LEADING telecommunication giants Econet Wireless Limited and tourism giants Africa Sun Zimbabwe Limited have won the first annual “Investing in Zimbabwe’s Future” American Business Association of Zimbabwe Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards.
The two Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) listed companies won the award for continued investment in Zimbabwe’s youth by supporting young, gifted but economically disadvantaged Zimbabweans as they work to build their educational and professional capacity.
United State Ambassador Charles Ray and ABAZ chairman Mr. Fred Mutanda announced the winners at the Just Business Forum closing reception in Harare on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued by the organizers the continued support by the two giants enabled nine disadvantaged Zimbabwean students to travel to the United States for tertiary education.
“The nine students were among the 23 students who were awarded scholarships by American colleges and universities to pursue degree programs after undergoing the United States Student Achievers Program (USAP) in 2009-2010,” read part of the statement.
Leading telecommunications service provider Econet Wireless Ltd donated US$20,000 to six USAP students on their way to the United States of America to begin studies this September.
The statement said the funding covered various urgent needs including university fees shortfalls and personal expenses of the six students who are previous beneficiaries of the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Scholarship fund, a Pan-African scholarship fund to which Econet is the main benefactor.
The leading hotel and leisure group African Sun Limited donated U.S.$7,500 worth of airline tickets for three USAP students to travel to the U.S.
Ambassador Ray encouraged other corporate interests similarly to contribute to building a better future for Zimbabwe’s young people.
“It is our hope that through more public-private partnerships like these, Zimbabwe will build a much better future where young people have many education and employment opportunities to choose from.
This will take hard work and the private sector must be fully engaged. Through these CSR awards, we are very proud to recognize the dedication of certain companies to create a better future for all the people of Zimbabwe, and especially for young people,” said Ambassador Ray.
ABAZ serves as both a forum and representative body for US business and Zimbabwean/ American business interests to encourage a better understanding of the role of business in a competitive market system.
The 2010 Just Business Forum seeks to make a significant contribution to debate on economic policy in Zimbabwe and the development business- friendly economic policies contributing to economic recovery and growth.