Big Deal Economic Empowerment Movement president James Pande has been crowned Man of the Year in Community Empowerment at the inaugural Zimbabwe Men of the Year Awards, cementing his growing profile as a champion of grassroots economic transformation.
Pande received an official certificate recognising him as the No.1 Man of the Year in Community Empowerment, an honour that organisers said reflects his sustained efforts to uplift youths and communities through practical empowerment initiatives.
A former Zimbabwe Youth Council empowerment director for Harare province and an aspiring Member of Parliament for Masvingo Urban, Pande has been driving youth-focused development programmes, particularly in Masvingo and other parts of the country.
“This award is a clear testimony of the work we are doing to empower communities,” Pande said after receiving the honour.
“I will not get tired. My focus is to emancipate young men and women so that they can start their own projects and become economically independent.”
Through strategic partnerships with both local and international investors, Pande has facilitated access to mining equipment for artisanal miners in Bulawayo, Masvingo, Mazowe, Kadoma and Kwekwe.
He is also involved in thriving agricultural projects in Marondera and Masvingo, covering tobacco, maize and sesame production, as well as livestock farming.
Pande said his empowerment vision goes beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
“I am bringing in investors from different countries, mainly Dubai, America, Australia, South Africa and Botswana. I already have footprints in South Africa and Botswana,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the organisers of the Men of the Year Awards for creating a platform that recognises positive leadership.
“I want to thank the organisers for coming up with such an innovative idea that celebrates men who are making a real difference in society,” Pande said.
The awards ceremony, held in Harare, brought together men from diverse sectors.
Skills Audit and Development minister Paul Mavima, who was the guest of honour, challenged the award recipients to continue working hard for national development.
The Zimbabwe Men of the Year Awards seek to honour outstanding men who are making a meaningful impact in various spheres of life, with Pande’s recognition highlighting the growing importance of community-driven economic empowerment.