Staff Reporter
GWERU’S “City of Progress” is living up to its moniker following the prestigious recognition of the Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) at the annual Megafest Business Awards.
The association was conferred with the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Gold Award on 21 November, 2023, marking a historic milestone for civic governance and community empowerment in the Midlands province.
The accolade serves as a resounding endorsement of the association’s work in fostering transparent, accountable, and inclusive local governance. Centrally, this achievement was catalyzed by a strategic partnership with the Swedish Embassy, facilitated through Diakonia, which funded the transformative “Enhancing Citizen Participation” programme.
The recognition by Megafest Holdings signifies a shift in the national narrative, positioning residents’ associations as vital development partners.
The adjudicators highlighted the GRRA’s success in moving toward a “co-design and co-delivery” model with the Gweru City Council (GCC), aligning with the national vision of achieving an upper middle-income society by 2030.
GRRA Executive Director, Cornilia Selipiwe, expressed that the award belongs to the residents who have remained resilient.
“Water is a basic need and so we expect the city council to take our wishes seriously,” he remarked, emphasizing the association’s persistent advocacy for improved pumping capacity and infrastructure.
Among the projects lauded was the Northlea suburb initiative in Ward 1, where residents mobilized to purchase a cabin for a temporary police station. This community-led solution to rising crime rates exemplifies the “Brick by Brick” philosophy of the Second Republic.
The impact of the Swedish-funded initiatives is felt most keenly by the marginalized. Through ward-based meetings and youth dialogues, GRRA has reached thousands of residents across 19 wards.
Ms. Grace Mazambani, a human rights advocate and Gweru resident, noted the personal transformation fostered by the association.
“Since participating in GRRA meetings, I’ve become more informed and confident to speak up about human rights issues,” she said. Similarly, youth advocate Brisky Ncube noted that these platforms have “shaped us into informed citizens who genuinely care about the future of Gweru.”
The awards ceremony, themed around leadership that inspires change, also highlighted the importance of professionalizing the civic space. Megafest CEO Dr. Tafadzwa Matsika emphasized that the awards aim to recognize those who excel regardless of their prominence. “We look at the work of those people who might not be big in society but who are working hard,” he said.
As the association looks into the future, it remains committed to inclusivity, recently launching the city’s first Disability Desk to ensure no one is left behind in the devolution process.
The CSR Gold Award remains a shining beacon of what can be achieved when international support meets local community initiative.
