Voting
Nomination Shortlist and Voting Information
This year we had 33 categories in which Out of the 33 categories, 18 are contestable by popular vote and 15 are direct award after peer review or endorsement by ZAA South Africa committee. For the 18 contestable categories, nominees were shortlisted as worthy finalists and has now progressed to the voting stage where the winner will be decided by popular vote.
Timeline: Nominations: Now closed
Voting: Starts Monday 6th of November 2025 until Monday midnight 18th of November 2025
Event Date: Saturday the 30th of November 2025 18:00hrs till 00:00Hrs
Venue: Raddison Blu Hotel, Sandton
Ticketing: available now on quicket
1. FUTURE LEADERS AWARD
An award for the young person who has been a beacon for leadership, community, and cultural engagement. The recipient will have participated in activities that demonstrate excellence, cultural richness, and diversity of being Zimbabwean. ZAA South Africa wishes to acknowledge, encourage, and most importantly, promote positive achievements of all young people.
2. SPORTS, CULTURE AND FASHION PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
The recipient of this award shows a traceable and proven track record of excellence in sport, fitness and physical wellbeing AND / OR of promoting and upholding an authentically Zimbabwean trait and culture with pride and dignity in the diaspora in a manner that shines a positive light on Zimbabwean culture, fashion, music, lifestyle and general way of life.
3. MEDIA PRODUCTION/PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR
Awarded to an individual or media group who have demonstrated excellence in media and journalism, quality and uniqueness in the manner they provide services, news, entertainment and analysis on important issues of the day happening locally and internationally throughout the year. They will have a huge presence and impact on their audiences/listeners on multiple channels, Radio, TV, Blogs and Social Media platforms.
4. MALE PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Awarded to an exceptional individual demonstrating:
- Excellence in leadership and vision
- Inspiring community impact
- Innovative storytelling
- Unmatched audience connection
Honoring integrity, creativity, and service, this individual inspires future generations.
5. FEMALE PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Awarded to an outstanding individual who exemplifies excellence in media and journalism, delivering high-quality content with a unique voice.
Recognizing her:
- Exceptional storytelling and analysis
- Inspiring presence across Radio, TV, Blogs, and Social Media
- Impactful coverage of local and international issues
- Innovative approach to entertainment and news
- Unwavering dedication to empowering audiences
Honoring her outstanding contributions, leadership, and inspiration.
6. COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
Awarded to a recipient who has shown extraordinary commitment and has taken it upon him OR herself to work tirelessly and lead in the improvement of the Zimbabwean Community in Australia. ZAA Australia honours their selfless effort to engage, involve and consult the community, to go to the grassroots of communities, made strides to understand their priorities and campaigned on issues that matter to them.
7. COMMUNITY ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR
With this award, ZAA Australia honours an organization that has worked and campaigned tirelessly to deliver sustained positive impact and outcomes to the Zimbabwean Community in Australia and beyond.
8. FEMALE ENTREPRENUER OF THE YEAR
This is awarded to a high-potential female entrepreneur or a businessperson who has demonstrated resilience and excellence in business and investment with a proven track record of genuine ability and passion in operating a successful business enterprise. ZAA South Africa is honoring entrepreneurs whose boldness drives them to do things differently and change the world in the most unexpected ways.
9. MALE ENTREPRENUER OF THE YEAR
This is awarded to a high-potential male entrepreneur or a businessperson who has demonstrated resilience and excellence in business and investment with a proven track record of genuine ability and passion in operating a successful business enterprise. ZAA South Africa is honouring entrepreneurs whose boldness drives them to do things differently and change the world in the most unexpected ways.
10. BUSINESS ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR
A business that can demonstrate a long-standing commitment of a responsible business and leadership in the marketplace, workplace, environment and the community. The Business must be financially sound and active in their community.
11. START UP INNOVATOR
This is awarded to a high-potential entrepreneur or a businessperson who has demonstrated resilience and excellence in business and investment with a proven track record of genuine ability and passion in operating a successful business enterprise. ZAA Australia is honouring entrepreneurs whose boldness drives them to do things differently and change the world in the most unexpected ways.
12. PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Awarded to an exceptional individual who exemplifies excellence in their profession, demonstrating:
- Unparalleled expertise and leadership
- Innovative solutions and strategic thinking
- Outstanding achievements and impactful contributions
- Dedication to mentorship and community development
- Unwavering commitment to ethical standards
Honoring their remarkable professionalism, integrity, and influence, inspiring excellence in their industry.
13. OUTSTANDING AUTHOR
Awarded to a exceptional writer who has demonstrated:
- Literary excellence and creative genius
- Unique perspective and insightful storytelling
- Impactful contributions to literature and community
- Innovative storytelling across genres
- Unwavering commitment to intellectual freedom
Honoring their remarkable writing, inspiring imagination, and influencing minds.
14. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD
Awarded to an exceptional individual or institution demonstrating:
- Outstanding scholarly achievements and research
- Innovative teaching methods and curriculum development
- Significant contributions to their field of study
- Dedication to mentoring and student success
- Unwavering commitment to academic integrity
Honoring exceptional academic achievements, inspiring minds, and shaping the future.
15. OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINMENT
Awarded to an exceptional individual or group demonstrating:
- Exceptional talent and creativity in entertainment
- Unique and captivating storytelling and performance
- Significant impact on popular culture and trends
- Innovative use of media platforms and technology
- Unwavering dedication to entertaining and inspiring audiences
Honoring outstanding achievements in entertainment, captivating audiences, and shaping the industry.
16. PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Awarded to an individual or organization chosen by the people, recognizing:
- Exceptional public appeal and popularity
- Outstanding contribution to community engagement
- Inspiring social impact and influence
- Unwavering commitment to public service
- Unmatched audience connection across platforms
Honoring the people’s favorite, as voted by the public, for their remarkable impact and dedication to serving the community.
17. SIMBA MHERE MEDIA AWARDS
Awarded to an exceptional journalist demonstrating:
- Excellent reporting and storytelling
- Fearless pursuit of truth and transparency
- Impactful coverage of local and international issues
- Innovative storytelling and multimedia production
- Unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity
Honoring Simba Mhere’s legacy, this award recognizes outstanding journalism, inspiring public discourse, and holding power accountable.
18. FARMER OF THE YEAR
Awarded to an exceptional farmer demonstrating:
- Outstanding agricultural innovation and productivity
- Commitment to sustainable farming practices
- Significant contributions to food security and community development
- Innovative marketing and business strategies
- Unwavering dedication to agricultural excellence
Honoring exceptional farming achievements, inspiring agricultural innovation, and ensuring a sustainable food future.