Online Reporter
Sunday News Reporter
THE List Awards has officially opened nominations for its 2026 edition, launching a regional search for extraordinary individuals whose courage, service, innovation, and leadership are transforming communities across Zimbabwe, Southern Africa, and East Africa.
More than an awards programme, The List Awards is a celebration of Hunhu/Ubuntu — the enduring African philosophy that recognises our shared humanity and underscores the responsibility to uplift one another.
The platform exists to identify, honour, and amplify changemakers whose work strengthens communities, advances progress, and inspires future generations.
The 2026 edition will recognise individuals whose commitment to service and positive change has shown sustained impact over time. According to the awards guidelines, nominees must have a minimum of five years of verifiable work, leadership, or contribution within their communities, sectors, or fields of impact.
Speaking at the nomination launch, Pastor Philani Nyatsanza, Board chairperson of The List Awards, said:
“Behind every thriving community is someone whose name may never make the headlines, yet whose contribution changes lives. The List Awards was created to honour these individuals, the quiet leaders, the innovators, the community builders, and the champions of humanity whose impact deserves recognition. As we open nominations for 2026, we invite the region to help us uncover and celebrate the extraordinary people shaping our collective future.”
The awards were created to ensure that, at a time when visibility is often mistaken for impact, the region recognises something deeper — meaningful impact that transforms lives, strengthens communities, and contributes to a more just, compassionate, and prosperous future.
Since its inception, The List Awards has aimed not only to recognise impact, but also to support and amplify it.
In previous editions, winners received prize money and other forms of recognition, reflecting the platform’s commitment to celebrating changemakers in meaningful ways.
Guided by international standards of transparency, integrity, and excellence, The List Awards is supported by an independent governance structure, comprising a Board of Advisors, Selection Committee, Jury, and Adjudication processes, ensuring credibility and public confidence throughout the awards cycle.
The 2026 edition will recognise outstanding impact across categories including:
• Business Impact
• Humanitarian Impact
• Social Impact
• Youth Impact
• Poverty Alleviation Impact
• Climate and Environment Impact
• Human Rights Impact
• Sports Impact
• Entertainment Impact
• Storytelling and Journalism
• alongside selected regional impact categories
Communities, organisations, institutions, and members of the public are invited to help uncover the next generation of changemakers whose work deserves regional recognition.
“Because behind every thriving community is someone whose contribution should never go unnoticed.”
Nomination Period is between 15 June 2026-26 July 2026
Eligibility is as follows:
• Open to individuals aged 18 years and above
• Nominees must demonstrate a minimum of five years of verifiable impact, service, or leadership in their community, sector, or field of work
• No nomination or entry fee required
• Self nominations and third-party nominations are welcome
One can submit a nomination by visiting Website: www.thelist.identitiesmedia.com
The List Awards is a premier impact recognition platform celebrating unsung heroes whose work is transforming communities across Zimbabwe, Southern Africa, and East Africa. Founded by Identities Media Holdings, the awards identify, honour, and amplify individuals and organisations whose leadership, service, innovation, and commitment to humanity are creating lasting social impact.
Inspired by the values of Hunhu/Ubuntu, The List Awards seeks to cultivate a culture of appreciation, inspire future generations, and elevate the stories of extraordinary people making a difference in the lives of others.
