THE Institute of Corporate Governance Zimbabwe (ICGZ) has recognised excellence in corporate governance at its prestigious Corporate Governance Awards 2024 held in Harare recently.
The awards reflect the importance of good corporate governance and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting and practices for listed companies, large unlisted companies, and private and public sector entities with their investors and stakeholders.
They encourage companies to achieve high standards of corporate governance and ESG, integrating oversight and implementation into their values, strategy, and operations.
Under the Governance Leader of the Year category, winners included Varaidzo Zifudzi, Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary at Mutapa Investment Fund; Tichaona Mabeza, company secretary at FBC Bank Limited; and Tinashe Masiiwa, group general counsel at ZB Holdings.
This award recognised company secretaries who have mastered complex legal and regulatory environments, making a demonstrable difference.
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Zifudzi expressed her gratitude, saying she was truly humbled to receive the prestigious award and honored to be recognised alongside an exceptional group of leaders.
"This award is a motivation to continue strengthening our governance practices and to serve with even greater diligence and integrity," she said.
"The award reflects our unwavering dedication to ethical decision- making and sustainable practices. Good governance is the foundation upon which successful organisations are built and I am privileged to be a part of this important work."
Zifudzi has held senior positions in both the public and private sector, including deputy chairperson of the Competition and Tariff Commission.
She currently sits on several boards, including Kuvimba Mining House, and the National Prosecuting Authority.
Other awards given to various people included Company Secretary of the Year, General Counsel of the Year, Head Compliance of the Year, Head Legal of the Year, Head of Internal Audit, Excellence in Financial Oversight, Sustainability and Excellence Award, and Rising Star.
Corporate awards included Best ESG Impact, Best Innovation in Governance, Best Use of Technology, Best Financial Governance, GRC Employer of the Year, Best Governance in Public Sector, Governance Team of the Year, and Board Diversity.
ICGZ said the awards continue to enjoy strong support from a wide range of stakeholders, including financial market investor groups, professional associations, firms, and the business community.
"Since their inception, the awards have played an important role in establishing benchmarks and encouraging improvements in standards of corporate governance and sustainability and reporting among listed companies," the adjudication report reads in part.
“They raise awareness of the need for companies to be transparent and accountable to their shareholders and other stakeholders and inform the wider community about current corporate governance and sustainability."
The awards focused primarily on voluntary practices and disclosures beyond minimum legal and regulatory requirements, as reflected in annual reports and ESG reports.
