About 30 companies walked away with different accolades at the Mashonaland Central province, Environment, Responsible Business and Corporate Social Responsibility Awards held in Bindura last Friday (17 June 2022) at the plushy Twin Lodges place.
The Responsible business awards which ran under the theme Celebrating Sustainability Excellence-Towards Achieving Vision 2030 was organized by the Corporate Social Responsibility Network Zimbabwe.
The awards were given to companies that are positively impacting on their stakeholders, the lives of communities as well as the environments in which they operate in Mashonaland Central province.
The CSRNZ acting board chair Tendai Mudzamiri addressing the delegates appealed to companies to engage in CSR practices to help communities around them.
“Let us be the companies that say we are going to make a difference on people’s lives so that others follow. That is a plea to you all. Surely as business people we cannot rely on government to attend to pressing urgent matters around our communities but as businesses we can work together to achieve the developmental goals in our communities.”
CSRNZ Executive Director Willard Razawo weighed in, challenging companies that CSR is more than a one-off set of initiatives or a glossy report but it is about the Purpose of your business.
“We want Zimbabwe to be recognized in the region and internationally for its CSR excellence and the leadership position that our businesses take in contributing to a better society. In fact, we want to see corporates deriving value out of their CSR investment, such that they become the drivers for the enactment of appropriate legislation that supports and motivates CSR in our country.”
The company representatives also expressed their gratitude for being part of the award ceremony and said they take pride in helping communities around them.
One of the delegates said that the awards were fantastic and the ceremony was well organized.
“It is good to see diverse companies covering a wide range from forestry, mining, agriculture coming together to celebrate a common cause,” said Mr Msindo.
Honorable Senator Dorothy Mashonganyika also addressed the delegates saying that she was happy to see many women as part of the esteemed delegates during the ceremony.
“I am one person who strongly fights for women rights and equality. I love women empowerment and I am happy to see many women representing big companies in this huge event, let us continue occupying bigger and better positions and making a difference in our societies.
