Zimbabwe’s End-of-Year Awards are Scams
44 years on, End-of-year awards are traditionally meant to celebrate excellence, recognise talent, and reward contributions across various sectors. However, in Zimbabwe, a growing sentiment among participants and observers is that these awards have shifted from merit based accolades to revenue generating ventures. Many now view them as schemes where the highest bidder often takes home the prize, overshadowing genuine achievement.
The prevailing criticism stems from the financial requirements tied to these awards. Nominees are often asked to pay hefty fees to attend award ceremonies, secure tables or participate in promotional activities linked to the awards. These costs, which can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, are justified by organizers as necessary to cover event expenses. However, this creates a problematic dynamic, the nominee who invests the most financially is more likely to secure the top honours.
This “Pay-to-Win” culture raises significant ethical questions. Awards are supposed to inspire and motivate individuals or organisations to achieve excellence, but when financial contributions become a deciding factor, the value of these accolades diminishes. It undermines the credibility of the awards and leaves truly deserving candidates sidelined if they cannot afford the associated costs.
For example, stories abound of smaller businesses, talented individuals or underfunded organisations being excluded from recognition despite clear evidence of their contributions. Meanwhile, well-funded companies or individuals with deeper pockets dominate award categories, even when their achievements are less impressive.
The commercialisation of awards extends beyond the nominees. Attendees are often required to purchase expensive tickets to participate in the event, further contributing to the profit-driven nature of these ceremonies. Additionally, sponsors who contribute significantly to the events often see their own nominees or representatives emerge as winners, leading to accusations of favouritism and conflicts of interest.
This profit-driven approach has long-term consequences for the credibility of Zimbabwe’s awards. Stakeholders increasingly question their legitimacy, with some sectors actively disassociating from these ceremonies. Over time, this could erode the value of recognition in Zimbabwe’s professional and creative industries, where awards should ideally be a benchmark of excellence.
For Zimbabwe’s awards to regain respect and relevance, transparency and merit must be prioritised. Organisers need to decouple financial contributions from the selection process and establish independent panels of judges with clear criteria for evaluation. Eliminating the “Pay-to-Win” system will help restore faith in the awards and ensure they genuinely celebrate Zimbabwe’s best talent and achievements.
Awards should inspire, not alienate. By focusing on merit rather than money, Zimbabwe’s end-of-year awards can reclaim their purpose and become a true reflection of the country’s excellence and innovation.
Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi
