My Afrika Magazine feature reporter Sympathy Sibanda, affectionately known to viewers as Mangwenya, has added another feather to her cap after scooping the prestigious Digital Pioneers Award at the recently held Women Pioneers in Africa (WPA) Summit in Lusaka, Zambia.

The award, conferred by the phenomenal organisation Women Pioneers in Africa, is a celebration of Mangwenya’s growing influence and consistent input in the media and digital storytelling industry.

The summit, held earlier this month in Lusaka, ran under the theme: “African Women Beyond Borders: Leadership, Wealth & Social Impact” and brought together trailblazing women from Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Liberia, Nigeria and beyond. The gathering sought to amplify the voices of African women who are reshaping narratives around leadership, economic empowerment, and community transformation.

For Sibanda, this marks her second regional recognition; a milestone she says is both humbling and affirming.

“I am often humbled by the feedback I get from people who follow my shows as well as our storytelling endeavours. Being recognised and honoured in Zambia by WPA was for me, God telling me I’m going in the right direction to touch lives,” she said.

“I am ecstatic to receive my second regional award after the international women’s multisector conference communications award in South Africa two years ago. It motivates me to keep pushing the envelope and to continue impacting people who look up to me.”

Known for her versatility and authentic connection with audiences across 3Ktv’s variety shows, Mangwenya has built a loyal following through relatable content and community-centred storytelling. Her approach to media which blends entertainment with education and empowerment was cited as one of the reasons she was honoured.

Organisers of the summit said the Digital Pioneers Award recognises women who are leveraging digital platforms to lead, create wealth and drive social change beyond their national borders, in line with this year’s theme.

The Lusaka summit featured panel discussions, mentorship sessions and networking forums aimed at fostering cross-border collaborations among African women leaders.

She was also part of a panel where she presented on the importance of authentic storytelling.

With this latest accolade, Sibanda Mangwenya joins a growing list of Zimbabwean media personalities making a mark on the regional stage, proving that Zimbabwean stories when told authentically resonate beyond borders.