The Sunday News
Yvonne Ncube, Business Correspondent
A total of 30 companies have been rewarded for their contribution to the country’s Vision 2030 which aims at attaining an upper middle class income economy by 2030.
They received their due recognition at the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Matabeleland South and Bulawayo awards that took place on Friday evening at a local hotel.
The awards, which are in their sixth edition this year, seek to recognise excellence in the environment sustainability and best businesses practices which have remained critical in sustainable development agenda and in supporting a green economy.
This year’s ceremony ran under the theme: “Celebrating sustainable excellence towards achieving vision 2030.”
NSSA Matabeleland Province bagged the Top Zimbabwe Public Sector Organisation award in which they were acknowledged for being instrumental in contributing to the socio-economic development of the country.
The Top Matabeleland South Responsible Local Council Award was awarded to Gwanda Municipality as they were considered for making great strides in transforming their town in line with the cleaner city vision of Zimbabwe.
Four companies that include Target 13, Greenhut Initiative, Hand in Hand Zimbabwe and Shangani Holistic received the Environment Mental Stewardship Award which sought to appreciate businesses and individuals that have outstanding achievements and successful environmental projects and conservation measures.
The last category of Social Impact and Excellence Award saw 22 corporates being recognised for investing in employee engagement, equality in education, universal healthcare, community and culture, empowerment of women, environmental impact and poverty alleviation.
These companies included Broadway Spur, Trinity Project, Black Shark Protection Services, Pintal Trading, Pick n Pay Stores, Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank, Ingwebu Breweries, Beitbridge Juicing Company, Fortwell Wholesale Pvt Ltd, Ocean Bird Foundation, Greens Supermarket, Trukumb Mining, National Foods Limited, Medecin Sans Frontier, Schweppes, Plan International, Arenel, Old Nic Mine, Trio Freight Company, Econet Wireless, SHEPCO and Blanket Mine.
Econet
Representing Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube, Director in her ministry Mrs Boetsoarelo Noko said Zimbabwean businesses are now responding to the challenge of becoming responsible and sustainable.
“While profit generation remains the primary function of business, the financial success of a company is inseparable from the communities and environments within which they operate. The failure to account for longer-term social and environmental impact makes business practices unsustainable.
“It is high time we implement solutions that benefit our communities and society at large. It’s a good thing to notice that in Zimbabwe, businesses are now responding to the challenge of becoming more responsible and sustainable.
As business people, we need to act first so that we encourage change to those hesitant to join the cause,” she said.
