Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor

WOMEN dominated this year’s Honours and Awards ceremony which coincided with Heroes Day commemorations as President Emmerson Mnangagwa conferred awards to three women out of four individuals, for their outstanding service.

The Second Republic introduced an Honours and Awards Ceremony to honour Zimbabweans who have played a key role in inspiring others and developing the country.

This year President Mnangagwa honoured Dr Sikhulile Moyo with the Order of the Great Zimbabwe Silver award for discovering the omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus in November 2021, which was a breakthrough in the fight against the pandemic.

The Angel of Hope of Foundation represented by the first lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa was awarded the Jairos Jiri Humanitarian Award for the work being done by the organisation in fighting child abuse and eliminating drug abuse, among other social ills.

For her exceptional performance in the field of public service, defence and security, Ambassador Mary Mubi was honoured with the Order of the Star Zimbabwe-Gold award, with Dr Agnes Mahomva being awarded the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe-Silver award for the national management of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Recipients of the awards expressed joy at being honoured for their work.

Honouring gallant sons and daughters of the soil that fearlessly fought for the independence being enjoyed to this day, the day began with the inspection of a quarter guard by the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces President Emmerson Mnangagwa and a flypast by the Airforce of Zimbabwe.

The President, Vice Presidents and senior government officials also laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and below the Rolls of Honour.

As the trumpet blew and the crowds cheered, they signalled the memory of those fallen that fought for Zimbabwe’s freedom to secure the future.