Mathew Masinge
ZIMBABWE’S National Excellence Hall of Fame will stage its second edition on March 7 at Rainbow Towers in Harare, with organisers saying the event will broaden its scope to recognise outstanding contributors across 15 key sectors of the economy and society.
Established in 2020, the Hall of Fame seeks to honour individuals whose work has shaped national development and inspired future generations.
The inaugural ceremony, held in 2025, brought together leading figures from multiple industries and laid the foundation for what organisers describe as a permanent national recognition platform.
Speaking ahead of the event, National Excellence Hall of Fame founder and convener Christopher Samkange said the initiative was designed to go beyond conventional awards by preserving institutional memory and celebrating values that define national progress.
“This platform is about documenting excellence, integrity and service so that future generations can see who built this nation and how they did it,” Samkange said.
This year’s edition will feature halls of fame spanning sectors including pharmaceuticals, hospitality and tourism, mining, education, agriculture, music and entertainment, sport, medicine, nursing, hair and beauty, restaurants, humanitarian aid, ministries and the motor industry.
Honourees will be inducted through sector-specific halls marked by granite and gold plaques, ceremonial gowns and curated exhibits showcasing artefacts linked to their careers.
Organisers say the awards will include special distinctions such as a Medal of Courage for individuals who have overcome significant adversity, and an Order of Merit determined through peer voting within respective industries.
Samkange said the expansion to 15 sectors reflected a deliberate effort to ensure balanced national representation.
“Excellence is not confined to one field. By recognising diverse sectors on one stage, we are telling a complete Zimbabwean story,” he said.
The Hall of Fame has also attracted regional interest, with invitations extended to delegates from other African countries to observe the model and draw lessons for similar initiatives.
Organisers say this positions Zimbabwe as a continental leader in structured national recognition.
The March 7 ceremony is expected to draw industry leaders, policymakers and cultural figures, as Zimbabwe marks what organisers describe as a milestone in celebrating human achievement while preserving the country’s professional and cultural heritage.
Online Reporter