Amb. Prof Smelly Dube voted ‘Great Dyke Champion of the Year’ at YaFM Awards
ZVISHAVANE – River Valley Group Chief Executive Officer, Amb. Prof Smelly Dube, was on Friday night honored as the “Great Dyke Champion of the Year” at a high-profile awards ceremony hosted by local media house YaFM.
The prestigious event, held in the mining town of Zvishavane, saw Amb. Prof Dube sweep the Best Businesswoman and Public Influencer category, following an intensive online poll conducted by the radio station. YaFM, which commands a vast listenership across the Midlands and Masvingo Provinces, invited its audience to nominate and vote for business leaders and entities making a significant impact in their communities.
Amb. Prof Dube, whose River Valley Group oversees a diverse portfolio including property development, mining, and retail, was recognized for her significant influence and contribution to the regional economy.
The biggest spotlight of the evening was His Excellency President Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Amb. Prof Dube praised President’s Mnangagwa’s accolade.
“At River Valley we recognize His Excellency President Mnangagwa’s efforts in transforming rural communities and his national developmental mantra of ‘leaving no one and no place behind.’ The award given to him therefore is worth celebrating,” she said.
Officiating as the Guest of Honour, Deputy Minister of Lands and Rural Development, Hon Tsitsi Zhou, commended YaFM for providing a democratic platform for the public to voice their appreciation for leadership.
“We are happy to know that even the general public, your listeners, recognise and appreciate what His Excellency President E.D Mnangagwa is doing across the country to see that every one of us is doing better,” said Cde Zhou.
“You have given your listeners a platform to choose whom they think are excelling in their communities, not only as business people but as community influencers too.”
On her own award, a visibly moved Amb Prof. Dube stated that the recognition was particularly meaningful because it originated directly from the grassroots level.
“This is a unique award for me because I was nominated by the people who listen to YaFM and follow what we do,” she said
“I am humbled and inspired to do more to improve our community. Indeed Nyika lnovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo.”
The awards highlight the growing role of local media in fostering corporate accountability and celebrating excellence within the Midlands and Masvingo business corridors.
