Bulawayo province honours outstanding development champions

MINISTER of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, has commended 12 outstanding lifetime achievers for their significant contributions to national development and modelling excellence, integrity and innovation that promote attainment of Vision 2030 aspirations.

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 include 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).

The list also includes Mr Felix Fandyroy Moyo (educator, publisher, and cultural advocate), Jeys Marabini (Born Majahawodwa Ndlovu, a musician with 34 years of musical excellence), Mrs Lucy Tsheliwe Sifani Ntini (née Nyathi, a veteran educator and community builder) and Dr Peter Zwide Khumalo (cultural leader, academic and development visionary).

Others are 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).

In a speech read on her behalf by the Director of Coordination in her office, Mrs Boetsoarelo Noko, at the 3rd Edition Lifetime Achievers Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Minister Ncube 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,” she said.

“These outstanding individuals’ hard work, moral leadership and caring spirit inspire us to strive for a brighter future.

“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.”

Minister Ncube called upon the young people to look up to the awardees as role models, emulate their spirit of innovation, resilience and service.

She said that 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,” Ncube said.

“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 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 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.
In his remarks, Dr Moyo said the awards edition highlighted the enduring values at the heart of the institute’s mission service, selflessness, courage and excellence.

“These are qualities that illuminate a life devoted to the public good. The 12 distinguished honourees’ stories affirm an important truth, that meaningful work endures beyond one’s lifetime and that a life devoted to knowledge, justice and community upliftment leaves a legacy that future generations will continue to build upon,” he said.

He said each year, they will continue to recognise exceptional Zimbabweans whose lifelong commitment to research, publications, public service and social impact reflects the highest ideals of leadership, integrity and dedication.

The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Awards ran under the theme: “Celebrating Life of Service, Commitment and Dedication to Integrity.” They recognised men and women whose contributions have shaped public thought, preserved heritage, expanded access to education and inspired new generations of scholars and community leaders.