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Midlands Correspondent
Zvishavane-based businessman Antony Clever Pote has been named Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce, Midlands Chapter businessperson of the year at a recent colourful ceremony which was held at a Gweru hotel.The awards presentation ceremony, held last week, was dominated by businesspeople based in Zvishavane.
Pote scooped a double after his Pote Hill Hotel was named the Best Hospitality Facility of the Year in the province.
The first runner-up under the hospitality category was Runde Lodge, also of Zvishavane.
A Zvishavane businesswoman, Felinah Magidivane, scooped the first runner-up award for the Rural Businessperson of the Year in a close contest in which Gokwe-based tycoon, Tinashe Mangisi, who owns a chain of supermarkets and is into piggery, was named the winner.
Gweru property development matriach and River Valley Properties chief executive officer, Smelly Dube scooped the Businesswoman of the Year award. Alice Muguti, again from Zvishavane was named the first runner-up.
Jabulani Magidivane, of JM Construction from Zvishavane, scooped the Constructor of the Year award while JR Goddard scooped the Most Outstanding Constructor of the Year award.
Mimosa Mining Company was named the Corporate Social Responsibility Organisation of the Year while their platinum mining counterparts, Unki Mines were second.
Redcliff-based steel company Steel Makers Zimbabwe scooped the Exporter of the Year award under the manufacturing sector for the second year running while Mimosa Mining Company scooped the Best Exporter award under the mining sector.
Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company scooped the Most Outstanding Parastatal award with TelOne and NSSA completing the list as first and second runners-up respectively.
Speaking at the awards presentation ceremony, Buy Zimbabwe chief executive officer, Munyaradzi Hwengwere who was the guest of honour congratulated Midlands businesses for soldiering on under a harsh economic environment.
He bemoaned the closure of companies in the Midlands province and urged the government to prioritise resuscitating ailing companies in the province.
“Midlands province is the country’s industrial hub. The province is rich in mineral resources but the situation in our industries is not good,” said Hwengwere.
“We therefore urge the government especially the economic planners to give special attention to the industries in the province because some of them fall under the big five of the economic giants of the country.”
“It matters most in the transformation of the new blueprint, Zim-Asset because companies within and outside the province particularly Bulawayo form synergies with companies in the province.
“If these industries are put to life the blueprint will record a success”, he added.
Online Reporter