By Staff Reporter
It was an event that epitomised class, oozed with with glamour as the Border Town recognised its own for outstanding contributions to the social and economic well being of Beitbridge.
Fashion, food, beauty and class were all on display as the who is who of the town came together to celebrate the achievements, contributions of various people to the socio-economic development of Beitbridge town.
Politicians,Business people, socialites and even ordinary members of the public came to give the event the inclusivity it represents. With 36 awards up for grabs , it was no doubt an event to remember.
The Beitbridge Corporate and People’s Choice Awards for the year 2023 have come and gone but the event has surely left an indelible mark , a standard even more difficult to beat as the awards ceremony brought together the best the town has to offer. Below is the full list of winners for each Category.
Beitbridge Corporate and People’s Choice Awards 2
PUBLIC VOTING
- Event of the Year
Presented to an event that has contributed to the well-being of community members, growth, or revival of the community through driving visitor numbers and the public. The event does not necessarily have to have been organised by individuals or organisations.
THE BEITBRIDGE BUSINESS EXPO
MAYOR’S HALF MARATHON
NEW YEAR’S EVE NATTY O SHOW
- Fast Food Outlet of the year
Presented to a fast-food establishment with high standards of infrastructure, service, and food presentation, and meets international standards of turnaround time for customers.
CROC FOODS
SIMBISA BRANDS – CHICKEN INN
THE GRILL SQUARE
- Medical facility of the year
This category will look at a medical facility that has modern facilities and provides top range medical care. The facility should have modern equipment and offers services 24hours.
NORTH HAVEN MEDICAL CENTRE
FORTIQ MEDICAL CENTER
OASIS MEDICAL CENTRE
- Insurance Company of the year
It focuses on providing instant services as and when clients make a claim, should have innovative products and outstanding service that our agents and customers can believe in. Processes claims on time.
NYARADZO LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY
ZB INSURANCE
CBZ INSURANCE
- Bank of the Year
This category looks at a banking facility that is accessible and offers a variety of services including community social responsibility. The bank should have user friendly terms and its staff friendly and helpful.
ZB BANK
CBZ BANK
FIRST CAPITAL BANK
- Telecommunication company of year
The category looks at a telecommunication company whose services are accessible and has a spread throughout Beitbridge town/district. Innovation and introduction of new products is key.
ECONET ZIMBABWE
LIQUID INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGIES
NETONE ZIMBABWE
Recognising a retailer – whether online, ‘bricks and mortar’ or a mix of both – that is standing apart from its competition. Judges will be looking for examples of how the business has adapted to the changing marketplace, a strategy for the future and how it is beating its competition in terms of achievements and best practice. Compliance to laws and Municipality by laws.
BAOBAB SPAR
N RICHARDS
GP STORES
- Media house of the year
A media house which is based in Beitbridge and has made difference in the community.
LOTSHA RADIO STATION
- Beauty Salon of the year
A beauty salon which provides a wide range of services and products and is easily accessible. The inside and general outlook should be appealing.
LORRAINE HAIR SALOON
SNIP AND STYLE SALON
MAKHADZI HAIR SALON
ADJUDICATOR’S VOTING
- Small Business (SME) of the Year
This award recognises outstanding performance by a company which has a workforce of nine or fewer and has been operating for two years or more. Judges will be looking for evidence of sustained success throughout the time of trading; growth in profits, overcoming challenges with clear plans for the future; commitment to great client/customer service; innovation; marketing acumen, compliance and participation in CSR.
GATSHENI BOER GOATS HERBERT ZHOU
VICKY TRANSPORT
LUTANDA PVT LTD
- Start-up Business of the Year
An award for those businesses which have been trading for under two years. The successes should speak for themselves and the judges will be looking for evidence of rapid expansion, niche-filling, excellent turnover or job creation – or all of the above.
BEITBRIDGE PHARMACY
SISTERHOOD GARDENS
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION ZIMBABWE
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Recognising the success of a young entrepreneur, aged between 16 and 35. The business can be in any sector but entrants must demonstrate that they have made a difference. This could be within their sector, for the community, for the environment or any other relevant area of business.
ZIYAH MEDIA
LT DESIGNS
PHOPHI VISIONS PRODUCTION
- Community Social Responsibility Company of the Year
To recognise a company demonstrating a commitment to supporting their local community. Judges will be looking for clear proof and evidence to demonstrate the advantages and gains while adopting policies embedded in the company’s culture to supporting the local community. This could be through a variety of ways e.g. fundraising, volunteering. This is for businesses who set aside time/money/resource to help their local communities as part of their CSR. So, they don’t have to but they do.
This category is not open to businesses or organisations which undertake community activities as a core business.
ZIMBORDERS
SIMBISA BRANDS
BISHOPSTONE
- Gender equality recognition award ( Zimuto)
An organisation that has created opportunities for gender parity and equality. Evidence of employment based on gender sensitivity should be available.
BISHOPSTONE
ZIMRA
ZIMBORDERS
- Public Service department of the year
Contribution by a ministry, government department, agency or any public sector organisation to the growth, development, and well-being of the generality of the Beitbridge public.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERINARY SERVICES
AGRITEX
DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN’S AFFAIRS
- Quasi Government/Parastatal of the Year
This award speaks to a Parastatal or quasi government which provides services beyond the call of duty. A Parastatal which has embraced technology and the ease of doing business as well one stop shop for their services. The Parastatal must show a deliberate effort to provide excellent service delivery to its business partners and the community. It must also incorporate ICT to increase convenience to its clients.
ZIMRA
ZINARA
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AGENCY
- Most innovative company of the year
A company that has shown innovation and has contributed to the growth of business in Beitbridge town. The company should embrace technology in its business operations and should show how innovation has kept their business going.
ZIMBORDERS
ECONET
SIGNTEC AFRICA
- Accommodation Facility of the Year / Hospitality Operator of the Year
Presented to an accommodation facility of any kind with recognised and consistently high standards of infrastructure, operations, and service, bringing credit to Zimbabwe and its tourism product.
BLUE VILLA
SUMMIT LODGE
MUTSA LODGE
- Clearing Agency of the Year
- Small Clearing Agent of the year
Presented to a clearing agent or agency that has proven standards of efficiency and service, as well as an ability to provide comprehensive clearing agency services to its customers. Should have a staff compliment of less than ten and not more than two branches within Zimbabwe.
MIGISI INVESTMENTS T/A DIVINE TOUCH TRADING
HYPERCLASS INVESTMENTS t/a ASANTE SANA FREIGHT SVS
FRONTIER LOGISTICS
- Big Clearing Agent of the year
Presented to a clearing agent or agency that has proven standards of efficiency and service, as well as an ability to provide comprehensive clearing agency services to its customers. Should have a staff compliment of more than ten and with various branches around Zimbabwe.
RUMSON TRADING
DUEL OF INVESTMENTS P/L T/A FAMS ZIMBABWE
ONLINE LOGISTICS
- Beitbridge 24/7 organisation /company of the Year
This award is be given to an organisation that has strived to live up to the theme of the Beitbridge Business Expo: “Beit Bridge 24/7”. This speaks to a company or organisation which operates 24/7 the aim being to service the community and travellers. The award will not apply to organisations who operate 24/7 through legislation like Zimra, Immigration, hospitals, clearing agents, etc.
LIQUID FORCE ENERGY
GLOW (Mashakada)
SIMBISA BRANDS
- Leisure facility of the year
Presented to a tourism operator providing outstanding tour packages and with tour guides who have excellent product knowledge and good communication skills. The tour operator should be able to provide suitable, top-quality transport.
NOTTINGHAM ESTATE RESORT S
SENTINEL
BUBYE VALLEY C0NSERVANCY MALANGANYE RESORT
- Entertainment lounge of the year
This award is given to an entertainment lounge within Beit Bridge town which has brought high standard of leisure and offers quality and variety of entertainment services. The facility has improved the standard of entertainment lounges and its patronage testifies to that. It complies with the law and by laws of the Municipality.
LAVAS LOUNGE
SKIM BEIT
SISTERHOOD GARDENS
- Best Educational Facility of the year
- Nursery (Preschool) school of the year
The award is presented to a nursery that has demonstrated commitment to grow very young children. Offers modern and good playing facilities with attractive decorations. Should be registered with Ministry of Education and licensed by the Municipality.
WELTON PRE-SCHOOL
OAKLEIGH HOUSE PRE-SCHOOL
- Primary School of the Year
The award is presented to a primary school which has modern infrastructure, outstanding results, well developed and well-rounded leaners. The Institution should be registered with Ministry of Education and Beitbridge Municipality licensed.
OAKLEIGH HOUSE PRIMARY SCHOOL
ADRIEL PRIMARY SCHOOL
- High school of the Year
The award is presented to a high school which has modern infrastructure, outstanding results, well developed and well-rounded leaners. The Institution should be registered with Ministry of Education and Beitbridge Municipality licensed.
OASIS HIGH SCHOOL
VHEMBE HIGH SCHOOL
- Tertiary School recognition
The award is given to a tertiary institution that has been operating in the district and has made a difference to the children of Beitbridge through arming them with technical skills some of which have made a difference in the town and district.
LUTUMBA VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE
- Environmental Conservationist Champion Award
This award honours a conservationist organisation that engages in sustainable action to prevent, halt and reverse environmental degradation. The conservationist should be able to show the before and after of the area under conservation.
RANGELANDS REGENERATION TRUST
- Public Transport Company of the Year
Awarded to a public transport company that has had very good customer care and carries over 30 000 passengers per year. Must have footprint from Beitbridge to the rest of the country.
VICKY TRANSPORT
MB TRANSPORT
BLESS IT UP TRANSPORT
- Commercial Transport Company of the Year
A transport company that has footprint in at least two countries and moves goods throughout Zimbabwe and the region.
SABOT
GDC WHELSON
COLBRO
- Logistic Company of the year
Presented to a company in the logistics industry that uses a collection of processes involved in the storage, inventory, delivery, and distribution of specific goods or services. Should have worldwide reach.
BOLLORE TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS
CEVA LOGISTICS
SPEEDLINK CARGO
- Best Security Company of the year
The Outstanding Security Company of the Year Award is awarded to a company which offers world class security products and services as well as the quality of the sales and after sales services. This may also include introduction of new technology, such has cameras and digital systems, to continually improve the services and modern surveillance methods that enhance security.
FAWCETT SECURITY
SAFEGUARD SECURITY
SEASEC SECURITY
- Construction Company of the year
Organisation that has contributed to the facelift of the Beitbridge town through construction and maintenance of the infrastructure.
BITUMEN WORLD
SDP AFRICA
FORIT CONSTRUCTION
- Meat Market of the Year
This category looks at a Meat Market which provides meat and related products 24/7. The meat market should be able to supply the town and surrounding areas with quality meat and related meat products including beef, chicken, goat, lamb, fish and pork. Must have made an outstanding and traceable contribution to the meat industry in the town and beyond.
TERRY’S BUTCHERY
GINGER’S BUTCHERY
LAMOLA’S BUTCHERY
- Best Pharmaceutical company of the year
This category seeks to recognise excellence in the provision of services by a Pharmacy. It rewards a pharmacy that is accessible and fosters a culture of innovation and community engagement.
BEITBRIDGE PHARMACY
OLICHEM PHARMACY
GARIKAI PHARMACY
- Hardware Shop of the year
This category awards a Hardware shop which provides one stop shop for all hardware and related products. Provides excellent services and products to its our customers. The hardware should provide all materials necessary to complete a building up to finishing. Should have evidence of a Corporate Social responsibility programme or at least sponsor an event within the town or participate in community
Programmes
RELIABLE HARDWARE
MARVELS HARDWARE
IPRITA HARDWARE
- Best Water Purification company of the year
This category speaks to a Water Purification Company that has a water purification
plant (within the town) and a reach of its products throughout the town. Its water must be of high quality certified by the Standard Association of Zimbabwe.
SOUTHERN AQUA
DEEP SIP
PERFECT WATER
- Beitbridge Law Firm of the Year
This category awards at a leading law firm with a commitment to its clients. The law firm should have a corporate responsibility programme.
MUSSINA ATTORNEY & LAW
MASAWI AND PARTNERS
TERERAI LEGAL PRACTITIONERS
Beitbridge Business Expo Committee Decisions
- Community Champion of the year x 3
A person in the community who take on an issue or project and is fearless in raising awareness and support for it.
THUPEYO MULEYA
PATIENCE MOYO
SHIRISH M CHOHAN
For contribution by an individual or organisation to the growth, development and well- being of the community.
MRS LAURENE MNDALA
MR DIGBY BRISTOW