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Yoliswa Dube-Moyo, Matabeleland South Bureau Chief

The Matabeleland South Agricultural Show Society has called on investors to construct permanent structures at its premises in Gwanda as part of efforts to turn the society into an industrial hub.

Following the hosting of the exhibition’s 64th edition recently, the show society is poised to scale greater heights while the commercialisation of its stands is expected to improve revenue inflows.

This year’s trade showcase saw cattle breeders in the province being offered artificial insemination training for the first time in the history of the show. 

The training involved theoretical and practical aspects which were conducted by partners and specialists at a venue close to the Gwanda Showgrounds, the site of the trade showcase.

New exhibitors to the show included IPEC, Turnall Holdings, the Department of War Veterans, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, and Zimbabwe National Army who had been absent for some time.

Matabeleland South Agricultural Show Society president Mr Mkhulunyelwa Ngwenya said the society had invited investors to capitalise by constructing permanent stands at their premises.

“We want to turn this society into an industrial hub where companies will be operating at our premises on a full-time basis. In a bid to improve our revenue inflows, we have invited investors to come and build permanent structures for their companies just like what is happening at the Harare Showground and at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair,” said Mr Ngwenya.

He said the structures would however remain the property of the society.

“Payments will be calculated according to what they would have invested,” said Mr Ngwenya.

He said show societies have a role to play in the transformation of provincial economies and subsequent growth of their gross domestic product.

The society is constructing a state-of-the-art farmers’ hall which Mr Ngwenya said is a milestone achievement.

“This is a milestone achievement not only for Matabeleland South province but for the country at large. I’m told that farmers have been coming here to showcase their produce without any accommodation facilities for them. I, however, applaud this committee for constructing a farmer’s hostel and I have confidence that in the years to come, farmers will be well accommodated in the hostels,” said Mr Ngwenya.

He urged the corporate world to invest in infrastructure or donate towards the completion of such structures.

Under the Second Republic, Government has stepped up efforts to implement key development projects in the Matabeleland region in line with the devolution policy and Vision 2030.

Some of the notable key projects include the Gwayi-Shangani Dam in Matabeleland North and Tuli-Manyange Dam in Matabeleland South.

The Beitbridge Border Post modernisation project is another key project being undertaken by Government and its partners.

Meanwhile, the revitalisation of irrigation schemes across the province is expected to boost the provincial economy and promote food security. – @Yolisswa.