Former Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo has urged Zimbabweans to work hard, remain united and use their talents to help develop the country.
Dr Moyo was speaking at the Africa Hall of Fame Awards ceremony held in Harare, where outstanding individuals and organisations from different sectors were honoured for their achievements.
He said the awards were not only about celebrating success but also recognising the hard work, dedication and values behind those achievements.
“As we convene to celebrate the induction of new members into the Africa Hall of Fame, we honour not only their achievements but also the values that have driven them to greatness,” he said.
Dr Moyo said the achievements of the award winners showed what could be achieved through determination and resilience.
He also spoke about the importance of healthcare and innovation, drawing from his experience in the health sector.
“I have seen how a single act of kindness, a single decision, or a single innovation can change the course of history,” he said.
Honouring liberation heroes
Dr Moyo also paid tribute to Zimbabwe’s liberation war heroes, saying their sacrifices made the country’s independence possible.
Several former liberation fighters were honoured at the event, with the late heroes represented by their spouses.
Dr Moyo said some of the freedom fighters had been studying for university degrees at the then University of Rhodesia in 1975 before leaving their studies to join the liberation struggle.
He said most of those who survived the war returned after independence in 1980 and completed their studies before taking up important positions in the country.
The heroes recognised included the late Cdes Willard Duri, also known as Zororo; John Mayowe, known as Mandebvu; and Justin Mupamhanga, also known as TopTen.
Living heroes honoured included Justice George Chiweshe, Cde Martin Gula-Ndebele, Dr Masimba Mwazha and Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa.
“To our liberation struggle heroes, we are here because of you. Thank you for gracing this occasion,” Dr Moyo said.
He urged Zimbabweans to continue preserving the country’s history and honouring those who contributed to the liberation struggle.
‘Dream big and aim high’
Dr Moyo also encouraged the award winners to use their achievements to inspire others, particularly young people.
He said successful people have a responsibility to become role models and use their positions to give hope to others.
“I urge you to dream big, to aim high, and to strive for excellence in all that you do,” he said.
He called on Zimbabweans to work together and use their creativity and skills to build a better future.
“Let us cherish our history, let us honour our heroes, and let us continue to write our story — a story of excellence, of resilience, and of greatness,” he said.
Medical professionals honoured
The awards also recognised professionals in medicine, education and research.
Among those honoured was Professor Michael T. Mbizvo, a reproductive health specialist who has worked at the University of Zimbabwe and the World Health Organisation.
Prof Mbizvo has published extensively on reproductive health and previously served as Director of Reproductive Health and Research at the WHO headquarters in Geneva.
Dr Daud Athanasius Dube was also recognised for his contribution to urology and medical training in Zimbabwe. He is credited with establishing Zimbabwe’s Urology Training Programme and training a new generation of specialists.
Prof Dr Lovemore Gwanzura was honoured for his contribution to medical education, research and public health.
In his acceptance speech, Prof Gwanzura said recognition should come with responsibility and should be used to make a difference in society.
“Because in Africa, mastery must answer one question: ‘What has changed because of you?’” he said.
He said professionals should focus on serving others, finding solutions to Africa’s challenges and mentoring young people.
“To the young people here tonight: Africa is waiting on you. In labs, in boardrooms, in communities. Your ideas are the future,” he said.
Prof Gwanzura urged fellow award winners to turn their achievements into meaningful results.
“Let us leave this hall and turn excellence into impact,” he said.
The Africa Hall of Fame Awards recognised achievers from various sectors, including business, education, healthcare, economic policy, real estate, hospitality, law, music, beauty, wellness and community development.
