Staff Writer
River Valley Group of Companies Chief Executive, Ambassador Professor Smelly Dube, has capped 2025 on a high note, earning top honours locally and internationally while deepening her commitment to community development.
Prof Dube recently clinched the Zimbabwe CEO’s Network Super Platinum Top CEO Award for 2025, completing a remarkable sweep of accolades across Zimbabwe and the African continent.
The award was presented at a ceremony held on 5 December 2025 at Meikles Hotel in Harare.
Reacting to the achievement, Prof Dube expressed gratitude on her social media platforms, thanking God, her family, business partners, and the River Valley Group team for their continued support throughout what she described as a “blessed year.”
Her international profile also continued to rise in 2025. In Abuja, Nigeria, Prof Dube received the Pan African Woman of Impact Champion of Change Legacy Award from the West African Leadership Centre.
The organisation’s executive director, Dr Olawale Owoyomi, said the award recognised her outstanding contribution to Africa’s development trajectory through business leadership and social impact.
In another milestone, Prof Dube was inducted into the 2025 Peace Achievers International Hall of Fame as the Most Inspiring Personality in Africa.
The honour, bestowed by International Peace Achievers, recognises individuals and organisations that have made sustained contributions to peacebuilding, development, and community service over the past 15 years.
According to awards director Dr Kingsley Amafibe, Prof Dube’s leadership at River Valley Group of Companies has resulted in expanded economic opportunities, community empowerment, and a culture of excellence that continues to inspire across the continent.
Beyond boardrooms and awards ceremonies, Prof Dube closed the year with extensive philanthropic outreach.
During the festive season, she hosted a surprise luncheon for workers at Tebekwe Mine in the Midlands and distributed food hampers and groceries to communities in Shurugwi, including donations to the local police station to spread Christmas cheer.
She also extended support to congregants at Christ Church in Gweru, where she and her spouse, Engineer Dr Mncedisi Dube, worship.
At her rural home in Matsika Village, Shurugwi, Prof Dube further donated foodstuffs to community members to support families during the festive period.
These initiatives come as River Valley Group of Companies expands its footprint beyond Zimbabwe, with operations now extending into Botswana and Scotland.
Prof Dube has also taken a more active role in supporting government and community efforts to combat drug and substance abuse.
As part of this initiative, the company has donated land in Shurugwi for the construction of a rehabilitation centre.
Through RiverValley Properties, Prof Dube and Eng Dr Mncedisi Dube have contributed significantly to urban development, providing decent housing to thousands of residents in Gweru, Shurugwi, and surrounding areas.
Their developments include Woodlands Park high-density suburb, Hertfordshire middle-density suburb, and Magakooshla in Shurugwi, among others.
As 2025 draws to a close, Prof Dube’s blend of corporate excellence, regional expansion, and community-centred leadership continues to define her growing influence in Zimbabwe and beyond.
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