Zim Community Trailblazers Awards
LEGACY OF BRILLIANCE: Goldridge Schools shines at Midlands Community Trailblazers Awards
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.
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
Nominations for the fifth edition of Zimbabwe’s most prestigious community awards, the Zim Community Trailblazers Awards 2024 (ZCTA), will be open from today, Tuesday 2 July 2024 and are closing on 31 November 2024.
The awards, which are aimed at recognising and honouring outstanding achievements within our diverse communities, are a solution-based initiative from Perfection Media (Pvt) Ltd.
The prestigious event is set for Friday 31 January 2025 at the Harare International Conference Centre.
- Tourism and Hospitality
- 1. Distinguished Tourism Association
- 2. Distinguished Hotel Brand
- 3. Distinguished Airline Partner
- 4. Outstanding Luxury Airport Lounge
- 5. Outstanding Luxury Cruise Liner
- 6. Outstanding Tourism Industry Professional
- 7. Outstanding Tourism Reporter
- Agriculture
- 8. Distinguished Agriculture Inputs Producer
- 9. Outstanding Agriculture Empowerment Project
- 10. Outstanding Small Scale Farmer
- 11. Outstanding Agriculture Reporter
- Wildlife
- 12. Outstanding Safari Operator
- 13. Outstanding Wildlife Conservation Project
- Health Sector
- 14. Distinguished Medical Centre
- 15. Distinguished Health Champion
- 16. Outstanding Pharmaceutical company
- 17. Outstanding Health Reporter
- Education
- 18. Distinguished Higher and Tertiary Education Institute
- 19. Outstanding Tertiary Education Technology Hub
- 20. Outstanding High School
- 21. Outstanding Educationist
- 22. Outstanding Education Reporter
- Mining
- 23. Distinguished Miner
- 24. Outstanding Mining Empowerment Project
- 25. Outstanding Mining Reporter
- Service Delivery
- 26. Outstanding Urban Municipality
- 27. Outstanding Rural District Council
- Business
- 28. Distinguished Real Estate company
- 29. Distinguished Businessman
- 30. Distinguished Clean Energy Champion
- 31. Distinguished Telecommunications Company
- 32. Businessman of the Year
- 33. Outstanding Construction Company
- 34. Outstanding Business Couple
- 35. Outstanding Business Reporter
- Community Champions
- 36. Distinguished Disability Advocacy Champion
- 37. Distinguished Social Entrepreneur
- 38. Distinguished Community Leader
- 39. Distinguished humanitarian organisation
- 40. Outstanding Anti-Drugs Fight Champion
- 41. Outstanding Environment Champion
- 42. Diaspora Community Champion
- Media Awards
- 43. Distinguished Media Association
- 44. Distinguished Media Company
- Sport
- 45. Distinguished sportsperson
- 46. Outstanding National Sports Team
- 47. Team of the Year
- Arts
- 48. Outstanding Literary Work
- 49. Arts Promotion Champion
- 50. Outstanding Musician
- People’s Choice Award
Eligibility
All trailblazing Zimbabwean individuals, organisations and partners from our local and the Diaspora communities are invited to submit entries for the biggest awards ceremony in the country.
Entries
Potential awardees for the individual awards will present direct entries with their profiles and brief citations demonstrating why their work should be honoured in their chosen category/ies.
Individuals can submit a maximum of one entry/portfolio per category.
Entries are to be submitted by emailing to: zctanominations@gmail.com
Further Enquiries: Cell 0776 963414
Note: The selection panel will highly consider how each nominees’ trailblazing work has positively impacted the community.
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