Empowering Vision: CADAV Philanthropic Awards to Spotlight Africa’s Grassroots Changemakers

The CADAV Philanthropic Awards will spotlight Africa’s grassroots changemakers in 2026 (image source)

HARARE — Philanthropy, when rooted in lived experience, can become a powerful engine for inclusive development. On March 28, 2026, that principle will take centre stage at the CADAV Philanthropic Awards, an annual platform dedicated to recognising individuals and institutions driving community-level transformation across Africa. Founded by Dr Lot Mudhimburanwa, the CADAV Awards seek to elevate often-overlooked contributors whose work in education, healthcare, social welfare and economic empowerment has produced tangible local impact. The initiative reflects a broader shift in development thinking, where grassroots leadership and social capital are increasingly recognised as complements to formal policy interventions.

Dr Mudhimburanwa’s commitment to inclusive development is rooted in more than two decades of service at the Copota School for the Blind, where he spent approximately 25 years working with learners with visual impairments. During that period, he witnessed students transition from marginalised beginnings into professionals across law, education, music and public service. “That experience fundamentally shaped my understanding of inclusion,” Mudhimburanwa has said in previous engagements. “It demonstrated that disability is not incapacity, and that opportunity, when properly structured, can unlock extraordinary outcomes.”

This exposure informed the creation of CADAV as both a recognition platform and a developmental catalyst. Since its inception, the organisation has acknowledged more than 500 community leaders, helping convert localised success stories into models of broader relevance.

The 2026 awards ceremony will recognise a cross-section of contributors drawn from business, academia, public service and philanthropy. Among those listed for recognition are Pote and Makanaka Investments for their community-oriented corporate initiatives, as well as Professor Kasese and Dr Kasese, whose work in education and research has contributed to skills development and knowledge production. Public sector and civic leadership will also be represented, with Hon Andrew Makahamadze and Mr Josephat Thompson cited for sustained engagement in social upliftment initiatives. CADAV organisers say the selection criteria emphasise consistency of impact, ethical leadership and measurable community benefit.

recognising community-level impact in education, healthcare and social development while advancing inclusive, locally driven philanthropy (image source)

Development specialists argue that structured recognition plays a strategic role in social progress. According to development consultant Dr Farai Mutanda, awards such as CADAV function as informal accountability and learning mechanisms. “Recognition operates as a form of social validation,” Mutanda said. “It not only rewards effort but also signals which models of intervention are effective, ethical and replicable. That signalling effect is often underestimated.”

Like many civil society initiatives, CADAV faces ongoing constraints related to funding and logistics, particularly given its continental ambition. Organisers say these challenges have shaped the organisation’s approach, prompting closer engagement with award recipients to identify real-time development gaps. Structured as both a registered trust and a private entity, CADAV maintains operational flexibility that allows it to support interventions beyond ceremonial recognition, including targeted community assistance.

Dr Mudhimburanwa frequently credits mentorship for his own development, citing figures such as Dr Strive Masiyiwa and Mrs Tsitsi Masiyiwa as formative influences during his academic journey. His message to young Africans is pragmatic rather than rhetorical. “Impact does not require perfect conditions,” he has said. “It requires commitment, integrity and the willingness to start where you are.”

As the 2026 CADAV Philanthropic Awards approach, the initiative continues to position philanthropy not as charity alone, but as a strategic partner in Africa’s long-term development trajectory. To get in touch for more information: Email: lotmantleofpaul@gmail.com Whatsapp: +263781443662