Staff Writer
The Chief Executive Officer of the Rivervalley Group of Companies, Professor Smelly Dube, has been awarded the Gweru Mayor’s Award for her outstanding philanthropic work in the country’s third largest city.
The announcement was made Gweru Mayor His Worship Councillor Martin Chivhoko at a ceremony in Gweru where Prof Dube boosted the Mayor’s ’s Cheer Fund by donating a huge consignment of groceries to be distributed among the needy citizens in Gweru that will include the elderly and underprivileged children.
The consignment included large quantities of mealie meal, flour, cooking oil, sugar, and rice among other goodies.
In his speech, Mayor Chivhoko said it pleased him to start the new year 2025 by honoring Prof Dube as an exceptional individual who has shown selflessness, kindness, and generosity to the people of Gweru.“It is with great pleasure that I, as the Mayor of Gweru, begin the new year by recognizing exceptional individuals and companies who have made a profound impact on our community. Ambassador Prof Smelly Dube is a shining example of selflessness, kindness, and generosity, and I am honored to award her the Mayor’s Award for her outstanding philanthropic work in support of our Cheer Fund and other charitable activities in the City,” said Mayor Chivhoko.
“Prof Dube’s contributions to our community have been invaluable, and her dedication to helping those in need is truly inspiring. Her charity work has brought joy and relief to numerous families, and we are deeply grateful.
Through her tireless efforts, Prof Dube has demonstrated remarkable commitment to giving back to the community, and her generosity and compassion has earned her this Mayoral Award.”
Besides philanthropic work, Prof Dube and her husband Eng Dr. Mncedisi Dube also contribute to President Mnangagwa’s vision 2030 of an upper middle income society/economy by 2030 in Zimbabwe.
Recently, the couple’s Tebekwe gold mine in Shurugwi doubled its gold production in the past three years which saw a community of more than 300 families benefiting from the proceeds accrued by the mine through philanthropy. On the other hand workers who got a surprise Christmas party testified that the wages they get are transforming their lives.
The mine is contributing significantly to the national gold output in line with the thrust by President E.D Mnangagwa’s Government’s to turn around the mining industry as it is a major contributor to sustainable economic growth and the country’s GDP.
At the recent event, Mayor Chivhoko said as a renowned Business woman and philanthropist, Prof Dube has consistently demonstrated her ability to bring people together and inspire positive change.
“Her leadership and vision have been instrumental in driving initiatives that promote economic growth, social welfare, and community development. Prof Dube’s contributions have not only improved the lives of individuals and families, but have also helped to build a stronger, more resilient community,” he said.
In the year 2024, Prof Dube continued with her philanthropic work that saw a donation of duty materials to Midlands Police through her company River Valley Properties.
and an intervention of lifeline to a dumped Shurugwi baby, and continuous support to MASO.
Previously she has done more charity work which included funding a rolling scholarship programme for needy children mostly from child-headed families as well as taking care of many widows in Gweru.
The donation to the ZRP included a truckload of stationery, fuel and other office accessories that are essential for producing dockets of suspects to speed up the endeavors of ending crime.
The handover ceremony of the materials was held in Gweru at a colorful ceremony at the Rivervalley Group of Companies at Saguga Complex in Gweru officiated by Prof Dube on behalf of Group Chairman Eng Dr. Mncedisi Dube and attended by Senior Police Officers from the Midlands.
It was such works that Mayor Chivhoko recognized in awarding Professor Dube.
“The Mayor’s Award is a testament to Prof Dube’s unwavering commitment to philanthropy and her remarkable impact on our community. This award is a small token of our appreciation for her selflessness, kindness, and generosity. We are proud to have her as a part of our community,” he said.
More Stories
ZACC, NPA Rift Exposes Deep-Rooted Issues in Zimbabwe’s Justice System
Air Lieutenant Nesbert Tambudza Dies in Training Accident
Tourism Takes Center Stage, AfCFTA’s Impact on Africa’s Economic Integration