Empowered Women Trust founder Sibonikuhle Buhlungu has honoured the organisation’s brand manager and communications coach Takemore Mazuruse for his role in helping build the women empowerment movement into a recognised and credible brand.
Buhlungu presented Mazuruse with a leadership book titled The Leadership Gang Vol 1 as a token of appreciation for his guidance, leadership and contribution towards the growth of the organisation.
Speaking after the presentation, Buhlungu praised Mazuruse for helping shape the vision and identity of Empowered Women Trust from its formative stages into an internationally recognised empowerment platform.
“I appreciate the guidance, mentorship and leadership that Takemore Mazuruse has provided throughout this journey,” said Buhlungu.
“When we started Empowered Women, the vision was there, but we needed structure, strategic communication and a strong brand identity.
“His contribution helped us build a credible organisation that women could trust and identify with.”
Buhlungu said Mazuruse played a critical role in formalising the organisation and positioning it as an apolitical and progressive women empowerment institution focused on economic development, gender equality and capacity building.
She said under his strategic guidance, the organisation established governance structures, including a board and executive leadership, which strengthened professionalism and accountability within the trust.
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“Through teamwork and proper systems, Empowered Women has grown into a movement that is transforming lives,” Buhlungu said.
“We have seen women acquiring vehicles, buying stands, registering businesses and gaining confidence to participate meaningfully in economic development.”
Empowered Women Trust has become one of the emerging women empowerment organisations in Zimbabwe, focusing on entrepreneurship support, mentorship programmes and access to development opportunities for women.
The organisation has also partnered with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation, commonly known as SMEDCO, while also engaging international development stakeholders including UN Women Zimbabwe.
Mazuruse, a communications expert, brand strategist and development practitioner, has reportedly overseen communications and narrative building for the organisation since its inception.
Speaking after receiving the honour, Mazuruse said the recognition reflected the power of collaboration and visionary leadership in community development initiatives.
“This recognition is deeply humbling because Empowered Women has always been about transforming lives and creating opportunities for women to realise their full potential,” he said.
“My role has been to help shape the organisation’s communication systems, strengthen the brand and ensure that the vision resonates with communities, partners and stakeholders.”
He commended Buhlungu for her consistency and commitment to women empowerment, saying her leadership had helped create a platform that continues to positively impact many women across Zimbabwe.
“Sibonikuhle Buhlungu has remained committed to uplifting women through practical empowerment initiatives,” Mazuruse said.
“The achievements of the organisation are a result of collective effort, strategic partnerships and a shared belief in empowering communities.”
The organisation has gained recognition locally and internationally, with Buhlungu receiving several accolades, including being named among Zimbabwe’s 40 Under 40 outstanding project managers by the Chartered Institute of Project Managers Zimbabwe.
Mazuruse has also earned recognition in the communications sector, recently being listed among Zimbabwe’s top 10 men in public relations by Africa PR Week and receiving an Outstanding Leadership in Public Relations accolade from the Community Builders in Africa Awards.
Buhlungu said recognising individuals who contribute behind the scenes was important in sustaining impactful organisations and empowering communities.
“Leadership is not only about the person in front,” she said.
“It is also about recognising the people who help shape the vision, strengthen institutions and create systems that allow others to succeed.”
