LIFESTYLE WRITER
GLOBALLY, awards ceremonies often attract controversy, with questions raised over selection criteria, transparency and whether deserving candidates emerge victorious.
The National Noble Institutions Excellence Exhibition and Awards has introduced a public participation element to its adjudication process in a bid to promote transparency and credibility.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for December 5 at Rainbow Towers in Harare. One of the organisers, Edgar Saundai, said the initiative was designed to address concerns often raised about awards, particularly why certain institutions or individuals make the shortlist.
“We want to open the process to public scrutiny so that people can understand why particular institutions are shortlisted and what they have done to deserve recognition,” Saundai said. He added that shortlisted institutions will be invited to showcase their work through presentations, interviews and media engagements.
“They will also be encouraged to submit supporting evidence of their achievements and contributions to national development.”
Organisers said information about shortlisted entrants and the reasons for their consideration would be made public, while polls and feedback channels could give citizens an opportunity to share their experiences with the institutions concerned.
“Public input will complement formal assessment and verification procedures, with winners selected according to established criteria and supporting evidence,” he said.
The awards have two main categories: Institutional Excellence Awards, which recognise organisations for outstanding performance, innovation, service delivery and sector leadership, and Leadership, Management and Employee Excellence Awards, which honour individuals and teams whose work contributes to institutional success.
The latter category will cover a broad range of personnel, from directors and managers to frontline employees.
Organisers said recognition should go beyond institutional reputation to acknowledge the people responsible for delivering results, arguing that celebrating employees could promote motivation, professionalism and a culture of appreciation in the workplace.
“Schools, universities, hospitals, banks, contractors, corporations and professional bodies have been invited to participate.
“Established institutions are expected to use the platform to demonstrate sector leadership, while emerging organisations could benefit from greater visibility and an opportunity to showcase their progress.
“Interested institutions have been urged to contact the organisers for information on eligibility, nomination procedures, exhibition opportunities and the adjudication process.”
The organisers also expressed their intention to engage government authorities and other stakeholders to strengthen recognition of outstanding institutional and individual contributions.
