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Joseph Madzimure Senior Reporter

BETTER Brands owner Mr Pedzisai Sakupwanya has scooped the Businessman of the Year and Corporate Social Responsibility accolade for Manicaland.

Mr Sakupwanya, who is into mining and transport business, has always striven for the best in his endeavour to argument Government efforts to turn around the fortunes of the country towards achieving Vision 2030 of turning the country into an upper middle income economy.

The business has interests in Southern Africa and the Middle East.

Mr Sakupwanya said investors must continue to inspire and cultivate robust business strategies that will contribute to the growth of the economy.

“May we continue to inspire and cultivate robust business strategies that will contribute to the development of our beautiful nation and bring positive change worldwide,” he said.

“It goes without saying that this level of achievement is accompanied by hard work, long nights and a strong will to succeed.

“I am a man from a humble background and all that I have attained is a result of spirited determination and God’s grace.”

Mr Sakupwanya challenged young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams in line with the Government policies.

“To the aspiring entrepreneurs and future business leaders, I encourage you to pursue your dreams, believe in yourselves, and be bold enough to take risks. Suzy Kassem a notable philosopher is quoted as having said: ‘Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.”’

“The award is a stepping stone to greater achievements. Let us remain steadfast in our pursuit for excellence, we must not settle for mediocrity and always striving to make a difference,” he said.

However, success came with responsibility, he said.

“It is our duty in the business sector to not only achieve financial success but also contribute to the development of society. We must strive to create systemic sustainable enterprises that uplift communities and fulfil financial inclusion, respect cultures and invest in innovative environmental preservation while fostering inclusivity.

“By integrating social and environmental considerations into our business practices, we can create a positive impact that extends far beyond the boardroom,” he said His company falls under the small-scale mining industry, which contributes about 60 percent of Zimbabwe’s gold deliveries to Fidelity Printers and Refiners, the country’s sole buyer of gold.

The mining industry is Zimbabwe’s major economic centrepiece to drive the country towards the envisaged upper-middle income economy status by 2030.