PREPARATIONS for the Manicaland Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) awards are at an advanced stage, with companies and individuals running outstanding CSR programmes set to be honoured for their efforts in 24 categories.
The awards are slated for October 16 and they are spearheaded by a Harare-based organisation, Corporate Social Responsibility Network Zimbabwe (CSRNZ).
The organisation was established to advance CSR best practices in the public and private sectors. It also seeks to support sustainable businesses and sustainable economic growth as this will lead to the achievement of sustainable development goals.
CSRNZ executive director, Mr Willard Razawo said they will adhere to Covid-19 guidelines during the awards ceremony.
“In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, some might ask how we will successfully host this event. We will comply with the World Health Organisation and our national Covid-19 prevention guidelines, like fumigation of the venue before occupation.
“All delegates will be provided with face masks and they will be sanitised at the entrance. All delegates will also be provided with two pairs of protective gloves. The sitting arrangement will be cinema style, as opposed to the traditional round table set-up,” he said.
He added: “Preparations are at an advanced stage. The winners have been monitored and carefully screened by the CSRNZ and the Environmental Management Agency.”
Individuals and organisations will be honoured in 24 different categories that include the environmental stewardship award, top Covid-19 supporting organisation award, sustainability innovation award, top charitable organisation award, top CSR manager of the year award, sustainability reporter of the year award, top sustainability media house award and top Covid-19 supporting organisation award, among others.
In last year’s edition, Zimpapers-owned newspaper, The Manica Post, scooped the best media house reporting on CSR award; while its former editor, Mr Hatred Zenenga, won the best print editor on CSR award.
Its correspondent, Mr Liberty Dube, won the best journalist reporting on CSR award.
Other organisations and individuals that were honoured were businessman and philanthropist, Mr Tendai Chitowa (Excellence in community – charity and volunteering), Mr Frank Marembo’s White Horse Inn (Excellence in environment), Aloe Enterprises (Excellence in community — education, health and volunteering), Spar Mutare (Excellence in community — education and volunteering), Mr Joseph Sanhanga (Beacon of philanthropy), Golden Peacock Hotel (Excellence in community — education), Troutbeck Resort (Excellence at the workplace, education and health) and Green Fuel (Most impactful rural CSR initiatives).
Mutasa-based businessman, Mr Lovemore Mandimutsira, who heads Africa Trust; and Mr Chitowa, were some of the top national winners and are expected to shine again in this year’s edition.
