Zim Community Trailblazers Awards

ZCTA re-engineers Zim’s corporate, grassroots development ecosystem

What began in the dark isolation of a global pandemic proved once and for all that our greatest asset is not buried in our mineral-rich soils—it is alive in the hearts of our people.

Published

16 hours ago

October 7, 2026

Editor

THE digital screen flickered in January 2021, casting a cold blue glow across a small room in Eastlea low density suburb in Harare silenced by the heavy shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. Outside, the streets were empty. Physical gatherings had stopped, fear was a palpable weight in the air, and a quiet isolation threatened to break the Zimbabwe’s social fabric. Yet, it was precisely inside this vacuum of despair that a bold, defiance-driven idea took root.

Albert Masaka, a veteran publisher at Zim Community News, refused to let the quiet resilience of ordinary citizens go unnoticed. He envisioned a virtual stage to honour the invisible forces keeping society glued together. Recruiting Tariro Masunda, a sharp, tech-savvy young journalist capable of breathing digital life into the vision, the duo and six interns successfully launched a live broadcast on Facebook. It was the inaugural Zim Community News Awards.

It was a modest online event, but it carried an enormous heartbeat. The stream seamlessly juxtaposed legendary corporate titans like telecommunications mogul Strive Masiyiwa, Dr Nigel Chanakira, and Dr Philip Chiyangwa alongside faith-based laeders like Pastor Ruth Musarurwa and completely unseen heroes—the frontline doctors, rural teachers, church leaders, and youth organisers who risked everything during humanity’s darkest hour.

Little did the locked-down viewers know that this pixelated broadcast would ignite a sweeping national movement. Today, that digital spark has evolved into the prestigious Zim Community Trailblazers Awards (ZCTA), fundamentally shifting how corporate Zimbabwe invests in grassroots excellence.

From Pixel to Podium: The Red Carpet Awakening

The overwhelming success of that maiden virtual ceremony exposed a deep sociological truth: people craved recognition for honest, authentic, grassroots hard work.

Encouraged by the public responses, Masaka and his young team at Perfection Media moved quickly to institutionalise the initiative.

They were quick to set up a powerhouse advisory leadership board, appointing Dr Nigel Chanakira as the ZCTA board chairperson, with prominent medical practitioner Prof, Johannes Marisa and corporate strategist Tinashe Nyahwema steering institutional governance.

By its second and third editions, the awards underwent an explosive metamorphosis to physical red-carpet galas. Held at the iconic Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), these ceremonies turned into high-stakes convergence zones.

Influential government ministers—including Monica Mutsvangwa, Kindness Paradza, and Dr Jenfan Muswere Dr Torerai Moyo—rubbed shoulders with visionary corporate executives like Ken Sharpe, media heavyweights like Pikirayi Deketeke, and public enterprises such as the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).

Spiritual and cultural icons, including musical minister Michael Mahendere, graced the stage, unifying the evenings under a powerful battle cry: “Celebrating Zimbabwe’s Success Through our Diversity.”

In shattering the myth that excellence belongs exclusively to elite boardrooms in the capital the ZCTA proved that innovation thrives in the dust of deep rural outposts, and remote manufacturing hubs.

The Metamorphosis into ZCTA: Institutional Rigour

As the initiative matured, its operational scope outgrew the boundaries of a traditional media-inspired ceremony. The honorees were no longer just news subjects; they were true pioneers carving out economic paths under tough global conditions.

The event underwent a powerful structural rebrand, emerging as the Zim Community Trailblazers Awards (ZCTA).

This was far more than a cosmetic facelift. The rebrand introduced permanent systems designed for legacy-building and strict corporate alignment:

The ZCTA Hall of Fame: A permanent legacy wing was created to honour lifelong titans across sports, arts, business, health, and community development. Early inductees included medical pioneer Dr Vivek Solanki and international cricket star Sikandar Raza, giving young Zimbabweans visible, living benchmarks of absolute excellence.
Honorary Independent Tracking: The criteria evolved to protect the platform’s integrity. Highest-tier categories became strictly honorary, bypassing self-nominations. Instead, an independent tracking desk was set up to surface unheralded local heroes who would otherwise never seek the spotlight.
Auditing True Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): The ZCTA began measuring corporate social initiatives based on real community transformation rather than public relations budgets. A prime example was telecommunications giant NetOne, which won widespread praise for its highly targeted initiative delivering specialised sunscreen lotions to vulnerable albino communities in remote, rural areas.

Decentralizing the Dream: Regional Devolution Ecosystems

A national movement cannot remain trapped in the capital city. The defining chapter of the ZCTA’s rapid rise has been its aggressive decentralisation drive across Zimbabwe’s provinces. Under Albert Masaka’s leadership, the ZCTA realised that localised challenges require localised auditing, validation, and celebration.

Blueprints have been successfully rolled out into regional clusters. Highly targeted offshoots like the Dungwiza Community Trailblazers Awards took over Chitungwiza and Mashonaland East, while the massive Midlands Community Trailblazers Awards (MCTA) shook Kwekwe under the heritage-focused theme “Harvesting Excellence: Celebrating Community Champions of Midlands’ Rich Heritage.”

These regional pushbacks succeeded due to direct endorsements from Provincial Ministers of State, including Honourable Owen Ncube (Midlands), Honourable Ezra Chadzamira (Masvingo), and Advocate Itayi Ndudzo.

These provincial playbooks function as data-driven socio-economic audits. For example, the Masvingo Community Trailblazers Awards, hosted at the Urban Lifestyles Hotel, partnered directly with provincial development offices to map indigenous economic solutions.

By profiling top regional economic actors—such as the City of Masvingo and Bikita Minerals mine—the ZCTA compiles these milestones into a premium, post-event Investor Digest.

This digest is handed directly to the Permanent Secretary for Devolution, Prof. Addmore Pazvakavambwa, creating a permanent, clean baseline to attract development and track capital inflows. It turns the second republic’s national philosophy—“Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”—into empirical, undeniable reality.

Re-Engineering Corporate Sponsorship: The Value Proposition

To attract tier-1 financial institutions, mining houses, and international embassies, the ZCTA completely abandoned the outdated “feel-good awards dinner” pitch. Modern corporate sponsors no longer cut checks simply to see their brand logos displayed on a vinyl banner. Today, corporate capital flows into platforms that mitigate market risk, build real consumer intelligence, and offer concrete alignment with the National Development Strategy (NDS).

The ZCTA structures its partnership packages across five high-yield, data-driven pillars:

I. Market Intelligence Gateways

Major corporate entities frequently struggle to gather reliable, warm consumer insights in deep rural and provincial markets. The ZCTA positions its provincial chapters as structured B2B hubs. Sponsors don’t buy vanity space; they purchase secure, direct access to the top economic players, agricultural cooperatives, and high-net-worth individuals within that province, supported by an exclusive Provincial Market Insight Report built from verified nomination data.

II. The Devolution Asset

Large-scale corporations look favorably upon initiatives that tie directly into state devolution mandates. By securing active endorsements from the offices of Provincial Ministers, the ZCTA offers a secure environment for public-private collaboration. The event embeds a formal “Public-Private Dialogue” segment into its VIP dinners, allowing headline sponsors to host fireside panels with regional policymakers, placing the brand at the epicenter of national development.

III. Solutions Journalism Media Bundles

Traditional event sponsorships vanish the moment the lights turn off. Because Perfection Media owns established media assets like Zim Community News and Dungwiza News, they offer a year-long narrative footprint. Sponsors become “Socio-Economic Storytelling Partners.” If a commercial bank backs a specific youth or women’s empowerment category, Perfection Media produces deep-dive, solutions-journalism documentaries profiling the nominees, cementing the sponsor’s brand equity throughout the entire calendar year.

IV. Stratified Value-Driven Corporate Seating

The ZCTA replaced flat-rate ticketing with a highly competitive corporate table structure designed to drive networking and high-level deal-making:

Package Tier	Practical Value Proposition	Target Audience
VVIP Anchor Partner	Seating at the principal table with the Guest of Honor/Provincial Minister, an exclusive 5-minute keynote address slot, and direct category presentation branding rights.	Tier-1 Telecoms, Mining Houses, Major Embassies
Strategic Network Table	Premium layout placement adjacent to the VIP lounge, custom corporate backdrop, and a full-page feature within the official Investor Digest booklet.	Commercial Banks, State Universities, Public Enterprises
Community Builder Table	Standard corporate seating layout, inclusion in the general awards program index, and structured social media brand mentions.	Local SMEs, Growing NGOs, Progressive Municipalities

V. Auditable Adjudication Frameworks

Corporate compliance departments are highly risk-averse. To guarantee absolute brand safety, the ZCTA enforces strict institutional transparency. The awards utilise an independent, external adjudication panel comprising vetted legal experts, civil society leaders, and industry professionals. By publishing rigorous validation guidelines and maintaining a clean, verifiable audit trail of how every single “Trailblazer” is surfaced, corporate confidence is protected, unlocking serious corporate investment.

Conclusion: The Quiet Heartbeat of a Nation

As the final spotlights dim and the echoes of celebration fade into the Zimbabwean night, the true essence of the Zim Community Trailblazers Awards reveals itself. It is not found in the gleaming glass trophies, the crisp corporate handshakes, or the glamorous red carpets of our grandest arenas.

Instead, the heartbeat of the ZCTA lives in the quiet, dusty corners of our nation where headlines rarely reach. It lives in the sleepless dedication of the frontline healthcare worker in a remote clinic. These are the threads from which Zimbabwe’s true greatness is woven.

What began in the dark isolation of a global pandemic proved once and for all that our greatest asset is not buried in our mineral-rich soils—it is alive in the hearts of our people.

By unearthing this human gold, the ZCTA reminds us that no matter how steep the climb, a nation built by its own people, driven by love for its communities, can never be broken.

As we look forward to the next chapter of honouring our trailblazers, let us carry their light forward, knowing that the story of Zimbabwe’s triumph is being written by each and every one of us, one community at a time.

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Official Announcement: ZCTA 6th National Edition Call for Nominations

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Zim Community Trailblazers Awards

Official Announcement: ZCTA 6th National Edition Call for Nominations

Only the Elite 100 TRAILBLAZERS will be selected!!!

Published

1 day ago

October 6, 2026

Editor

The Zim Community Trailblazers Awards (ZCTA) officially announces the opening of nominations for its prestigious 6th National Edition. Moving under the national framework of NDS1/NDS2, Devolution, and Education 5.0, this premier platform identifies and honors the “human gold” driving Zimbabwe toward Vision 2030.

📌 Key Event Details

Event Metric	Official Details
Theme	Empowering the Future: Connecting Youth, Driving Digital Devolution, and Achieving Vision 2030 through Grassroots Impact
National Policies	NDS1 / NDS2
Launch Date	Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Grand Finale	Friday, 29 January 2027
Venue	Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), Harare
Executive Leadership	• CEO: Albert Masaka • Advisory Chair: Dr. Nigel Chanakira • Board Chair: Prof. Johannes Marisa

🛑 Critical Eligibility Policy: Who Should Respond?

⚠️ IMPORTANT PROVINCIAL RESTRICTION: To prevent duplication, this national call applies ONLY to individuals, corporates, and organizations from provinces where standalone regional awards ceremonies were NOT held this cycle.

✅ ELIGIBLE PROVINCES (Apply Now)

If your operations are based in the following provinces, THIS CALL IS FOR YOU:

Harare
Bulawayo
Manicaland
Mashonaland Central
Mashonaland West
Matabeleland North
Matabeleland South

❌ EXCLUDED PROVINCES (Do Not Re-Apply)

If you belong to the following regional chapters, DO NOT SUBMIT A NEW NOMINATION:

Midlands (MCTA – 190 Categories)
Masvingo (Elite 60)
Dungwiza / Chitungwiza & Mashonaland East (DCTA)

⚖️ Judging & Selection Architecture

300 Categories Opened for public nomination.
Only 100 Winners will be chosen to receive the ultimate national honor.
Selected winners will be officially profiled in the exclusive Elite 100 Investor Digest.

🏆 Complete National Nomination Categories (1 to 300)

Sector 1: ICT & Digital Devolution

Outstanding Youth in ICT – Connecting Youth Pillar
Outstanding Rural Digitalisation Champion – Growth Points
Outstanding Smart Council – E-Services
Outstanding E-Government Champion
Outstanding FinTech for Financial Inclusion
Outstanding AgriTech – Drones & AI for Food Security
Outstanding EdTech – Education 5.0
Outstanding HealthTech – Telemedicine
Outstanding AI & Emerging Tech Innovator
Outstanding Women in ICT
Outstanding Telecoms – Rural Coverage
Outstanding ISP – Community Connectivity
Outstanding Community Information Centre / Innovation Hub
Outstanding Software Development SME
Outstanding Digital Entrepreneur – Under 35
Outstanding ICT Training Institution / Coding School
Outstanding Cyber Security Champion
Outstanding E-Commerce Platform – Linking Farmers to Tourism
Outstanding Digital Media & Tourism Storytelling
Outstanding Content Creator Using ICT for Development
Outstanding Digital Devolution Champion – Ministry of ICT
Outstanding Digital Village Business Unit Enabler
Outstanding Digital Jobs Creator
Outstanding Assistive Tech – ICT for Persons with Disabilities
Outstanding ICT for Tourism
Outstanding ICT for Mining Safety & Mapping
Outstanding Digital Marketing Agency – Tourism Focus
Outstanding Fibre & Infrastructure Rollout Champion
Outstanding Digital Financial Literacy Champion
Outstanding Digital Devolution Youth Leader
Outstanding E-Learning Champion
Outstanding Digital Agriculture Marketplace
Outstanding Mobile App for Community Development
Outstanding Township Digital Economy Champion
Outstanding ICT CSR – Connecting the Unconnected

Sector 2: Tourism, Heritage, Hospitality & Water

Outstanding Domestic Tourism Promoter
Outstanding International Tourism Marketer – Forex Earner
Outstanding Hotel of the Year
Outstanding Lodge / Resort
Outstanding Tour Operator
Outstanding Tour Guide – Heritage Storyteller
Outstanding Community-Based Tourism Project
Outstanding Township Tourism Experience
Outstanding Cultural Heritage Champion
Outstanding Water Body Tourism
Outstanding Wildlife Conservation & Eco-Tourism
Outstanding Agri-Tourism Farm
Outstanding Mining Tourism
Outstanding Gastronomy Tourism – Traditional Foods
Outstanding Faith Tourism
Outstanding Festival / Carnival
Outstanding Travel Agency / Transport Tourism Enabler
Outstanding Chef / Hospitality Personality
Outstanding Tourism Training Institution
Outstanding Rural Homestay / Village Homestay
Outstanding MICE Tourism Promoter
Outstanding Tourism Innovation
Outstanding Tourism Photographer
Outstanding Safari Operator
Outstanding Tourism Investment Project – Community Benefit
Outstanding Youth in Tourism
Outstanding Women in Tourism
Outstanding Restaurant – Local Cuisine
Outstanding Smart Tourism Village – ICT Enabled
Outstanding Tourism & ICT Integration – Online Booking
Outstanding Tourism Ward Champion
Outstanding Heritage Site – Natural
Outstanding Heritage Site – Man-Made
Outstanding Tourism CSR / ESG Spend
Outstanding Tourism Legacy Award

Sector 3: Disability Sector

Outstanding Disability Affairs National Champion – Christine Peta Model
Outstanding Person with Disability – Business Leadership
Outstanding Person with Disability – Arts & Culture
Outstanding Person with Disability – Sports Champion
Outstanding Person with Disability – ICT & Innovation
Outstanding Person with Disability – Agriculture / Mining / Education
Outstanding Disability-Inclusive Employer – Private Sector
Outstanding Disability-Inclusive School / Tertiary Institution
Outstanding Assistive Technology Innovator
Outstanding Disability NGO / Organisation of Persons with Disabilities
Outstanding Disability Advocate – Rights & Policy
Outstanding Sign Language Champion / Braille / Interpreter
Outstanding Disability-Inclusive Tourism Facility
Outstanding Disability-Inclusive Health Service
Outstanding Parent / Caregiver of Persons with Disabilities
Outstanding Disability-Inclusive Council
Outstanding Disability-Inclusive Transport
Outstanding Disability Role Model
Outstanding Disability CSR
Outstanding Disability Champion in Energy / Service Delivery Sector

Sector 4: Gender Sector

Outstanding Women in Leadership
Outstanding Women in Business
Outstanding Women in Mining
Outstanding Women in ICT
Outstanding Women in Tourism
Outstanding Women in Agriculture
Outstanding Gender Equality Champion
Outstanding Girl Child Education Champion
Outstanding Women Empowerment NGO / CBO
Outstanding Women in Arts, Media & Film
Outstanding Women in Health
Outstanding GBV Prevention Champion / Victim Support
Outstanding Women in Devolution
Outstanding Young Woman Trailblazer
Outstanding Women in Cross-Border Trade
Outstanding Women in Disability Affairs
Outstanding Women in Sports / Sports Administration
Outstanding Women in Construction / Energy / Real Estate
Outstanding Women in Finance / Banking / Energy
Outstanding Women in Community Leadership

Sector 5: Mining Sectors

Outstanding Large Scale Miner of the Year
Outstanding Small Scale Miner of the Year
Outstanding Artisanal Miner Champion
Outstanding Women in Mining
Outstanding Young Miner
Outstanding Mining Innovation & Safety Champion
Outstanding Mining Equipment & Services Supplier
Outstanding Mining Community Development
Outstanding Lithium Champion
Outstanding Gold Champion
Outstanding Chrome / Platinum / Diamond Champion
Outstanding Coal / Energy Minerals Champion
Outstanding Mining Tourism Champion
Outstanding Mining Environmental Rehabilitation
Outstanding Mining Value Addition & Beneficiation
Outstanding Mining Investment
Outstanding Mining Cooperative / Association
Outstanding Mining Legal & Compliance Champion
Outstanding Mining Growth Point Linkage
Outstanding Mining Supplier – Female / Disability Led
Outstanding Mine Manager / Safety Officer
Outstanding Mining Education & Training Institution
Outstanding Mining Town – Kwekwe / Shurugwi / Zvishavane
Outstanding Mining CSR – Water & Schools
Outstanding Mining Export Earnings Champion

Sector 6: Education & Heritage-Based Innovation

Outstanding Primary School
Outstanding Secondary School
Outstanding Private School
Outstanding University / Tertiary Institution
Outstanding Vocational Training Center
Outstanding STEM Education Champion
Outstanding Innovation Hub Infrastructure – Education 5.0
Outstanding Heritage-Based Research Project
Outstanding Rural School Development Project
Outstanding Teacher / Educator of the Year
Outstanding School Head / Principal Leadership Award
Outstanding Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre
Outstanding Inclusive Education Pathway Enabler
Outstanding Special Needs Infrastructure Development
Outstanding Industry-Academia Linkage Partner
Outstanding Youth Innovation in Education
Outstanding Adult Literacy & Continuing Education Programme
Outstanding Infrastructure Development in Tertiary Institutions
Outstanding Primary School Heritage Arts Programme
Outstanding Secondary School Science & Coding Club

Sector 7: Agriculture, Climate-Smart Innovations & Food Security

Outstanding Large Scale Commercial Farmer
Outstanding Small Scale Master Farmer
Outstanding Young Farmer – Under 35
Outstanding Woman Farmer of the Year
Outstanding Climate-Smart Agriculture Innovation
Outstanding Irrigation Infrastructure & Water Harvesting Champion
Outstanding Livestock Breeder of the Year
Outstanding Poultry Producer of the Year
Outstanding Horticulture Producer – Export Earner
Outstanding Fisheries & Aquaculture Pioneer
Outstanding Agriculture Value Addition & Processing SME
Outstanding Seed & Input Supply Enabler
Outstanding Community Seed Bank & Biodiversity Project
Outstanding Rural Traditional Grains Champion
Outstanding Agri-Wholesaler & Value Chain Distributor
Outstanding Youth Agriculture Cooperative
Outstanding Mechanisation & Tractor Scheme Enabler
Outstanding Agro-Forestry & Conservation Farming Initiative
Outstanding Veterinary Services & Animal Health Supporter
Outstanding Farm Manager of the Year
Outstanding Post-Harvest Loss Reduction Innovation
Outstanding Urban Agriculture Project
Outstanding Beekeeping & Honey Value Chain Enterprise
Outstanding Agriculture Extension Officer Leadership Award
Outstanding Farming CSR – Drought Relief & Free Inputs

Sector 8: Health, Wellness & Community Medical Support

Outstanding Public Hospital / Clinic Facility
Outstanding Private Medical Institution / Hospital
Outstanding Community Health Worker / Caregiver Lead
Outstanding Medical Practitioner / Doctor of the Year
Outstanding Nursing Leadership Excellence
Outstanding Maternal & Child Health Champion
Outstanding Mental Health Advocacy & Rehabilitation Initiative
Outstanding Rural Mobile Health Clinic Outreach
Outstanding Pharmaceutical Service & Distribution Network
Outstanding Traditional & Complementary Medicine Innovation
Outstanding Medical Research / Infectious Disease Control Project
Outstanding Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Provider
Outstanding Substance Abuse Prevention & Awareness Campaign
Outstanding Corporate Wellness Programme Implementation
Outstanding Health Sector CSR – Free Surgeries & Screenings

Sector 9: Business, SME Development & Corporate Governance

Outstanding Corporate Leader / CEO of the Year
Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year
Outstanding Micro-Enterprise / Informal Sector Enabler
Outstanding Retail Brand of the Year
Outstanding Manufacturing Excellence Award
Outstanding Logistics & Transport Enterprise
Outstanding Real Estate & Housing Development Project
Outstanding Banking Institution for Grassroots Inclusion
Outstanding Microfinance Institution (MFI) of the Year
Outstanding Green Economy / Sustainable Business Leader
Outstanding Township Enterprise / Grocery Retail Chain
Outstanding Made in Zimbabwe Product Innovation
Outstanding Cross-Border Trader Cooperative Hub
Outstanding Young Entrepreneur Leadership Award
Outstanding Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Flagship Project
Outstanding Consumer Protection & Rights Advocate
Outstanding Business Association / Chamber of Commerce
Outstanding Family-Owned Business Legacy
Outstanding Financial Literacy Training Provider
Outstanding Workplace Safety & ESG Standards Compliance

Sector 10: Arts, Culture, Media & Creative Industries

Outstanding Cultural Ambassador – Global Reach
Outstanding Contemporary Musician Promoting Social Impact
Outstanding Traditional Music & Heritage Ensemble
Outstanding Film, Drama & Television Production Company
Outstanding Community Radio Station – Information Access
Outstanding Grassroots Journalist – Development Focus
Outstanding Upcoming Artist / Musician – Youth Pillar
Outstanding Visual Artist / Sculptor / Painter
Outstanding Fashion Designer Showcasing National Heritage
Outstanding Theatre & Spoken Word Performer
Outstanding Online Content Creator For Social Upliftment
Outstanding Comedian / Satirist Driving Civic Awareness
Outstanding Arts Festival / Cultural Expo Organizer
Outstanding Heritage Book Author / Literature Champion
Outstanding Dance Group / Choreographer Celebrating Culture
Outstanding Music Producer / Sound Engineer
Outstanding Creative Arts Academy / Training Hub
Outstanding Media House Supporting Devolution Reporting
Outstanding Photojournalist documenting Community Development
Outstanding Arts & Culture CSR – Supporting Veteran Artists

Sector 11: Community Development, Social Services & Youth Empowerment

Outstanding Community Development Foundation / Trust
Outstanding Youth Empowerment Organisation
Outstanding Child Rights Protection Advocate
Outstanding Elderly Care Facility / Community Initiative
Outstanding Orphanage / Child Care Institution
Outstanding Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Project
Outstanding Rural Electrification / Solar Mini-Grid Enabler
Outstanding Community Center Infrastructure Development
Outstanding Sports Academy for Youth Development
Outstanding Drug-Free Youth Campaign Leader
Outstanding Homeless Reintegration & Skills Programme
Outstanding Grassroots Philanthropist / Humanitarian
Outstanding Peace & Conflict Resolution Community Council
Outstanding Vocational Skills Instructor
Outstanding Disaster Risk Management & First Responder Team
Outstanding Rural Road Network Repair Initiative – Community Led
Outstanding Housing Cooperative for Low-Income Earners
Outstanding Financial Literacy Hub for Rural Women
Outstanding Boy Child Mentorship & Empowerment Initiative
Outstanding Community Food Kitchen / Nutritional Garden Project
Outstanding Wildlife-Human Conflict Mitigation Scheme
Outstanding Youth Leadership Bootcamp / Civic Trainer
Outstanding Diaspora-Led Community Investment Project
Outstanding Citizen-Led Suburb Security / Neighborhood Watch
Outstanding Community Spirit Lifetime Achievement Award

Sector 12: Devolution, Local Governance, Environment & Hall of Fame

Outstanding Rural District Council (RDC) – Devolution Execution
Outstanding Urban Council – Service Delivery Innovation
Outstanding Councillor of the Year – Community Infrastructure
Outstanding Traditional Leader / Chief – Community Upliftment
Outstanding Headman / Village Head – Grassroots Mobilisation
Outstanding Devolution Funds Utilisation Project
Outstanding Environmental Conservation & Afforestation Champion
Outstanding Waste Management & Clean-Up Campaign Leader
Outstanding Renewable Energy Community Pioneer
Outstanding Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for Devolution
Outstanding Urban Planning & Smart City Infrastructure Model
Outstanding Civil Society Organisation for Local Accountability
Outstanding Community-Led Wetland Protection Initiative
Outstanding Climate Change Adaptation Champion
Outstanding Anti-Poaching & Wildlife Protection Unit
Outstanding Clean Energy Innovator – Biogas & Biomass
Outstanding Township Rejuvenation & Parks Restoration Project
Outstanding Water Authority / Catchment Council Initiative
Outstanding Civic Education & Budget Participation Facilitator
Outstanding Provincial Development Coordinator Leadership Award
Outstanding Heritage Conservationist of Natural Monuments
Outstanding Recycling Enterprise Supporting Green Jobs
Outstanding Disaster Resilient Community Infrastructure Model
Outstanding Devolution Public Transparency Dashboard Innovation
Outstanding Local Governance Legal & Advisory Supporter
Outstanding Youth Inclusion in Local Governance Councils
Outstanding Women Inclusion in Devolution Frameworks
Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Systems Preservation Advocate
Outstanding Cross-Border Provincial Development Initiative
Outstanding Devolution Media Anchor / TV Programme
ZCTA Hall of Fame: Pioneer of Digital Transformation
ZCTA Hall of Fame: Lifetime Agriculture Infrastructure Pillar
ZCTA Hall of Fame: Lifetime Medical & Health Pioneer
ZCTA Hall of Fame: Industrialisation & Business Icon
ZCTA Hall of Fame: Cultural Heritage Legacy Guardian
ZCTA Hall of Fame: Philanthropic & Humanitarian Pillar
ZCTA Hall of Fame: Devolution & Public Service Icon
ZCTA Hall of Fame: Disability Rights & Inclusivity Champion
ZCTA Hall of Fame: Girl Child & Gender Equality Champion
ZCTA Hall of Fame: Grand Trailblazer of the Decade – Vision 2030

📨 How to Submit Your Nominations

To nominate an exceptional individual, business, or community organization, please submit a comprehensive nomination profile. Ensure your submission contains the name of the nominee, their chosen category number, and a motivation portfolio detailing their grassroots impact.

📬 Official Submission Channels

📧 Email Submissions: Send portfolios directly to zctanominations@gmail.com
📞 Hotlines & WhatsApp: Contact ZCTA Chief Executive Officer Albert Masaka at +263 77 696 3414

Zim Community Trailblazers Awards

Dungwiza Awards halts tonight’s Gala event in last-minute shift to June for ‘world-class’ experience

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.

Published

4 months ago

May 29, 2026

Editor

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 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.

Zim Community Trailblazers Awards

Dungwiza trailblazers awards rolls out red carpet on Friday

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

Published

4 months ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

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.

Masaka also stated that the DCTA offers an unparalleled experiential marketing activation platform for corporate sponsors looking to capture market share.

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.