Princess Sibanda
BEITBRIDGE -The border town of Beitbridge came alive on Saturday, 30 May 2026, as business leaders, entrepreneurs, public institutions and community champions gathered at Mabidi Stadium for the prestigious Beitbridge Corporate and People’s Choice Awards 2026, where a total of 31 awards were handed out in celebration of excellence, innovation and service delivery.
The glittering ceremony, attended by senior government officials, captains of industry and residents, showcased the remarkable growth of Beitbridge as a thriving economic hub rather than merely a transit town.
The biggest applause of the evening erupted when the Beitbridge Business Expo was crowned Event of the Year, beating the popular Mayor’s Half Marathon and The Winky D Show. The award reflected the Expo’s growing influence in attracting investment, tourism and business opportunities to the border town.
In a keynote address delivered on behalf of Vice President Hon. Col. (Rtd) Dr. K.C.D. Mohadi by Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe, government praised the awards initiative for promoting a culture of excellence and competitiveness.
“Beitbridge is not just a place people pass through. It is a destination of choice, a rapidly growing economic hub and a powerhouse of local enterprise,” read the Vice President’s speech.
The Vice President said recognising outstanding companies and institutions motivates higher performance standards and contributes directly to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda.
The ceremony honoured businesses across a wide range of sectors. Simbisa Brands emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home both Fast Food Outlet of the Year and Beitbridge 24/7 Company of the Year.
In the health sector, Fortiq Medical Centre scooped Medical Facility of the Year, while ZB Bank walked away with Bank of the Year and Econet Wireless Zimbabwe secured Telecommunications Company of the Year.
Retail giant GP Stores claimed Retailer of the Year, while local media outlet Ziyah Media won Media House of the Year, reinforcing the important role of community journalism in local development.
Other notable winners included:
IDION ICT – SME of the Year
Ubuntu Driving School – Start-up Business of the Year
Pronto – Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Lowveld Rhino Trust – Community Social Responsibility Company of the Year
Judiciary Services Commission (JSC) – Public Service Department of the Year
ZIMRA – Quasi-Government Organisation of the Year
Xintai Resources – Most Innovative Company of the Year
MB Transport – Public Transporter and Transport Company of the Year
Mutsa Lodge – Chairperson’s Shield for Initiative
The awards also recognised excellence in education, hospitality, conservation, legal services, taxation and community development.
Speaking during the event, Beitbridge Municipality representative Town Clerk Loud Ramakgapola highlighted the growing partnership between the municipality and the Beitbridge Business Expo.
He revealed that council has partnered the Expo on a 13-hectare section of land along Bulawayo Road as part of plans to establish permanent showgrounds that will support trade fairs, exhibitions and investment promotion activities.
“We have come to realise that strategic partnerships are not merely a choice; they are the cornerstone of sustainable growth and competitive advantage,” he said.
Ramakgapola said the proposed showgrounds are expected to create jobs, stimulate tourism and attract investment while complementing national development priorities under NDS2.
The municipality also unveiled several ambitious projects, including a proposed cattle sales facility, a Venda Cultural Village, Beef City Park, a Special Economic Zone and a US$65 million methane gas and electricity project.
Beitbridge Business Expo Board Chairperson Dr Annah Muleya commended the adjudicators, sponsors and the public for making the awards credible and inclusive.
She said the awards continue to celebrate professionalism, innovation and excellence while providing a platform for residents to recognise businesses and institutions making a positive impact in the community.
As the curtains came down on the ceremony, one message resonated throughout the stadium: Beitbridge is building more than businesses—it is building a future driven by partnerships, innovation and community pride.
