridor that directly links Chitungwiza’s high-engagement urban demographic and technical talent with the immense corporate, agricultural, and administrative wealth of Mashonaland East,” Masaka said.

He explained that Mashonaland East is the heartbeat of Zimbabwe’s agriculture and a rising hub for industry.

“By bringing these awards here, we are acknowledging that Chitungwiza’s success is tied to the province’s growth,” Masaka added.

He noted that they are creating a platform where provincial leadership and local innovators work as one team to solve local socio-economic challenges.

The high-profile event will honour 60 community trailblazers, drawing an influential audience of political stakeholders, agricultural executives, industry captains, and local youth.

All attending delegates and guests will be treated to a premium three-course buffet dinner alongside an assortment of beverages.

The centerpiece of this year’s regional development strategy is the “Value Chain” initiative.

This programme connects Chitungwiza’s digital experts and industrial fabricators directly with large-scale farms and livestock producers in Mashonaland East.

“Our goal is to make sure the province’s resources are processed and managed by the province’s own talent,” Masaka emphasized.

He explained that they are bridging the gap between urban hustle and rural productivity to create jobs and wealth right inside Mashonaland East.

“By backing the 2026 DCTA gala, corporate investors are not just buying logo placement—they are securing prime media real estate, driving corporate social responsibility (CSR) metrics, and embedding their brands into the economic ecosystem driving Zimbabwe’s future,” Masaka concluded.

Sponsors aligning with the DCTA brand connect with an established network of excellence.

Past editions have honoured blue-chip civic entities and cultural icons including the Marondera Rural District Council and the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC).

Previous ceremonies have also celebrated sungura musician Alick Macheso, dancehall artist Dhadza D, and media practitioners Muchaneta Chimuka, Gilbert Munetsi, Yeukai Karengezeka, Philemon Jambaya, and Langton Nyakwenda.

Given the prestigious nature of this event and the high-profile guest list, organizers encourage early reservation to ensure delegations, stakeholders, and family members are seated together.

The final payment deadline for all bookings is Friday, 22 May 2026.

All payments should be processed through AFC Bank, Kopje Branch, under the company name Perfection Media Private Limited.

Sponsors can use the USD Account Number 1044880615702 or the ZiG Account Number 1044880615701 to settle their accounts.

Reservation packages cater to various investment levels, starting with the Individual VIP Seat at $150 USD which includes full dinner and drinks while the ultimate hospitality option is the Platinum Table for ten at $6 000 USD, granting organisations a VVIP table shared directly with the Guest of Honour.

This top-tier package also provides a 10-minute keynote speech opportunity and a dedicated media crew to capture the entire evening.

KWEKWE —Goldridge Schools received the night’s most coveted academic honour: The Academic Excellence & Impact Award at the prestigious Midlands Community Trailblazers awards held last Friday, 27 March 2026.

The Midlands province celebrated its most iconic institutions in a momentous occasion that underscored decades of dedication.

The MCTA, themed “Harvesting Excellence: Celebrating Community Champions,” celebrated the region’s top performers, where the organisers hailed Goldridge not just as a school, but as a “Beacon of Excellence” for the entirety of Zimbabwe.

A Masterclass in Performance

The evening reached a true crescendo as the Goldridge School Band took to the stage, captivating the audience with a sophisticated and polished repertoire that transcended traditional student recitals.

Sharing the stage with local music giants Black Umfolosi and gospel singer Flame B, THE young musicians provided a stunning live demonstration of the school’s holistic approach to education, proving that artistic mastery is held in the same high regard as scientific enquiry.

Their performance was a melodic testament to the school’s core mission: nurturing every child’s unique potential through a balanced intellectual, spiritual, and physical curriculum.

As the final notes echoed through the hall, it was clear that Goldridge does not just teach students to follow scores—it teaches them to lead them with confidence and grace.

The band’s presence served as a reminder that the school’s “Gold Standard” applies to every stage, whether it be a laboratory or a concert hall.

Unrivalled Academic & Sporting Prowess

When the time came for the main honours, the awards adjudication panel was effusive in its praise. They cited Goldridge’s remarkable transformation into a world-class powerhouse, noting that the institution has consistently moved beyond regional benchmarks to compete on the global stage.

The panel highlighted several key pillars of this success:

• Academic Dominance: The school maintains a staggering 95% A-Level pass rate. Special mention was made of Tinotenda Makunde’s historic 20-point achievement and Ilhaam Esat’s incredible 10 A-grades at IGCSE, both of whom have set a new national standard for academic discipline.
• Global Sporting Impact: The school’s athletic department was lauded for its “Midas touch” in talent identification. The institution was specifically praised for producing Ropafadzo Mzondo, currently ranked 1st globally in the U18 Men’s 200M—a feat that has put the Midlands on the international map and inspired a new generation of Zimbabwean sprinters.
• Elite Alumni Legacy: The induction celebrated the enduring legacy of the “Armoured Knights”—alumni like Bridget Dube and Trevor Rukwava. These trailblazers continue to lead with distinction across global professional sectors, from medicine and engineering to international finance, proving that a Goldridge education is a lifelong passport to success.

Leadership for the Future

In addition to the main prize, Goldridge also secured “Highly Commended” certificates in the Community Social Responsibility and Environmental Stewardship categories, further highlighting their commitment to a better Zimbabwe. Accepting the accolades, the school’s leadership reaffirmed their commitment to the “Goldridge Way”—a philosophy rooted in the belief that every student is a trailblazer in waiting.

“This recognition is not just for the school, but for the parents, teachers, and students who believe that limits only exist if you allow them to,” remarked the School Head during an emotional acceptance speech. “We are dedicated to refining our curriculum to meet the demands of the fourth industrial revolution while keeping our spiritual values intact.”

“Goldridge Schools has proven that excellence is not an act, but a habit,” added Albert Masaka, ZCTA CEO, during his keynote address. “Their leadership within the Midlands and their contribution to the national educational fabric is immense. They set the gold standard for what modern African education should look like.”

As the gala drew to a close, the consensus was unanimous. Goldridge Schools remains the undisputed crown jewel of the Midlands, blending traditional values with a forward-thinking, global perspective. The “Armoured Knights” continue to charge forward, proving that their legacy is not just about past victories, but about a relentless pursuit of a brilliant future.