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Khuzi Thendele Ncube

Marvelous Moyo Business Correspondent
THE Matabeleland South Agricultural Show kicks off in Gwanda today with organisers impressed with the increase in the number of first time exhibitors.
Head of the organising team Khuzi Thendele Ncube said they received an overwhelming response from companies and organisations showing interest in participating at this year’s show.
“It’s all systems go and we are happy with the high levels of preparations. We are also impressed with the high number of new exhibitors we have recorded this year.
“It shows that the show is really making a positive impact to various communities,” said Ncube.

“We have 15 new exhibitors that have confirmed participation and we still have more who are making inquiries. We have new exhibitors from various sectors of the economy coming in and we are confident to say this will be a show to remember.”

Ncube said among the new exhibitors were Gwanda State University – the province’s new institution set for opening this year, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera), Engen, Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA), Institute People Management of Zimbabwe, Fort X-Ray Centre, Nyaradzo Life Assurance Company and Caritas Masvingo among others.

All the built stands have been taken up with 100 exhibitors including the traditional ones having confirmed participation.
Ncube said there was still open space available that could accommodate up to 250 exhibitors and called on more farmers to take part in the exhibition.

Members of the public have been encouraged to come in their large numbers as there will be lots of entertainment.
“We will have Stuntman from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) together with his team, there will be a big attraction on the entertainment side. They will make various performances with their motorbikes and we are hopeful they are going to draw a large crowd,” said Ncube.

The three-day exhibition which ends on Saturday will run under the theme “Economic Recovery through holistic approaches” at the Gwanda Agricultural Show Grounds.

The theme seeks to support the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset) in recovering the economy.
Farmers will display livestock and crops and will also have an opportunity to interact and share ideas on how to improve production.

The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Matabeleland South Cde Abedinico Ncube will officially open the show on Saturday.
Chronicle Business visited the show grounds yesterday where exhibitors were busy working on their stands while some were making final touches.

Matabeleland South provincial livestock specialist Mario Muchemwa said the Department of Livestock Production and Development will this year concentrate on livestock welfare.

“We want to ensure that farmers are aware that animals just like humans also have rights. Once farmers know these animal rights, it would help them improve on management and production,” he said.

Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele said the show will be a forum for them to explain their role in supporting the government’s economic blueprint, Zim-Asset.