By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
In the world of politics, the corridors of power can often feel like a lonely place.
But for Minister Tatenda Mavetera, this week’s Public Service Performance Contracts signing and Awards ceremony was a moment of pure, unbridled sisterhood.
While the event was officially about signing on the dotted line and recognizing top performance, for Mavetera, it was about watching a fellow woman shatter a glass ceiling.
Minister Tatenda Mavetera
In a heartfelt and jubilant social media post, the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services took a moment to celebrate her colleagues—but none more so than Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi.
For the first time in the history of the awards, a woman has claimed the title of Best Performing Cabinet Minister.
“It is with immense pride that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the award winners,” Mavetera wrote, her excitement palpable. But then, she turned her attention to a moment she called “historic.”
“A special and historic shout out to my colleague and sister, Hon Barbara Rwodzi,” she continued. “Making history as the first woman to clinch the Top Performer award among all ministers since the inception of these awards is a monumental achievement. Well done, Colleague and Sister.”
In a world often dominated by titles and formalities, Mavetera’s emphasis on the word “sister” resonated deeply.
It was a reminder that behind the ministerial portfolios are women who support each other, cheering as one of their own paves the way for the next generation.
Using the hashtag #WomenInLeadership, she held up Rwodzi’s victory as a beacon for what is possible.
But the pride didn’t stop there. Mavetera’s own Ministry of ICTPCS had plenty to celebrate, walking away with two significant honors.
Not only was it named one of the Top 10 Best Performing Ministries, but it also received a Special Recognition award for its relentless work in expanding digital infrastructure, enhancing digital skills, and tightening cyber security.
For the Minister, however, this award wasn’t about politicians in suits. It was about the everyday heroes working in the shadows to build Zimbabwe’s digital future.
“This ‘special recognition’ is for every young coder, every rural community getting connected, and every data protector working behind the scenes,” she explained, shifting the spotlight away from herself.
“We see you. We appreciate you. This is just the beginning of our digital revolution.”
In her message, she also took care to acknowledge a long list of fellow honorees—Hon Haritatos, Dr. Gift Machengete of POTRAZ, Hon Chadzamira, Hon Owen Ncube, Prof. Jiri, and many others—painting a picture of a team pulling together to move the nation forward.
Ending on a note of gratitude to President Mnangagwa for his leadership and to her own dedicated team, Mavetera summed up the feeling of the day: a celebration of hard work, unity, and the historic steps being taken by women in leadership.
“Let’s keep building,” she urged.
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