MARONDERA is set to host the second edition of the Dungwiza Community Trailblazers Awards (DCTA) at the Hope Fay Hotel and Conference Centre this Friday.
The event is expected to attract political leaders, corporate executives, community champions, artists and youth representatives from across Mashonaland East provinceand beyond.
This year’s nominees include ZimDancehall star Master H, Mutoko South legislator Isaac Tasikani and prominent spiritual leader Madzibaba Simba, among other influential personalities recognised for their contribution to community development.
Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution in the Office of the President and Cabinet Tafadzwa Muguti, is expected to grace the occasion as guest of honour.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Province, Itayi Ndudzo will also grace the event as the special guest of honour.
As special guest of honour, Ndudzo brings a message that aligns with the event’s spirit of recognising individuals and initiatives that are building Zimbabwe from the ground up.
Organisers said his presence reflects the government's commitment to partnering with communities and celebrating grassroots leaders who are driving meaningful transformation and development across the country.
Organisers said the awards ceremony has evolved beyond a community recognition platform into a strategic regional development initiative aimed at strengthening economic and social partnerships.
Held under the theme, “Celebrating Our Trailblazers: Driving Growth in Chitungwiza and Mashonaland East,” the event seeks to bridge the gap between culture, business and community empowerment.
DCTA chief executive officer Albert Masaka said relocating the event to Marondera was a deliberate move meant to unlock economic opportunities between Chitungwiza and Mashonaland East.
“By shifting the venue to the provincial capital of Mashonaland East, we are leveraging the economic corridor that links Chitungwiza’s urban talent and technical expertise with the agricultural and industrial strength of Mashonaland East,” said Masaka.
He described Mashonaland East as one of Zimbabwe’s agricultural powerhouses and an emerging industrial hub whose growth is closely connected to the success of neighbouring urban centres.
Masaka said the awards platform was also designed to encourage collaboration between provincial leadership, entrepreneurs and innovators in addressing local socio-economic challenges.
He added that the DCTA offers companies a unique opportunity to market their brands while supporting community development initiatives.
The event is expected to honour 60 outstanding trailblazers drawn from various sectors including business, agriculture, arts, media and public service.
Guests attending the gala will be treated to a three-course buffet dinner and assorted beverages in what organisers describe as a premium networking and celebration experience.
A key highlight of this year’s programme is the introduction of the “Value Chain” initiative, which aims to connect Chitungwiza’s digital innovators and industrial fabricators with large-scale agricultural producers in Mashonaland East.
“Our goal is to ensure that the province’s resources are processed and managed by local talent,” said Masaka.
“We are bridging the gap between urban enterprise and rural productivity in order to create jobs and generate wealth within the province.”
Masaka said corporate sponsors supporting the awards would benefit from enhanced brand visibility and stronger corporate social responsibility engagement.
Past editions of the awards have honoured institutions such as Marondera Rural District Council and the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company as well as celebrated personalities including sungura musician Alick Macheso, dancehall artist Dhadza D and several media practitioners.
Organisers have urged guests, stakeholders and sponsors to reserve seats early to ensure delegations and family members are accommodated together.
Tickets and corporate tables are available through the Zim Community News organising desk.