Online Reporter
Herald Correspondent
THREE Zimpapers reporters were honoured for their exceptional contributions to journalism and community service at the inaugural Dungwiza Community Trailblazers Awards, last Friday in Chitungwiza.
Yeukai Karengezeka and Muchaneta Chimuka were named Outstanding Community Journalists. Karengezeka was recognised for her exceptional court reporting for The Herald and Star FM , while Chimuka was celebrated for her impactful work through Kwayedza, delivering critical news on community events in the native language promoting culture.
Their commitment to reporting on important local matters has earned them trust and respect within their communities.
Langton Nyakwenda bagged the Outstanding Sports Journalist award, further cementing Zimpapers’ reputation for journalistic excellence. Other media professionals who received accolades included Phil Jambaya, editor of ZimNow, who was recognised as the Outstanding Journalist and Human Rights Advocate, and Terrence Mapurisana, who was honoured as the Distinguished Broadcast Journalist.
Chitungwiza Municipality public relations assistant, Mr Tafadzwa Kachiko, received the Outstanding Public Relations Practitioner Award.
The awards also celebrated achievements in various other sectors. Under Local Governance and Service Delivery, the Outstanding Rural Infrastructure Development Award was given to Marondera Rural District Council whilst it’s chief executive Mr Tichafara Gundo got the Outstanding Service Delivery Administrator Award.
In the Community Development category the Distinguished Disability Advocate Award went to Nyasha Nhau. Mr Marvelous Khumalo of CAMERA residents trust was named the Outstanding Service Delivery Advocacy Champion. Mrs Loveness Mainanto and Mr Moreblessing Cherayi were also honoured for their contributions.
In the Arts and Culture Category, winners included celebrated musicians Dadza D, Alick Macheso and Bethany Pasinawako-Ngolomi, as well as Chitungwiza Arts Centre.
Dungwiza Community Trailblazers Awards board chairman, Dr Nigel Chanakira, emphasised the importance of celebrating those making a difference in communities.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders for your overwhelming support for this regional initiative, which recognises and celebrates outstanding contributions in Chitungwiza and the Mashonaland East Province. Through our partnerships, we aim to elevate the standards of excellence and inspire greatness within our community,” he said.
Guest of honour, Zimbabwe Capital Connect chief executive Mr Peter Ganya applauded the initiative and underscored its significance in fostering positive contributions within the community.
“Chitungwiza and Mashonaland East have produced many influential individuals. Recognising the good things people have done, instead of castigating them, is a positive move.
As a diasporan, I am committed to setting up a fund to enable diasporans to invest back in Zimbabwe. With remittances exceeding US$1,8 billion annually, we aim to shift from consumption to investment, particularly in Chitungwiza and Mash East,” said Mr Ganya.
The event’s founder, Mr Albert Masaka, expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the awards.
“We are delighted with the resounding success of our inaugural Dungwiza Community Trailblazers Awards. The overwhelming response from stakeholders exceeded our expectations. We are grateful to our partners for their invaluable support, which made this event a success,” he said.
The Dungwiza Community Trailblazers Awards are an extension of the Zim Community Trailblazers Awards, which have been recognising excellence for the past five years.
Key partners for the event included Heritage Events Group, ERC Projects, Moreblessing Cherayi and Marondera Rural District Council. These awards celebrated the efforts of individuals and organisations making an impact in their communities,.
