By Rex Mphisa
THEY came, they saw and they conquered!
That aptly describes Beitbridge’s dominance in the Friday night Matabeleland South awards for people, companies and organisations.
In almost every category, Beitbridge featured and collected the largest share of winners.
Ziyah Media, represented by its chief executive and director Loadwell Ziyadumah came third in the Community Empowerment Corporate Social Responsibility Award which had more than 15 nominees.
The award is a result of several partnerships Ziyah Media has with different public institutes including the Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services.
It also donated towars the building of a drugs and substance abuse rehabilitation centre while it runs the only FIFA registered soccer academy in Matabeleland South.
Jannet Taruvinga nee Nguluvhe of Beitbridge scooped the Women in Business Leadership top award where another Beitbridge resident Vicky logistics was second best of 19 nominees.
Beitbridge medical doctor Tafadzwa Nyevhe was second best in the Youth Led Enterprise Award.
For local authorities Beitbridge Rural District Council chairman and chief executive officer Oscar Chiromo and Kilibone Mbedzi stepped up to pick the award for the best run council.
The night belonged to Beitbridge’s recently established Orange Ville which scooped three awards for Overall Investor Of The Year, Innovation and Technology Advancement Award and Value Addition and Beneficiation.
Xintai Palm River Energy and Metallurgical Special Economic Zone in Beitbridge won the best Direct Foreign Investment award and was runner up for the Overall Best Investor Of The Year category with their $3 billion venture.
Nottingham Estates of Beitbridge was crowned the best local investor for their exploitation of the citrus farming industry where they run on a massive solar plant.
Zebra Hilltop Lodge came second in the best in Tourism and Hospitality category with several nominees invluding winner Blue Hills Lodge which hosted the well attended event.
It was a night of glitz and glamour with attendees dressed to kill particularly for the ladies.
In his address the guest of honour Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe encouraged delegates to grow rheir businesses and contribute towards the provincial and national growth.
He asked all companies to participate in the awards, an initiative of the President’s office in Matabeleland South.
Delegates were later treated to dinner under the cool air of one of the country’s multi-faceted entertainment places which has a zip line, quad bikes, chalets and open air dining spots.