-as company marks 70yrs
Tendai Muererwa
​Harare-Two Midweek Watch reporters Aaron Gono and Tendai Muererwa won awards at the inaugural Hippo Valley Estates Limited Journalistic Awards marking the company’s 70years of operations in the country.
The glittering awards ceremony was held at Tendeseka Office Park in Eastlea, Harare, marking a historic milestone in the company’s seven-decade history.
Tendai is The Midweek Watch Manicaland bureau chief based in Mutare City while Aaron is a versatile correspondent based at Chaka Business Centre in the Midlands Province as well as Gokomere in Masvingo Province.
Established in 1956 in the Lowveld region of Zimbabwe, the leading agribusiness originally started as a citrus farming venture before expanding into one of the country’s foremost sugarcane producers and community cornerstones. Held under the overarching anniversary theme Tadzika Midzi—a Shona phrase meaning “Deeply Rooted” that signifies resilience, growth, and enduring partnerships—the landmark event brought together corporate leaders, media professionals, and community stakeholders to celebrate both seven decades of agricultural excellence and the power of compelling storytelling.
​Opening the proceedings, Head of Corporate & Industry Affairs Dr. Dahlia Garwe explained that the initiative was created to preserve the estate’s history in an authentic, independent voice rather than through self-narrated corporate messaging. Under the subtheme Hippo Valley at 70: The Untold Story, journalists across print, television, radio, and digital media throughout Zimbabwe submitted original stories exploring community growth, innovation, environmental sustainability, and human-interest accounts linked to the company. To uphold maximum transparency and credibility, entries were rigorously evaluated by an independent adjudication panel based on research depth, historical accuracy, creative storytelling, and social impact.
​Delivering his central address, Chief Executive Officer Tendai Masawi reflected on the organization’s journey from a modest farming venture into a major driver of national development. He applauded the participating journalists for going beyond daily headline reporting to preserve memories, inspire society, and hold institutions accountable. Masawi stressed that every story submitted—regardless of whether it won an award—has been archived as a permanent contribution to Hippo Valley Estates’ documented history.
​The highlight of the gathering in Harare was the presentation of awards across multiple categories, honoring both established and emerging storytelling talent. Luke Bikausi captured the top prize in the Radio category, while Samuel Njinga, Masvingo based Hevoi FM editor took home the Television category award. The Print category saw a joint victory between TellZim’s Brighton Chiseva, and Talkmore Gandiwa. Exceptional work was also recognized among runners-up Tinodaishe Chawagarira, Thabisani Dube, Tendai Muererwa and Costain Shamu, alongside consolation recipients Aaron Gono, Raymond Jaravani, Gilbert Munetsi, Passmore Ndlovu and Shingirai Vambe.
In her closing remarks, Corporate Communications Manager Anne Nyakunu expressed sincere gratitude to the board, executive, judging panel and media fraternity for making the inaugural competition a resounding success. She emphasized that while the awards ceremony brought the official 70th-anniversary calendar to a fitting close, it represents the beginning of an expanded partnership with the media, as Hippo Valley Estates continues to build shared value, drive economic progress and write its future chapters.
