The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Business Correspondent
LEADING retail shop Spar Mutare’s general manager, Mr Houston Munyoro raised the Manicaland flag high after he was voted second runner up in the 2016 Megafest National Business awards ceremony held recently in Harare.
The awards which were held under the theme: “A brighter future is possible in Zimbabwe”, aimed to recognise professional players and organisations that did well in the country last year as well as to strengthen business management and upgrading of services in the country.
In an interview, Mr Munyoro said he would continue to work hard and propel the Spar brand to greater heights.
“It is because of hard work, focus and determination. Among my other strengths, I pay attention to detail and I always strive to do better. The award is an honour and I feel motivated. The experience I have acquired in retail business over the years has also been very helpful in improving my management skills. I dedicate the award to the whole Spar Mutare family,” he said.
The 35-year old ambitious leader started off as a human resources officer at Wattle Company in 2004 before he jumped ship to Spar Mutare where he assumed the role of HR officer in 2009. He was elevated to the position of buyer in 2013 before he became the general manager in March 2016.
Mutare Spar earlier this year scooped the best retailer award in Manicaland at the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers and Wholesalers (CZRW) awards ceremony held in Harare recently.
Mr Munyoro was a second runner up in the category which was won by Engineer King Dube of ZETDC Gweru and Mr Benard Makoni of Border Timbers.
Mr Anthony Clever Bote, the brains behind Pote Holdings won the prestigious businessman of the year award while Mr Tinashe Mutarisi and Ranga Mavhunga were first and second runners up respectively.
Dr Smelly Dube came out tops in the businesswoman of the year category and she was trailed by Susan Makore of ZiFM stereo who was the first runner up.
Caroline Mapfumo of Rainbow Tourism Group was the female director of the year while Precious Musona of United Refineries Limited was a runner up. Professor Rungano Zvobgo of Great Zimbabwe University outshone Professors Hope Sadza, Eddie Mwenje and Ranga Zinyemba to scoop the Vice Chancellor of the year award category. Rainbow Tourism Group was awarded the Outstanding Tourism and Hospitality Organisation while Midlands State University came out tops in the Outstanding Training Institution category.
The country’s leading daily newspaper, The Herald beat Unilever and Holiday Inn to scoop the prestigious brand of the year accolade.
“Each Megafest business award recipient is nominated by local consumers through our undercover survey and through our networking events; the results were compiled, sorted and confirmed, before contacting any nominated business or professional. However, an extensive background search on the company and individuals is conducted as part of our selection process.
“Items ranging from years of experience to customer service procedures are discussed, and specific questions regarding the business’ hiring criteria of its employees, insurance coverage status and any pending litigation against the company are also addressed.
“Prior to Megafest Business Award designating a business or individual as the recipient for a particular category, the final and most important step in its selection process is to research and discern an owner or operator’s reputation in the community
