Prof Smelly Dube honored as the Most Inspiring Personality in Africa
Staff Writer
Rivervalley Group of Companies Chief Executive Prof Dr. Smelly Dube has been inducted into the 2025 Peace Achievers International hall of fame as the Most Inspiring Personality of Africa.
Along with other eminent Africans, she was honoured at a ceremony held in Abuja on November 8 for her contrbutions in achieving world peace and international harmony.
In the citation, the organisers wrote:
“Consistent with its mission to establish world Peace, Peace Ambassador Agency and DAVDAN Peace and Advocacy Foundation acknowledges as Ambassador for Peace, those individuals whose lives exemplify the ideal of living for the sake of others and who dedicate themselves to practices that promote universal moral values, strong interreligious co-oporation, international harmony, renewal of the United Nations, a responsible media, and the establishment of a culture of peace, transcending racial, national and religious barriers.
Consequently, Prof Smelly Dube is now an Ambassador for peace and will contribute to the fulfilment of the hope of all ages for a unified world where the spiritual and material dimension of life are harmonized.
The International Peace Achievers Awards is an annual event that recognizes individuals and organizations for their contributions to peacebuilding, development, and community service in Africa for the past 15 years
They present awards across various categories, including business, leadership, arts, and education, and also host an lnternational Peace Achievers and Investment Summit annually.
The 15th edition of the awards took place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel on 8th November 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria.
The theme of the awards was “Peace Building through Sectoral Partnership.”
Dr Kingsley Amafibe Director of the awards said through the Rivervalley Group of Companies, Prof Smelly Dube had created opportunities, empowered communities, and set a high standard of excellence that continues to inspire many across Africa.
“Your recognition under the category of “Most Inspiring Personality of the Year Award” is a testament to your dedication to peace-building and leadership,” he said.
The Peace Awards aim to celebrate and honor individuals and organizations that work towards a more peaceful future through their contributions to peacebuilding, community development, and other fields.
The awards have over 30 categories, encompassing areas such as leadership, community service, business entrepreneurship, arts and culture, and entertainment.
The honor come at a time when River Valley is now spreading its wings to Botswana and Prof Smelly also playing a more active role in supporting Government and community efforts in the fight against drug and substance abuse. This has seen the Rivervalley Group of companies donating land in Shurugwi for the construction of a Rehabilitation centre.
Through their private property development company RiverValley Properties, Prof Smelly Dube and her spouse Eng Dr. Mncedisi Dube have provided descent homes to thousands of residents in Gweru, Shurugwi and other areas after developing the high density suburb of Woodlands Park and Hertfordshire middle density surbub, and Magakooshla in Shurugwi, among others.
Speaking after receiving the award, Prof Dube said that she is inspired to keep working hard to promote peace which is essential for economic growth and the empowerment of Zimbabweans and Africans.
“It is thus important that in all our efforts, we promote peace, love and unity,” Prof Smelly Dube said.
Prof Smelly Dube further applauded President Dr. E.D Mnangagwa for creating an environment condusive for business through the peace divident Zimbabwe enjoys.This has seen the Government policies yielding fruits in the country’s economic growth trajectory.
“We are striving to see the country’s vision 2030 enunciated by President Mnangagwa come to fruition and it is the pursuit of this goal that has seen us being honoured,” she said.
