Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
THE Dungwiza Community Trailblazers Awards (DCTA) held in Chitungwiza last Friday celebrated outstanding individuals driving community development, innovation and entrepreneurship, with speakers highlighting the role of devolution, mindset change and corporate responsibility in achieving Vision 2030.
The awards ceremony brought together leaders from Government, business and civic society, who underscored the importance of grassroots empowerment and collaboration in national development.
Among the notable winners were Engineer Edzai Kachirekwa, recognised for his leadership in the energy sector and advocacy for mindset transformation, and Supernova Investments director Mr Vengai Ushe, who was named Outstanding Retail Leader for his rise from bus rank tout to business executive.
Presidential Affairs and Devolution permanent secretary Eng Tafadzwa Muguti emphasised the central role of devolution in empowering communities and ensuring equitable development.
“Effective devolution is about power. It is about participation. It is about performance in placing decisions close to the people,” he said.
“I accept this award as a renewed pledge to continue advancing a transformative governance agenda and to deepen devolution in ways that expand opportunity.”
DCTA founder Mr Albert Masaka said recognising local achievers was key to sustaining community growth, urging stronger partnerships between corporates and civic institutions.
“A community that does not celebrate its own heroes will eventually run out of heroes to celebrate,” he said.
“Corporate social responsibility must move beyond seasonal donations to permanent structural partnerships.”
Eng Kachirekwa said Zimbabwe’s transformation hinges on a shift in mindset as much as on infrastructure development.
“The greatest transformation Zimbabwe requires today is not only economic transformation, but a transformation of mindset,” he said.
“Waiting has never built nations. Complaining has never created industries. Blaming others has never generated economic growth.”
Mr Ushe shared his journey from the bus rank to the boardroom, describing resilience and practical experience as key drivers of success.
“The bus rank was my university. It taught me logistics, customer service and resilience,” he said.
“Success is hollow if we eat it alone. Corporate social responsibility is not optional — it is a duty to build the community that built us.”
