Local health group, Cimas, has launched its inaugural awards, which coincide with its 80th anniversary celebrations.
While addressing journalists in Harare on Friday, Group Chief Executive Vulindlela Ndlovu said the awards will focus on highlighting their impact on broader society.
He urged interested parties to think outside the box and not limit themselves.
“We invite you to come up with in-depth stories. Sometimes, feel free to share stories that reflect real-life experiences of people you come across—maybe even in their interaction with our products—with their consent, of course. If you’re talking about the role our group has played, feel free to do so, but that’s not necessarily what we’re looking for,” he said.
He emphasized that they are looking for stories that point to their broader societal impact.
“If there are things we are doing to shape access to healthcare that you think are worth talking about—if there are discussions around the integrated healthcare model, which is central to our purpose of inspiring healthier communities—we welcome those. We see stories from time to time, and for me, it’s about advancing that conversation,” he said.
He encouraged journalists to maintain balance in their reporting and not publish stories without verifying facts.
“I wish the conversations were deeper. For example, last week we saw a story circulating widely about medical aid providers being stopped from offering services. Nobody asked us for comment or our views. It’s important to give us the opportunity to present our perspective, and it’s also a chance to dig deeper and include as many viewpoints as possible.
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“We may not always be right. We may be blind to some of the issues. Let’s dig deeper into these stories and understand their impact on healthcare in general—on investment, on policy direction, and even on the historical path we’ve walked,” he said.
Ndlovu said the awards were open to broad participation.
“I call it a partnership; my colleagues call it a competition. I don’t think it’s a competition—it’s a partnership. When there are many stories out there, it’s about the impact they make. I know, from the quality of work we often receive, that the standards are high. It will probably be very difficult to select the winners in the different categories, but we really encourage as many people as possible to participate,” he said.
The awards are open for submissions between now and 31 October, with the inaugural awards ceremony set for 20 November in Bulawayo.
“I want you to know that as a Health Group, we are very open to collaboration with all media houses, local organizations, charities, and associations on any initiative that promotes health and wellness, in alignment with our purpose of inspiring healthier communities.
“We know that this goal cannot be achieved in isolation. That’s why we’re open to partnerships—to inspire healthier communities. But also, it is your role to continue holding us accountable, amplifying stories of hope, and debunking myths that endanger public health.”
“I think, together, we need to build a Zimbabwe where health is not a privilege but a right for all. Health cannot be about class—it must be available in equal measure,” said Ndlovu.
The awards will have four categories: Healthcare Transformation, Health and Wellness, Excellence in Medical Innovation, and Public Health Awareness.
Each category will honor an overall winner, who will receive a cash prize of $1,500, while the runner-up in each category will receive $750.
Cimas was founded in 1945 as the Commercial and Industrial Medical Aid Societ to provide healthcare coverage for employees of companies operating in the private sector.
The group was then, and still is, structured as a mutual society, operating not for profit but to serve its individual members.
