The Midlands province came alive on Friday night as distinguished leaders, innovators and community builders were honoured at the inaugural Midlands Community Trailblazers Awards (MCTA), held in Kwekwe.
Among the standout recipients was Shurugwi North legislator, Joseph Mpasi, who received the Diversified Leadership & Community Empowerment Award in recognition of his far-reaching contributions across mining, education, youth empowerment and his committed legislative service to the constituency.
The prestigious event, held in association with the Zimbabwe Community Trailblazers Awards (ZCTA), ran under the theme: Harvesting Excellence: Celebrating Community Champions.
It brought together captains of industry, traditional leaders and senior government officials in a celebration of impactful leadership shaping the province’s future.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution ministrer, Owen Ncube and Primary and Secondary Education minister Torerai Moyo were both inducted into the ZCTA Hall of Fame in recognition of their national leadership and service.
The awards seek to spotlight individuals and organisations whose work is driving socio-economic transformation across the Midlands.
The adjudication process was overseen by an independent panel chaired by prominent business leader Nigel Chanakira, alongside medical practitioner Johannes Marisa.
Also honoured on the night was Robson Moyo Vunganai, chief executive officer of MashMo Land Investment, who received the Revolutionary Infrastructure & Urban Innovation Award for spearheading Gweru’s first cluster housing development and establishing a self-sustaining construction value chain.
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Event organiser Albert Masaka said the awards were designed to recognise often overlooked contributors to development.
“The Midlands is rich with silent heroes who are building schools, revolutionising housing and creating thousands of jobs,” he said.
“MCTA is our way of acknowledging that their harvest of excellence has not gone unnoticed.”
Kwekwe-based preacher Effort Vakai Maphosa, who was among the winners paid tribute to the organisers.
“I would like to sincerely commend the board chairman, Dr Nigel Chanakira, Mr and Mrs Masaka, and the entire organising team behind the Midlands Community Trailblazers Awards initiative for hosting such a successful and impactful event,” he said.
“Your dedication, meticulous planning, and unwavering commitment to uplifting communities were clearly evident in every aspect of the programme.
“The event not only brought people together, but also ignited meaningful conversations and inspired positive action towards sustainable development and growth.
“Your efforts have left a lasting impression, and the impact of your hard work will undoubtedly continue to be felt across the Midlands Province and beyond.”
The black-tie gala dinner culminated in the presentation of citations and trophies, marking a historic milestone in celebrating grassroots excellence and visionary leadership within the province.
