The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, is today expected to commission motorbikes, a fire tender and earth-moving equipment acquired by Insiza Rural District Council and Umzingwane Rural District Council.

Minister Garwe will begin the programme at Insiza RDC before travelling to Umzingwane RDC to officially hand over the equipment. He will be accompanied by his deputy, Albert Mavunga, together with senior officials from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.

Also expected to attend the event is the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Province Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, alongside traditional leaders, ZANU PF officials, heads of Government departments and members of the local community.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening service delivery in line with the vision of Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has consistently called for improved efficiency and accountability in local authorities.

Funding for the equipment came from several sources, including devolution funds, allocations from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), and resources from the respective councils.

The newly acquired machinery is expected to improve the councils’ capacity to carry out critical tasks such as servicing residential stands, maintaining road infrastructure and responding to emergencies.

A well-known traditional healer has defended businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo following criticism on social media over why he has not renovated the rural home where he spent his childhood.

Renowned traditional healer Dr Kamwelo Banda said the criticism overlooks the deeper personal meaning behind Chivayo’s decision to keep the homestead in its original state.

The controversy began after Chivayo posted photos and a video of his family’s old house, a modest structure built in 1962, giving followers a glimpse into his humble beginnings before his rise to wealth.

The post quickly attracted attention online. While many praised his openness, some social media users questioned why the businessman known for gifting luxury cars and displaying a lavish lifestyle had not upgraded the property.

However, Banda explained that leaving the house unchanged should not be viewed as neglect but rather as a way of honouring personal history.

“This is about preserving memories, not ignoring the home,” Banda said. “Old houses hold stories of our lives the joy, the hardships and the dreams we once had. When we remove them completely, we also lose a part of who we are.”

In his social media post, Chivayo spoke about the emotional connection he still has to the homestead. He recalled childhood memories of sleeping on the floor in the small kitchen alongside his grandmother and siblings.

Although he said he has the means to replace the structure with a modern house, he believes doing so would erase an important piece of his past.

“These houses carry deep sentimental value. To me, they are like a museum,” Chivayo wrote, explaining that changing them would remove a powerful reminder of the journey that shaped him.

Banda urged people to view the homestead as a symbol of heritage rather than judging it as a reflection of wealth. He compared it to famous historical sites around the world that have been preserved in their original condition.

Among the examples he mentioned were the former home of Nelson Mandela in Soweto and the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, both of which hold value because of their authenticity.

He also referred to the early home of Zimbabwe’s late former president Robert Mugabe in Highfield, which has long been recognised as a historical landmark.

Banda said historical sites retain their significance precisely because they are preserved rather than modernised.

“If we were to rebuild the pyramids in Egypt today, they would lose their meaning,” he said. “Their true power lies in the fact that they have remained unchanged.”

According to Banda, Chivayo’s decision to show his rural home is an important reminder that many success stories begin in modest circumstances.

He added that the images should inspire young people to embrace their roots rather than feel embarrassed by them.

“The key message is simple,” Banda said. “Never be ashamed of where you started. Your background does not limit your future  it simply shows how far you have come.”

Harare, Zimbabwe | Forget the staid speeches and ceremonial dinners. On March 25, 2026, Zimbabwe’s Diplomat of the Year Awards will return for its 14th edition, not just to celebrate diplomatic presence, but to shine a powerful spotlight on the unsung heroes whose work translates into tangible improvements for ordinary Zimbabweans.

Under the compelling theme “Diplomacy in Action, Impact in Motion,” this year’s awards are poised to redefine what true diplomatic excellence means. It is a call to recognize the quiet architects of progress  ambassadors, development partners, and institutions whose efforts are reflected in improved healthcare, thriving partnerships, and sustainable solutions across the nation.

Since its humble beginnings in 2009, the Diplomat of the Year Awards have matured alongside Zimbabwe’s evolving diplomatic landscape. What began as a recognition of international representation has transformed into a rigorous platform that demands accountability and measurable results.

Reginald Chapfunga, the visionary founder of the awards, articulated this shift with clarity:

“Diplomacy today is no longer judged by speeches and symbolism alone,” Chapfunga said. “It is judged by what it delivers  partnerships formed, lives improved, and solutions created. This year’s awards are about recognising diplomacy that is active, responsive, and effective.”

This sentiment resonates deeply in a nation where international cooperation remains vital for development. The awards will honour those who have moved beyond mere intentions, demonstrating long-term engagement and programmes that consistently generate value for communities.

From Zimbabwe to the Continent

A particularly exciting development this year is the official launch of The Diplomat Magazine Africa Edition. This pivotal moment signifies the publication’s expansion from a Zimbabwe-focused voice into a continental platform for diplomatic, development, and policy discourse.

It marks a bold step toward amplifying Africa’s diplomatic stories and impact-driven narratives on the global stage, ensuring that the continent’s successes and challenges are articulated from within.

High-Level Participation

The awards ceremony itself promises to be a high-level convergence of influential figures, including:

Ambassadors and High Commissioners  frontline representatives of international relations.

United Nations agencies and international organisations key players in humanitarian and development efforts.

Senior government officials  national leaders shaping policy and implementation.

Development partners, NGOs, and corporate leaders  crucial collaborators driving economic and social progress.

This diverse gathering underscores the collaborative spirit essential for effective diplomacy. It provides an opportunity for those who shape global policy to connect with those who implement it on the ground, all united by a shared commitment to progress.

As Zimbabwe continues to navigate its path on the international stage, the 14th Diplomat of the Year Awards serve as a timely reminder: true diplomacy is not only about what happens in capital cities, but about the profound human impact it creates in every corner of the nation.

Event Snapshot

Date: March 25, 2026

Significance: 14th Annual Awards, emphasising performance and accountability

Theme: Diplomacy in Action, Impact in Motion

Major Highlight: Launch of The Diplomat Magazine Africa Edition a new continental voice.