IoDZ rewards good corporate governance
SUCCESSFUL organisations are built on solid principles, a shared vision and strong leadership qualities. Leaders play an important role in inspiring and helping to steer the ship, usually in the background.
The effort is evident when the goals are achieved and targets are met. As each victory is celebrated on the journey to attaining the vision, it is equally as important to give recognition to the men and women who share wisdom and refine skills in the workforce.
The Director of the Year Awards were introduced by the Institute of Directors Zimbabwe (IoDZ) in 2005 to celebrate and recognise achievements by individuals in Zimbabwe who would have distinguished themselves as board of directors.
The awards seek to especially celebrate and recognise their individual contribution to their boards’ effectiveness, direction, strategy, and good corporate citizenship of their company or organisation.
Speaking at the awards ceremony held in Harare earlier this month, the IoDZ Chief Executive Officer, Cathrine Nyachionjeka highlighted how the award nomination and awarding criteria is informed by the Institute of Directors (IoD, UK), Director Competency Framework.
“The IoDZ Director Competency Framework is the only framework of this kind for directors, it is designed to promote and champion the highest standards of professional competence on the part of directors and equivalent leaders of companies and other organisations.
“The Framework enables a 360-degree assessment of Director Competences, Assessing the Director, mind-set, knowledge and skills,” she said.
In accordance with Zimbabwe’s aspirations and determination to achieve an Empowered and Prosperous Upper Middle income by 2030, the Institute pledges to support and enable activities within its Corporate Governance mandate to support the government.
“Through the Women on Boards Zimbabwe initiative and the Future Directors programme, the Institute has also managed to prioritise Inclusion and Diversity on board of directors and in senior executive positions.
‘‘The Institute has made leadership, and directorship, open to anyone with the appropriate skills, right mind-set, and knowledge, irrespective of their socioeconomic background or personal traits,” she said.
The Institute subscribes to driving the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) narrative. Since its inception, 64 years ago, the Institute has been a guardian of good corporate governance in Zimbabwe putting in place robust governance framework essential to promote accountability, transparency, effective decision-making and sustain the trust of both internal and external stakeholders.
“The Institute believes that countries having good ESG performance have a higher chance of achieving a higher economic growth, by promoting more efficient use of natural resources, more productive and faster implementation of social and economic growth ultimately creating an ethical and responsible business community.
‘‘Hence the choice of this year’s theme: “ESG for greater transparency and sustainability,” said Ms Nyachionjeka.
Addressing delegates at the close of the ceremony, Chairman of the Institute of Directors Zimbabwe, Mr Kangai Maukazuva gave special recognition to individuals whose achievements help to shape lives.
“I want to congratulate all the winners for upholding good corporate governance. To our sponsors we say thank you for your never-ending support.
“It has been a pleasure being here in the presence of such accomplished individuals who have shared so much knowledge that we will hold on to for life. I, for one have learnt so much,” he said.