Fledging gospel musician Samantha Torindoh Waniwa, who is also the founding director of Kenako Trust, an organisation that deals with issues affecting women and children, recently honoured women involved in charities at a glittering ceremony in Harare.
By Arts Reporter
The Kenako Trust Women Awards which drew nominees from different backgrounds were held at Crowne Plaza Hotel and ably sponsored by local corporates in an encouraging show of corporate social responsibility.
Waniwa said she was happy to have recognised marginalised humanitarian heroines who are doing a lot of good work but with little to no recognition.
“Many of these women have stories to tell and from the profiles shared, you can certainly tell that they have touched lives and made a big difference in many people’s lives. It is unfortunate that recognition and honour is usually bestowed on the affluent that have already made their mark and as a grassroots organisation, we felt inspired to honour them.”
The awards also drew local entrepreneurs among them Clive Mono Mukundu and Selmor Mutukudzi who gave a touching account of how she has risen to be a force to reckon with in music circles albeit with little support.
Rising poet Sympathy Sibanda Mazuruse also recited a powerful poem titled Women it’s Time to Shine in which she implored women to join hands for their common good. The poem is from her published poetry anthology Matters of the Life.
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Most of the awards given were in recognition of humanitarian work particularly running orphanages as well as other women empowerment projects while the other two were for spiritual mentorship. Waniwa said the awards were meant to inspire the women.
“These awards are a first of many to come and we hope this effort will help inspire more women to make a difference. We are about making a difference in our small way and I am glad that the women honoured today have all made a difference in other people’s lives. They are building generations in their own way.”
Stella Dongo, a renowned businesswoman who was guest of honour at the awards ceremony, said she was humbled by the initiative by the Kenako Trust director given her young age. “Samantha is a young woman who at 28 should be more inclined to chasing riches and fun like her peers, but for her to have come up with an organisation of this nature and even better these awards is beyond me. Zimbabwe and indeed the world need such game changers and I implore her to continue doing more.”
Dongo highlighted that making a difference is not so much about having the time and resources but the heart to know that there is somebody out there who needs help. Like Mark Twain said: “Kindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see. If you don’t have time to help, at least give the support and encouragement to those that can. I want to thank Samantha for recognising these virtuous women who are making a difference with minimum resources. Thank you all for the good work,” she said.
One of the humanitarian awards recipients, Gogo Gwanzura from Mutare, said she started her orphanage in 1987 using her own blankets and small savings and housing over 30 children in a four-roomed house. Upon receiving her award, she burst into song and revealed that she would die a happy woman.
“I am really touched by this recognition and I want to thank you for this noble initiative. I have always known that my crown is in heaven but having someone recognise me in my lifetime is a great honour,” Gwanzura said.
Pastor Simba Lyn Chidavaenzi from Phenomenal Women who received the spiritual mentorship award took the opportunity to inspire women at the awards ceremony.
“This is quite humbling but as a firm believer in God I want to encourage every woman out there to make a difference in their own small way. We are the change we want to see and it all starts with us. Play your part in your own small way and God will change your situation and that of others for the better.”
