Chitungwiza Municipality Public Relations Officer, Mr. Tafadzwa Kachiko, was honoured with the Outstanding Public Relations Practitioner award at the inaugural Dungwiza Community Trailblazers Awards (DCTA), held at the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex yesterday.
Organised by Perfection Media, the DCTA recognises individuals and organisations making significant contributions to the development of the Chitungwiza community.
Kachiko’s award was received on his behalf by Chitungwiza Progressive Residents Association (CHIPRA) Secretary General, Mr. Gift Kurupati.
Appointed in December 2023, Kachiko has led a transformation in the Municipality’s public relations strategy, implementing fresh, innovative communication methods that prioritise transparency, resident engagement, and timely information dissemination.
A former award-winning Senior Reporter at Alpha Media Holdings — publishers of NewsDay, Southern Eye, The Standard, and The Zimbabwe Independent — Kachiko has applied his journalistic background to develop a more responsive and people-centred public relations approach within the local authority.
In January 2025, he launched a dedicated WhatsApp Channel for the Municipality, significantly improving the accessibility of real-time updates for residents.
His proactive use of digital platforms has helped bridge the gap between Council and the community.
Under his stewardship, Chitungwiza Municipality also received the Public Relations Breakthrough Platinum Award—an achievement earned within his first year in office.
Reacting to the recognition, Kachiko said, “I humbly and proudly accept this award, received on my behalf last night. I am deeply grateful to Perfection Media for this honour. It is a testament to the improving relationship between Council and its stakeholders.”
He added, “I also commend the organisers for celebrating champions of progress in our community. These awards not only recognise individual excellence but also put Chitungwiza on the map. Let us shape the future of our town — together.”
The awards ceremony ran under the theme: “Empowering Dreams, Building Futures Across Zimbabwe.”
During his journalism career, Kachiko earned multiple accolades, including Outstanding Print Journalist at the 2020 National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA), and Best Arts and Entertainment Journalist of the Year at the 2018 National Journalism and Media Awards (NJAMA).
