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Chronicle Writer

A TOTAL of 39 women from Gwanda were on Saturday honoured for their significant achievements in various sectors of the economy during an awards ceremony that was held as part of the women’s month celebrations.

The women were also recognised for their positive impact within the community.

A businesswoman, Ms Edith Chikozho got the 2024 Woman of the Year Award. She was recognised for her contribution towards Gwanda’s economic growth.

Eight women received awards under the iconic woman category. They include Ms Magness Ndlovu, a beadwork specialist who has imparted her skills to youngsters, Ms Sithembile Ndlovu who is the chairperson of Mthandazo Women Miners Association, Ms Siceliwe Mguni of Mount Cazalet Lodge and Ms Sibusiso Ndlovu who is the director of Disney Academy.

Other recipients under the iconic award category are Ms Zivisai Mutare, who is a teacher, entrepreneur and marketer, Gwanda town clerk Ms Priscillah Nkala who is also a businesswoman, Ms Veronica Nyoni from the mining sector and Mrs Ntandoyenkosi Kunjani who is the director of Kiddo Adventures Academy.

Thirty women got recognition under the outstanding women category. Among them is the Chronicle Matabeleland South Bureau Chief, Mrs Sukulwenkosi Matutu. The event was organised by Beitbridge-based event management company, Sundrive Coalition.

In a speech read on her behalf by Gwanda district community development officer, Mrs Sipho Zondo, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development’s Matabeleland South provincial development coordinator, Ms Majorie Skhundla said women are making significant strides in fighting poverty in the country.

“These women we are celebrating, are the bedrock of our district and province and subsequently our nation. I’m happy that we have representation from both the urban and rural wards of our district, which is testimony that indeed women are taking the front seat when it comes to issues of national development,” she said.

“Let’s applaud ourselves for the achievements we have made, for the obstacles we have managed to bypass, for the good we have done to the next person, for who we have become and for who we will become.” 

Ms Skhundla noted that the Government and its partners continue to improve on the issues that matter most in the lives of women and their families.

“These include technological changes or advancements, digital marketing, access to finance, control over markets and ownership of productive resources,” she said.

She said women’s economic participation helps speed up development and overcome poverty, including reducing inequalities and maternal and infant mortality.

Ms Skhundla urged women to continue making indelible marks in their communities.

“Women should stay focused, they should not lose their determination and they should be dedicated to their work, be disciplined and diligent and be visionary leaders,” she said.

One of the directors at Sundrive Coalition, Mr Honesty Innocent Chenjerayi said over the years a lot of women have taken a lead in developing their communities and contributing immensely to the growth of the GDP. 

He said his organisation saw it fit to reward the great work of women during their month.

 “As we are celebrating women’s month, we saw it fit as Sundrive Coalition to honour women who have taken a stand to spearhead development in their communities. Women have made significant strides in developing the community in various sectors such as health, education, mining, and agriculture among others,” said Mr Chenjerayi.

“Their work has to be celebrated and recognised. With these awards, we are saying don’t tire and we appreciate the work you are doing. These awards will also inspire other women to even attain greater heights.”

Mr Chenjerayi said the event is also an opportunity for the women to learn, interact and create linkages.