By Staff Reporter
GWERU, Zimbabwe– In a powerful demonstration of spiritual solidarity and corporate social responsibility, River Valley Group of Companies CEO, Amb Professor Smelly Dube, joined the nation on Saturday 19th September 2026, to celebrate the 87th birthday of one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent spiritual leaders, Bishop Dr. Nehemiah Mutendi of the ZCC Church.
The Bishop, who celebrated his milestone birthday on 15th September 2026, was honored with a significant donation of food hampers aimed at alleviating the plight of the less privileged within his congregation. The donation included essential commodities such as cooking oil, sugar, flour, mealie meal, rice, and salt, among others.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the donation, Prof Dube characterized the gesture as a tribute to the Bishop’s spiritual guidance and his role in national development as well as how he has mentored and guided Prof Dube and her husband, River Valley Group Chairman the Eng Dr. Mncedisi Dube over the years.
“This donation is my humble way of thanking Bishop Mutendi for leading God’s work and continuing to pray for Zimbabwe’s prosperity under the leadership of His Excellency President Mnangagwa,” Prof Dube stated.
She further aligned her philanthropic efforts with the national agenda, noting that the President has “ushered in policies for businesses to thrive,” which is essential in the collective journey to attain an empowered upper-middle-class economy by 2030.
The donation was received with deep gratitude. Addressing his congregation on Sunday 20th September 2026, Bishop Mutendi, through his representatives took a moment to publicly acknowledge the River Valley Group CEO’s generosity during a live ZCC church service in Defe.
“Before we go on with our prayer proceedings, I would want to inform the congregation that we have received food hampers from River Valley CEO Dr. Smelly Dube,” the Bishop representative announced.
“Our man of God received the food hampers in Gweru and he has brought them here. We want to thank her.”
This latest act of kindness is not an isolated incident, but part of a consistent pattern of philanthropy that has become synonymous with Prof Smelly Dube’s brand. Recently, she made similar donations in Gweru, specifically targeting community members who offered prayers for her during a previous period of hospitalization, demonstrating a deeply personal connection to the people of the Midlands.
Through her company, River Valley, Prof Dube has established a formidable legacy of social welfare. Her work extends to the most vulnerable members of society, particularly children, widows and the elderly in the Midlands province. River Valley currently supports numerous needy children by paying school fees and providing adequate food and shelter, ensuring that the next generation has a foundation for success.
As Zimbabwe continues to navigate its path towards Vision 2030, the synergy between successful business leaders like Prof Smelly and Eng Dr. Mncedisi Dube and spiritual institutions represents a vital pillar of social stability. The food hampers donated this weekend will go a long way in providing relief to families in need, proving once again that for the Ruvervalley Group Executives, business success is inextricable from community service.
