Prof Smelly Dube wins big at Megafest Awards

Staff Writer

Promiment conglomerate River Valley Properties which has been outstanding in philanthopic work led by the firm’s Chief Executive Officer Professor Smelly Dube recently scooped the Megafest Diamond Medal in Corporate Social Responsibility.

The awards ceremony was held in Harare.

Incorporated in 2008, Megafest Business Holdings is a Proudly Zimbabwean Business Strategy Communication company, founded on the principles of dedication to quality and innovation which has proved fit for purpose as we specialize in the delivery of marketing communication strategy solutions.

The entity’s awards honor business leaders who demonstrate exceptional business and leadership acumen and performance from all sectors in Zimbabwe and even beyond.

This year’s award ceremony was presided over by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Hon Senator Charles Tawengwa and the Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Hon Raji Modi.

Dr Dube’s award this year was received on her behalf by her daughter, Mrs Sitholokhuhle Dube-Jemuse.

“I am very glad to receive this honour for my mother. I am glad that her outstanding work in trying to improve the welfare of people is being noticed and recognised” she said.

Dr Dube has a history of supporting needy children, widows, and various community projects and has made a significant impact on the lives of many. She pays school fees for many children in the Midlands Province, supports orphanages as well as elderly people’s homes.

Many widows and child headed families receive hampers from Dr. Dube every month.

Last month, Dr Dube said her desire to provide something greater than herself is embodied in her the spirit of philanthropy.

Dube, who is the CEO of the River Valley Properties, a property development company based in the Midlands Province capital of Gweru and has been honoured on numerous occasions for making a positive impact in the country by supporting the vulnerable in society.

Apart from receiving accolades, Dr. Dube was invited to make presentations at many global business forums.
Winning awards has been a trend for Dr.Dube.

In 2021, she scooped the outstanding business leader award at the inaugural Zimbabwe CEOs Network.

The following year, the businesswoman was honoured with an African Achievers Award at the Queen’s Gate in London alongside 15 influential women and men from Africa.

The award, which was made possible by the Global Corporate Leadership, was in recognition of Dube’s philanthropy and real estate business.

In 2023, Dube was awarded the International Book Prize by the Zimbabwe Business Awards Council for her philanthropy work.

Last year Professor Smelly Dube and the Chairman of the conglomerate Dr. Mncedisi Dube were also honoured and granted accolades to join the outstanding personalities for the year’s top 100 Influential Global Voices 2024.

The development came barely six months after the United Kingdom-based global institution, El-Roi London University, selected Prof Smelly Dube as a candidate for an Honorary Professorship in Mining and Industrial Development.

The Top 100 Influential Global Voices accolade is one of the most prestigious accolades reserved for eminent global achievers.
Megafest National Business Awards – Honoring Excellence and Impact

The Megafest National Business Awards, held on Thursday, 20 March 2025, was a spectacular celebration of excellence, innovation, and leadership across various industries. As Zimbabwe’s premier business recognition platform, the awards continue to highlight and honor organizations and individuals who demonstrate exceptional performance, resilience, and commitment to driving economic growth.

This year’s event brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives from across the nation, reinforcing the importance of recognizing and celebrating success in the corporate world.

The awards not only serve as a benchmark for excellence but also inspire businesses to strive for continuous improvement and social impact.

One of the major highlights of the evening was when there was recognition of Rivervalley, which was awarded the Diamond Winner in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Category.

This prestigious award acknowledges Rivervalley’s outstanding commitment to social impact initiatives, sustainability, and community development.

Their dedication to making a difference sets a high standard for corporate social responsibility in Zimbabwe.

The Megafest Business Awards are designed to recognize outstanding contributions to business excellence across multiple sectors. These awards are held at regional and national levels, culminating in the prestigious Megafest National Business Awards.

Categories range from leadership excellence and innovation to corporate social responsibility, reflecting the diverse contributions of businesses and executives in shaping the economy.

Winning a Megafest Award is a mark of distinction, signifying industry leadership and a commitment to excellence. Past winners have gone on to expand their influence, strengthen their brand credibility, and achieve greater success in their respective fields.