Hon Makahamadze soars as foundation takes flight

By Valerie Mpundu

On 24 September 2026 the Andrew Makahamadze Foundation will officially launch the Gunyana Prestigious Awards, an annual national platform created to honour Zimbabweans who lead with empathy, justice, and service.

The launch coincides with Hon. Andrew Makahamadze’s birthday, and it marks the beginning of a movement that seeks to celebrate character before titles, and impact before applause.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Hon. Makahamadze said the foundation and the awards are a reflection of who he is.

"I am Andrew Makahamadze. Proudly. It’s not a bragging if you can back it up. My name means a real man, and I am proud of the weight it carries,” he said.

"I am proud of my totem, the Eagle. An eagle does not run from storms. It charges toward them and soars higher. I am not afraid of challenges because that is what builds me.”

As a Libra, Hon. Makahamadze says he is wired to stand for balance and fairness.

"A Libra represents the judge. I believe in fairness. I am anti-bullying. I don’t like people who look down on others or use power to suppress them. Even back in school, I stood up for what was right,” he said.

That same spirit is what birthed AMF.

The foundation will focus on programs that support the less privileged, disability empowerment in Zimbabwe, and community initiatives that restore dignity.

WHAT THE AWARDS WILL HONOUR

The Gunyana Prestigious Awards will recognize Zimbabweans from all walks of life who demonstrate empathy and kindness toward the vulnerable, ethical conduct in business and community service, leadership that uplifts rather than suppresses, and dedicated service to people living with disabilities and the less privileged.

“I want to sow back into individuals who portray love and kindness. This is not a once-off. This will be an annual Zimbabwe community awards ceremony spelling out the traits, standards and ethics that should define us as a people,” Hon. Makahamadze said.

In his capacity as brand ambassador for the Ethics Institute of Zimbabwe, ethical conduct will also be a key pillar of the awards.

It symbolizes new beginnings, harvest and giving back.

The awards will be held annually in September as a reminder that true leadership is measured by how we treat the least among us.

“Let’s work. Let’s build. Let’s honour those who are building Zimbabwe with heart,” Hon. Makahamadze concluded.

Gunyana Prestigious Awards