Londile Moyo
Judith Phiri [email protected]
THE Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube has commended 12 lifetime achievers for their significant contributions to national development who embody excellence, integrity and innovation.
Hosted by the Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe (PPRIZ), the Lifetime Achievers Awards honoured dedicated, long-standing service, showcasing achievements within the community and beyond in 2025.
The awardees were Dr Ruth Mafoko Labode (medical pioneer, legislator, and public health advocate), Mr Luke Mnkandla (broadcaster, banker and community leader), Dr Samukele Hadebe (academic, researcher and public policy practitioner) and Ms Patricia Tshabalala (child rights activist, orphanage founder and community advocate).
Among there were also Mr Felix Fandyroy Moyo (educator, publisher, and cultural advocate) and Jeys Marabini (Born Majahawodwa Ndlovu) (musician with 34 years of musical excellence), Mrs Lucy Tsheliwe Sifani Ntini (née Nyathi) (veteran educator and community builder) and Prince Dr Peter Zwide Khumalo (cultural leader, academic and development visionary).
Mr Franklin George Mlalazi (retired educationist and indigenous language advocate), Ms Sibusisiwe Sibanda (humanitarian journalist and community advocate), Chief Mbusi Bekithemba Dakamela (traditional leader, cultural reformer, and development advocate) and Ms Permanent Ngoma (civic strategist, policy advocate, and community leader) were also awarded.
In a speech read on behalf of Minister Ncube by Director of Coordination in her office, Mrs Boetsoarelo Noko at the 3rd Edition Lifetime Achievers Awards Ceremony on Saturday, she said the event celebrates outstanding individuals who embody excellence, integrity and innovation.
“The Lifetime Achievers Awards recognise those who have dedicated their lives to uplifting Zimbabwe and humanity in general. As we honour these champions, we are reminded of our National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) which aspires for a prosperous and inclusive nation. These outstanding individuals’ hard work, moral leadership and caring spirit inspire us to strive for a brighter future,” she said.
“Dr Golden Moyo the Executive Director of PPRIZ’s vision, has made these awards possible for the third time, shining a spotlight on Zimbabwe’s best. To our awardees, your contributions in education, arts, research, civil society, media, sports, radio and business have not gone unnoticed. You have shown what it means to lead with integrity and passion.”
She called on the young people to look up to the awardees as role models, emulate their spirit of innovation, resilience and service.
The Minister said as Government, they aim for a prosperous Zimbabwe by 2030 and call on young people to join the journey, leveraging their energy and creativity to drive change.
“As Zimbabwe looks towards 2030, the awardees’ legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. Your achievements remind us that together we can overcome any challenge.
“May your stories ignite a fire for positive change, reflecting the best of Zimbabwe’s spirit and resilience. This annual event has become a highlight in the city of Bulawayo, recognising and celebrating excellence in various fields,” she added.
She took a moment to remember the late historian Mr Pathisa Nyathi, a 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient as a remarkable author and educationist who left an indelible mark on Zimbabwe’s cultural and intellectual landscape.
Minister Ncube also paid tribute to all the late Nkulumane Member of Parliament (MP) Desire Moyo, who recited an outstanding poem at the 2nd edition of the award ceremony in 2024.
“On behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe and President Mnangagwa, I reaffirm our commitment to building a Zimbabwe that reflects the values of these awards.
“Let’s strive for a nation where innovation, integrity and service are the guiding principles. Congratulations once more to our honourees, and may your legacy continue to inspire generations to come,” she said.
Bongani Ndlovu