Celebrating Quiet Changemakers: Inside the Zimbabwe Community Trailblazers Awards

The Zimbabwe Community Trailblazers Awards in Harare honoured journalists, broadcasters and community leaders for grassroots impact (image source)

On a Friday night in Harare, community leaders, media practitioners and social innovators gathered to honour Zimbabweans whose impact is often felt far from the spotlight. The Zimbabwe Community Trailblazers Awards (ZCTA) recognised individuals and institutions driving positive change at grassroots level, highlighting the role of quiet, consistent effort in national development.

Held at Pandari Lodge in Glen Lorne, the ceremony brought together representatives from government, media, civil society and the private sector. The evening combined celebration with reflection, underscored by performances from local artists and a shared emphasis on community-centred impact.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, acting Zimpapers Group Editorial Executive Elias Mambo said Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 ambitions could only be realised if communities remained active participants in development. He commended the awards for spotlighting individuals and organisations making tangible contributions at local level, noting that sustainable progress begins within communities.

Award recipients represented a broad cross-section of society, including journalists, broadcasters, social entrepreneurs, community organisers and public servants. Journalists Elias Mambo, Trust Khosa and Liberty Dube were recognised for their professional contributions to public discourse, while media personality Mai Titi, Leane Lombard and the Emergence Help Team were honoured for community-focused initiatives.

One of the most emotional moments of the night came with the posthumous recognition of the late Kiran Jack, whose award was received by his mother alongside members of the fire service. The moment drew sustained applause, reflecting the deep personal stories behind public service and sacrifice.

The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) emerged as one of the most recognised institutions, with several executives, journalists and presenters receiving honours. Radio Zimbabwe station manager Siphelani Chikwape said the awards reflected the broadcaster’s commitment to staying connected to communities, particularly in rural areas. ZBC television reporter Fungai Jachi said her award belonged to the entire newsroom, describing journalism as a collective effort rooted in service to the public.

National FM presenter Soneni Sibanda was recognised for Indigenous Languages Journalism, highlighting the role of broadcasting in preserving cultural identity. ZBC chief executive officer Sugar Chagonda received an award as a Distinguished Communications Leader, while Colette Musanyera was honoured for excellence in television news. Hurungwe East Member of Parliament Chenjerai Kangausaru said his recognition reinforced the importance of uplifting rural communities and supporting the girl child.

Beyond individual accolades, the ZCTA carried a broader message about development being driven by people on the ground. By celebrating local leadership, service and community impact, the awards reaffirmed that national transformation is often built quietly, from the ground up.