The Sunday News
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
CONSHA Construction owner Mr Shasha Gomez and Cake Fairy director Mrs Kathy Mwanza were on Friday evening crowned Megafest Southern Region 2021 businessman and businesswoman of the year respectively at a colourful ceremony in Bulawayo.
The two won the platinum awards while in the businessman of the year category, Mr Mlungisi Mkwananzi of Actual Construction won gold and Mr Tom Zvenyika of Greens Supermarket won silver.
In the women category, Mrs Lorraine Hadebe of Supermed Pharmacy won in the gold category.
Guest of Honour at the ceremony, Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Raji Modi hailed the awards and said they have over the years grown to become the largest in the country.
“2021 marks 13 years for Megafest’s existence and their aim and vision has been consistent to be the cheerleaders of business. Over the past 13 years they have grown to become the largest awards company in Zimbabwe, creating in a way the Zimbabwe business Oscars.
They should be commended for the job they have been doing in the past 13 years to promote, recognise and give a pat on the back to those that have been doing well in the business community,” he said.
Deputy Minister Modi said it was even more exciting to see what started off as a Bulawayo project growing into a national event.
“With these strides I foresee a regional project very soon. The business community is proud to be associated with such a brand that has taken a very positive look regardless of the current discord on the ground and they are confident that Zimbabwe can have a brighter future.”
He said President Mnangagwa has said Zimbabwe is open for business, and indeed the business community ought to “think disruptively” in order to win in the market place.
Deputy Minister Modi said the awards were not for display but were like a mark that is set as a reminder that once upon a time one did good.
“An award alone is empty if it is not backed by future achievements. It is time that we as business leaders start leaving a legacy like life with principles uncompromised because it is what we are doing today that will set a strong precedent.”
The awards were grouped into 22 categories.
The Covid-19 responsiveness organisation of the year award went to Supermed Pharmacy while Nyaradzo Group was named as the responsible organisation of the year.
Arenel scooped the innovative organisation of the year award with Safeguard Security walking away with the service excellence award of the year.
Other winners were Exide Zimbabwe for the customer focus organisation of the year, Croco Motors for disruptive organisation of the year and good corporate governance of the year went to Traffic Safety Council.
Professional service award of the year went to Steel Compusoft, manufacturer of the year award was jointly scooped by United Refineries and Arenel.
Other accolades included company of the year, Neddicky Industries; young executive of the year, Ms Evelyne Tanhuke (First Mutual Life); local authority leader of the year, Mr Ndumiso Mdlalose (Hwange Local Board); female executive of the year, Ms Amanda Hadebe Matema (Holiday Inn Bulawayo); manager of the year, Mr Bekithemba Ndlovu (Neddicky Industries); enterprising woman of the year, Ms Cynthia Jones (Cynthia Jones Cakes); entrepreneur of the year, Mr George M. Kudya (Star Distributors); strategic leader of the year, Mr Edwin Gwaze (Zimbabwe School of Mines); director of the year, Mr Effort Mugabe (DSK Electrical); outstanding business personality of the year, Mr Benson Mukandiwa (Nyaradzo Life Assurance); CEO of the year, Mr Honest Chida (Stardelta electrix).
