Mnangagwa gifts Minister Rwodzi Ford Ranger Raptor

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has rewarded Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi with a Ford Ranger Raptor after she was voted the 2026 Unstoppable African Cabinet Minister of the Year at an awards ceremony held in Nairobi, Kenya.

The President presented the vehicle to Rwodzi at State House in Harare, describing the gesture as recognition of her contribution to Zimbabwe's tourism sector and her achievement in securing continental recognition.

Rwodzi emerged as the overall winner of the inaugural Unstoppable African Awards following a public voting process involving participants from across Africa and other parts of the world.

In a congratulatory message posted on his official X account, Mnangagwa praised the minister for what he described as her dedication, leadership and efforts to promote Zimbabwe as an international tourism destination.

"I join the entire nation in extending my heartfelt congratulations to our Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, on being named the Unstoppable African Cabinet Minister of the Year 2026 at the inaugural Unstoppable African Awards in Nairobi, Kenya," he wrote.

The President said the award reflected not only Rwodzi's individual achievements but also the country's broader ambitions to develop a competitive tourism industry.

"Winning this prestigious honour through a continent-wide and global public vote is a powerful testament to her tireless dedication, transformative leadership, and our collective commitment to building a thriving, world-class tourism sector," Mnangagwa said.

He explained that the Ford Ranger Raptor was a personal gesture of appreciation for the recognition she had brought to Zimbabwe.

"In recognition of this remarkable milestone and her continued commitment to serving our nation, I am pleased to present her with a Ford Ranger Raptor as a token of appreciation for flying the Zimbabwean flag high," he said.

Mnangagwa further described the achievement as a moment of national pride, saying it demonstrated Zimbabwe's growing visibility on the international stage.

"This achievement does not belong to Hon. Rwodzi alone. It is a proud moment for Zimbabwe and a clear signal to the world that our nation is open, welcoming, and on the rise," he said.

"Congratulations once again, Honourable Minister. Keep making Zimbabwe proud!"

Speaking after receiving the vehicle, Rwodzi expressed surprise and gratitude, saying she had not anticipated such recognition from the Head of State.

She thanked President Mnangagwa and First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa for the opportunity to serve in Government and contribute to the development of Zimbabwe's tourism industry.

"It’s a total surprise that His Excellency, the Head of State, the President, has just honoured the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, and of course, the award is for all of us with the team in the Ministry," she said.

Rwodzi emphasised that the award was not solely a personal achievement but reflected the collective efforts of officials within her ministry and stakeholders working to promote Zimbabwe's tourism sector.

"Even if he gave me, it’s actually a surprise…I don’t even know how to thank His Excellency and Her Excellency for giving me this opportunity to be the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry," she said.

The minister also acknowledged the other African Cabinet ministers who had been nominated for the award, describing her participation in the competition as an honour.

She said the recognition would provide additional motivation to pursue Government programmes aimed at expanding tourism and contributing to Zimbabwe's economic development.

Rwodzi linked the achievement to President Mnangagwa's Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by the end of the decade.

"I also want to just say thank you very much, Zimbabwe, and thank you very much, everyone, who is taking part in working towards the vision of the President of achieving upper-middle-income society," she said.

She also paid tribute to the people of Chirumanzu, the constituency that elected her to Parliament before her appointment to Cabinet.

"And let me not forget the constituency that voted for me to be an MP and subsequently a Minister. I thank you, Chirumanzu," Rwodzi said.

The Unstoppable African Awards brought together nominees from several African countries, recognising Cabinet ministers through a public voting process.

Kenya's Minister of Public Service, Geoffrey Ruku, finished as first runner-up, while Kenya's Minister of East African Affairs, Beatrice Askul, was named second runner-up.

Uganda's Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, finished third.

Rwodzi's victory placed Zimbabwe at the top of the inaugural competition, with the President describing the outcome as an important achievement for the country's international image.

The presentation of the Ford Ranger Raptor marks a notable reward for the minister, whose recognition comes as Zimbabwe continues efforts to strengthen its tourism industry and attract more international visitors.