Long-serving Econet company secretary honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

Herald Correspondent

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s former Company Secretary, Mr Charles Alfred Banda, has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Institute of Corporate Governance Zimbabwe (IoCGZ), capping a remarkable milestone in his illustrious 43-year career.

A seasoned barrister, Mr Banda commenced his professional journey in 1980 as an Assistant Registrar of the High Court.

He joined Econet in 2008 as the Group Company Secretary. His tenure in this role continued until his retirement in July of this year, leaving an indelible mark on the company’s governance landscape.

“I am deeply grateful for this recognition. It reflects the impact I have made and it fills me with a profound sense of humility.

“While I have always been someone who simply focuses on doing my work without seeking attention, I am truly honoured to be acknowledged for my contribution,” Mr Banda said soon after receiving the award.

Mr Banda’s recognition was conferred at the 2023 Zimbabwe Corporate Governance Excellence Awards event, hosted by IoCGZ in Harare. The ceremony celebrated Mr Banda’s exceptional contributions to corporate governance and also acknowledged Econet’s outstanding achievements in the area of corporate governance. The telecommunications company, at the same event, also clinched the Best Innovation in Governance Award, underscoring its commitment to outstanding governance practices in the industry.

Mr Banda urged the younger generation to embrace the values of integrity and honesty in order to lay a strong foundation for successful careers.

“Integrity must be an unwavering principle in your life as you navigate the complexities of the professional world,” he said.

“Honesty should be the cornerstone of your interactions with colleagues and clients alike. And if you encounter something you don’t fully understand, don’t hesitate to seek guidance and engage others so that you can collectively move forward with clarity and confidence.”

Taking place under the theme “Empowering Governance Professionals”, the awards ceremony honoured individuals and companies who exhibited unwavering commitment to corporate governance in Zimbabwe’s diverse business sectors. It served as a platform to recognize those who have consistently upheld and championed governance excellence in the country.