Marketers urged to put Zim on world map
MARKETING professionals have been challenged to create and promote indigenous brands that champion nation branding and build Zimbabwe’s image.
This was said by Marketers Association of Zimbabwe (MAZ) chief executive officer Mr Gillian Rusike on the sidelines of the National Exceptional Marketing Awards held in Harare on Friday.
The awards recognise and celebrate marketing excellence in Zimbabwe, while offering marketing professionals a platform to showcase their work.
Mr Rusike said robust branding translates to a strong national economy.
“We would want to encourage marketers to build strong brands for us to have a strong national image,” he said.
“It is critical that the brands we produce be representative of the country and help in championing nation branding while contributing to the efforts being made by Government to move the country forward.”
Zimbabwe Newspapers Limited’s Star FM scooped the Diamond Award for being the best marketing supplier of the year at the awards ceremony.
Pacific Cigarettes was among the biggest winners, with the company being honoured with the Gold Award under the Social Media and Digital Marketing category.
The company’s sales manager Mr Denson Kodzwa said: “Corporates should understand the value that comes with marketing.
“If you market Zimbabwe using your brand, people will come in their numbers from across the region.
“In supporting national branding, as a company we have been able to penetrate the regional market and our products are doing well regionally.”
The cigarette manufacturing company’s trade marketing manager, Ms Kudakwashe Chiutsi, walked away with the Gold Award under the Young
Achievers and Upcoming Marketer of the Year category.
“It feels amazing to be recognised for making a positive impact in the industry, and being recognised for that as a young individual is great,” she said.
“We will continue to strive and make life easier for our customers and contribute to the positive image of our country.”
Zesa general manager (stakeholder relations), Mr George Manyaya, was named Public Relations Manager of the Year and was handed a Diamond Award. Other companies that were honoured include Econet Wireless and Nyaradzo Group. Several individuals including Consumer Protection Commission chief executive Professor Zororo Muranda, Agricultural Marketing Authority CEO, Mr Clever Isaya, and Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company head, Dr Nick Ndebele, were given honorary awards.