Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe will soon honour its outstanding citizens who have stood shoulders above the rest in the discharge of their duties.
Government is therefore seeking nominations for eligible and deserving citizens to be honoured for their sterling work in serving the nation as the Second Republic continues to bestow honour where it is deserved.
In a statement, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya said the closing date for nominations is April 30.
“The Government intends to award eligible and deserving Zimbabwean citizens across our range of honours and awards,” reads the statement.
“The individuals should be luminaries who meet the eligibility criteria for the award under which they are nominated.
“We are hereby inviting nominations of people in your sector who are eligible for conferment with any of the honours and awards of Zimbabwe.”
Dr Rushwaya said each nomination should be accompanied by a justification in the form of a brief, detailed profile of the nominees’ achievements.
A nomination could be in the form of a citation, which will be used when the individual is awarded the special honour, or in the form of a relevant document that celebrates and immortalises the achievement for posterity.
“Kindly note that this recognition is to be bestowed by the State, and nominees should therefore be acclaimed undisputed leaders in the sector they are to be considered,” said Dr Rushwaya.
The Chief Secretary listed the honours and awards, as well as the criteria of eligibility for conferment.
The Order of the Great Zimbabwe is to be conferred on Zimbabwe’s gallant sons and daughters for their supreme sacrifice in connection with the liberation, survival and development of Zimbabwe.
There is also the Royal Order of the Munhumutapa which will be conferred in honour of brothers and sisters from other states for their exceptional sacrifice and commitment towards the liberation and well-being of Zimbabwe.
The Order of the Star of Zimbabwe series of medals symbolises the yearnings and aspirations that propel Zimbabweans in their quest to achieve the highest possible goals in the spheres of human endeavour and is thus a fitting honour and award for superlative achievements.
The Platinum Medal is conferred upon persons who distinguish themselves in the fields of politics and diplomatic service, as well as all declared national heroes.
The Gold Medal is conferred on persons who register exceptional performance in the field of public service, defence and security, while the Silver Medal is conferred on persons who distinguish themselves in the areas of academia and research, business, economics, and social services.
The Government also highlighted the National Historical Legacy Award, which recognises citizens who have dedicated themselves to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, unity and development.
In addition, bravery awards, including the Gold, Silver and Bronze Crosses of Zimbabwe, will be conferred on individuals who demonstrate acts of courage under perilous conditions.
Several commendation awards will also be presented in honour of national icons such as Cdes Robert Gabriel Mugabe, Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo and Herbert Wiltshire Pfumaindini Chitepo, recognising excellence in human capital development, community development, peace-building, justice and human rights.
Humanitarian efforts will be acknowledged through the Jairos Jiri Humanitarian Award, which celebrates individuals dedicated to improving the welfare of vulnerable communities.
The Government said the honours are a State recognition and, as such, nominees must demonstrate enduring achievements and exceptional service to the nation or humanity at large.
The initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to recognising excellence and inspiring citizens to contribute meaningfully towards national development.
