THE stage is set for the inaugural Masvingo Community Trailblazers Awards (MCTA2026), with organisers saying the event has attracted an overwhelming response from across the province and is now nearly sold out ahead of Friday’s high-profile gala.
The awards, hosted by Perfection Media Pvt Ltd and endorsed by the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, will be held on Friday, with Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira attending as the guest of honour.
Chadzamira was recently honoured with the Presidential Best Overall Performance Award, adding further prominence to an event aimed at celebrating individuals and organisations making a measurable contribution to the socio-economic development of Masvingo.
Confirmed dignitaries include Masvingo mayor, Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) pro-vice chancellor David Chikodzi, Zimbabwe College of Technology (ZCTA) board member, prominent medical practitioner and GZU medicine lecturer Johannes Marisa, prominent retailer Vengai Ushe, officials from the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) and master of ceremonies Nabeelah Jogee.
The awards have generated considerable interest since nominations opened on August 11, with organisers targeting individuals and organisations that have demonstrated measurable socio-economic impact, resourcefulness, sustainability and community mobilisation over the past 12 to 24 months.
Nominations poured in from all seven districts of Masvingo, producing a diverse pool of nominees drawn from sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, business, construction, innovation, culture and community development.
MCTA organiser Albert Masaka said the response had left the organising committee humbled and demonstrated the depth of talent and community leadership within the province.
“Masvingo has spoken, and we are humbled by the overwhelming response we have received from all seven districts,” Masaka said.
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“The nominations have reminded us that behind every thriving community are ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
“We have heard stories of doctors who continue serving after hours, entrepreneurs creating employment, young innovators developing solutions and elders preserving our culture while embracing progress.”
Masaka said the awards were about more than trophies and recognition, arguing that they were intended to create a platform for celebrating citizens who were actively contributing to development.
“Masvingo does not wait to be developed. Masvingo develops itself in line with government policies,” he said.
“These trailblazers represent the spirit of citizens who are taking responsibility for building their communities and contributing to national development.”
The awards ceremony will bring together business leaders, government officials, professionals, development partners, community champions and other stakeholders for an evening celebrating excellence, innovation and community impact.
Organisers said the event is now nearly sold out, with only a few public tickets remaining.
The strictly limited public ticket allocation is intended to ensure priority seating for corporate, government and development partners attending the gala.
Masaka said the organisers were determined to ensure that the event also recognised individuals whose contributions often happen away from the public spotlight.
“For every person nominated, there are many others working quietly in the background. We want them to know that their efforts matter. This is our way of saying thank you and reminding them that they are seen and valued,” he said.
The gala has been framed as more than an awards ceremony, with organisers describing it as a homecoming and celebration of Masvingo’s own.
The event will be held under the spirit of the Shona maxim, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” — a nation is built by its own people.
With the countdown now underway, Masaka urged those who have not secured tickets to act quickly.
“Don’t hear about it tomorrow. Be in the room on Friday,” he said.
