Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Blessings Chidakwa, Harare Bureau
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is set to honour outstanding citizens and organisations this year, recognising their invaluable contributions to Zimbabwe’s growth and development.
This initiative is part of the Second Republic’s efforts to celebrate inspirational role models, personalities, and organisations that have made a significant impact on the country.
Nominations are now open for individuals and organisations deserving of this honour. The awards will acknowledge those who have provided exceptional service to the people and elevated Zimbabwe’s profile.
Last year, President Mnangagwa conferred prestigious awards on seven individuals who excelled in various fields.
The recipients included Dr Misheck Sibanda, former Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, who received the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe in Platinum.
Others recognised were Mr Sirizani Butau and Jubilee Utsiwegota with the Gold Cross of Zimbabwe, Peace Magaya and Luckmore Magaya with the Silver Cross of Zimbabwe, Mr Devnanda Popatial with the Royal Order of Munhumutapa, and the musical group Black Umfolosi with the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe in Bronze.
In a statement yesterday, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, called for nominations for conferment with honours and awards, inviting citizens to recognise and celebrate the achievements of deserving individuals and organisations.
“The Government intends to award eligible and deserving Zimbabwean citizens across our range of Honours and Awards. The individuals should be luminaries who meet the eligibility criteria for the award under which they are nominated,” he said.
Among the honours and awards is the Order of the Great Zimbabwe, to be conferred on Zimbabwe’s gallant sons and daughters for their supreme sacrifice in connection with the liberation, survival, and development of Zimbabwe.
The Royal Order of Munhumutapa will be conferred in honour of brothers and sisters from other states for their exceptional sacrifice and commitment towards the liberation and well-being of Zimbabwe as a nation.
There is also the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe series of medals, symbolising the yearnings and aspirations that propel Zimbabweans in their quest to achieve the highest possible goals in various spheres of human endeavour, making it a fitting honour for superlative achievements.
The National Historical Legacy Award will be conferred on Zimbabweans who have selflessly and relentlessly dedicated themselves to the preservation of Zimbabwe’s peace, order, sovereignty, integrity, and unity, thereby fostering the country’s socio-economic development.
There are also Bravery Awards, including the Gold Cross of Zimbabwe, awarded to members of the Uniformed Forces and civilians for conspicuous bravery in circumstances of extreme peril.
It is the highest award and heads the order of precedence, followed by the Silver Cross of Zimbabwe, awarded for conspicuous bravery in circumstances of great peril, and the Bronze Cross of Zimbabwe, awarded for acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.
Commendation Awards include the Robert Gabriel Mugabe Commendation Award for Service in Human Capital Development, conferred for outstanding, transformative service in human capital development that has opened up and achieved growth in new economic sectors while ensuring inclusivity.
The Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo Commendation Award for Community Development, Peace Building, and Fostering Unity is conferred for outstanding and consistent transformative service in improving livelihoods at the community level, engendering peace-making and fostering unity.
The Herbert Wiltshire Pfumaindini Chitepo Commendation Award for Justice and Human Rights is conferred for distinguished and consistent pursuit of justice and human rights for the greater good of humanity.
The Jairos Jiri Humanitarian Award is conferred on individuals who have worked and dedicated their lives to the betterment of humanity through rendering humanitarian service. It recognises the spirit of humanism exhibited by the recipient, while honouring the virtues of concern for the disadvantaged and vulnerable members of society.
The Medal for Meritorious Service is conferred on members of the Uniformed Forces and civilians for meritorious service to Zimbabwe or humanity at large.
The Commendation Medal is conferred on any person for a commendable act of bravery, commendable service, or continuous devotion to duty that deserves recognition.
