In a historic moment for Africa, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, the chief executive officer of Sakunda Holdings, has made waves by becoming the first black individual to be honored with the Global Award of Excellency by the General Conference of The Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA). The accolade, conferred upon him at Solusi University over the weekend, marks a significant milestone not only in Tagwirei’s career but also in the recognition of Africa’s contribution to global education and community development.
General Conference of the SDA director Education Dr Lisa Hardy, Mrs Sandra Tagwirei and Dr Kudakwashe TagwireiThe Global Award of Excellency is one of the highest honors within the SDA Church, given to individuals who have made a *global impact on education* and contributed to advancing the mission of the Church worldwide. For Tagwirei, the recognition comes as a result of his transformative work through the *Bridging the Gap Foundation (BGF), which has supported **63 Adventist schools across Zimbabwe* with resources such as tractors, farming implements, and infrastructure development.
The award also highlights his ongoing investment in Solusi University, where projects worth *US$7 million* are currently transforming the institution. *Vice-Chancellor Khumbulani Mpofu* of Solusi University lauded Tagwirei’s contributions, noting the *comprehensive irrigation system* being installed at Mananda Farm and other projects aimed at creating a self-sustaining, thriving university.
The *SDA Church’s General Conference Director of Education, Lisa Hardy, praised Tagwirei for his extensive outreach, which spans Zimbabwe, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Africa. Through BGF, Tagwirei has reached numerous educational institutions, including Bindura University, with initiatives aimed at **uplifting education standards* and fostering community growth.
In his acceptance speech, Tagwirei humbly acknowledged the honor, emphasizing the importance of education as a *”center of influence”* for societal transformation. He spoke passionately about his belief that *tangible projects, such as the Solusi University initiatives, are vital for the **long-term sustainability and excellence* of Adventist institutions.
“We don’t do this work for accolades,” Tagwirei said, “We do it out of obedience, love, and a deep sense of mission.”
Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s extraordinary contributions to education, community development, and self-sustaining institutions make him a *trailblazer* not just in Zimbabwe, but across the globe. His recognition as the first African to receive this prestigious award highlights the growing impact of African leaders on the international stage.