Pomp and fanfare at Shurugwi Children’s Home as Prof Dube marks 59th birthday
By Staff Writer
There was pomp and fanfare at Tafara Children’s Home yesterday in Shurugwi as River Valley Group of Companies Chief Executive Officer Prof Amb Smelly Dube marked her 59th birthday.
Needy children were treated to festivities to celebrate life of a distinguished citizen.
Previously, Prof Dube has shown compassion to the needy- paying school fees for several children in the Midlands Province and donating food stuffs to them.
As the day got brighter, Leaders Without Borders Development Center and organisers of the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa turned in their tributes for the River Valley Group of Companies Chief Executive.
She immediately pledged to continue helping President Emmerson Mnangagwa achieve his vision of turning Zimbabwe into an upper middle class nation by 2030 through various business initiatives.
“As I turn a new lease of life by adding another year in my life, I pledge to continue championing the cause of His Excellency President Dr. E.D Mnangagwa of opening up the country to trade and investment that uplifts our people. At River Valley we have already put into action several initiatives to that regard such as offering affordable housing units to majority people,” she said.
In its tribute organisers of 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa saluted Prof Dube’s commitment in the development of Africa.
“Wishing you a year ahead that is filed with joy, success and unforgettable moments,” reads part of the congradulatory message from Amb Dr. Kingsley Amafibe.
The Leaders Without Borders Development Centre in their tribute from the United Kingdom praised Prof Smelly Dube’s astute leadership and investment acumen.
“On your special day, we celebrate your remarkable leadership, vison and impact. May this new year bring you greater joy, good health, continued success and fulfilment in all your endeavors,” the warm tribute from the Principal Partner & Founder, Amb Dr. Hillary Emoh reads.
The development comes as both River Valley Group Chairman Eng Dr. Mncedisi Dube and Amb Professor Smelly Dube, were recently honoured among the “Top 100 Most Notable Peace Icons of Africa 2026 ” at a continental summit held in Marrakech, in the Kingdom of Morocco on 27th June, 2029.
The recognition, conferred by the Nigeria-based Davidan Peace and Advocacy Foundation, honored the duo’s dual contributions to humanitarian work and business leadership across the African continent.
The awards ceremony was held at the Movenpick Hotel, following a conference of business leaders representing sectors including mining, property development, oil, gas, and aviation, among others.
The Dube duo, who operate the Tebekwe gold mine and several property development projects in Zimbabwe under the River Valley Group of Companies, got an opportunity to share the journey with dignitaries and delegates.
In her remarks at the summit, the Group CEO Amb Prof. Dube reiterated that River Valley’s success is attributed to the economic environment fostered by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s “Vision 2030” policy framework and economic reforms by his government.
