Proprietors of Gweru-based property development company, Tiger Valley, Engineer Mncedisi Dube and his wife, Simeli , have been named among the Top 100 Most Notable Peace Icons of Africa 2026. ]
The accolade was presented by the Nigeria-based Davidan Peace and Advocacy Foundation at a continental awards ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco, last Saturday, in recognition of the couple’s contribution towards humanitarian work, business leadership, and socio-economic development across Africa.
The awards ceremony followed a high-level business summit that attracted leaders from mining, property development, oil and gas, aviation, and other key sectors of the African economy.
River Valley Group of Companies operates Tebekwe Gold Mine and runs several property development projects in Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the summit, River Valley chief executive officer Simeli Dube said the continental business indaba opened doors for partnerships and business expansion across the continent.
“This platform gave us an opportunity to connect, share ideas, and expand our business not only in Zimbabwe, but across the African continent,” Dube said.
She said despite global economic volatility, Zimbabwe’s economy remains stable and is poised for increased growth in 2026.
“As River Valley Group of Companies, we are proud to be part of this success story,” Dube added.
The recognition also reflects the couple’s growing reputation for philanthropy.
Through Simeli, River Valley has supported vulnerable families, students, churches, and community development initiatives in different parts of Zimbabwe.
Her charitable work has included educational assistance, food donations, medical support, and disaster relief, earning her recognition as one of the country’s leading businesswomen involved in community upliftment.
Most recently, the couple provided financial and material assistance to families of the six children who died in the Gweru commuter omnibus fire tragedy, complementing Government relief efforts.
Because of her philanthropic work, Simeli has received widespread recognition, receiving an avalanche of continental and international awards annually, particularly from Europe and Asia.
Chairperson of the organising committee, Kingsley Amafibe, said the Dubes were selected because of their visionary leadership and contribution to Africa’s development.
“This honour celebrates not only your remarkable achievements but also the hope, inspiration, and opportunities your leadership continues to create for countless people across the continent,” Amafibe said during the awards ceremony.
The summit concluded with delegates calling for stronger intra-African trade and increased cross-border investment to accelerate economic transformation under the African Continental Free Trade Area. The event brought together prominent business executives, policymakers, and development leaders from across Africa and beyond, representing countries including Morocco, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and the United Kingdom.