The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South Province, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, today officiated as Guest of Honour at the Official Opening and Closing Ceremony of the 68th Edition of the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show, held at the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show Grounds in Gwanda.
The 2026 Show, which commenced on Thursday, 20 August, ran under the theme: “Unlocking New Opportunities Through Collaboration.”
Prior to the main ceremony, Honourable Nguluvhe was briefed by the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show Society Executive before touring exhibition stands, where he interacted with farmers, companies, Government departments and other exhibitors showcasing agricultural products, technologies and services.
The programme included welcome remarks by the Gwanda District Development Coordinator, remarks by the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show Society President, Honourable Nguluvhe also presented prizes to outstanding exhibitors. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the Mayor of Gwanda, His Worship Alderman T. Moyo.
In his address, Honourable Nguluvhe commended the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show Society Executive and its membership for successfully organising the three-day exhibition and providing an important platform for farmers, businesses, institutions and communities to establish partnerships and exchange knowledge.
He emphasised that agriculture had evolved beyond subsistence production and should increasingly contribute towards food security, value addition, beneficiation, employment creation and economic growth, in line with the country's development agenda.
The Minister encouraged farmers to adopt climate-smart and drought-resilient agricultural practices, including conservation agriculture, rainwater harvesting, irrigation and the production of drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum, millet and cowpeas. He also underscored the importance of fodder preservation and responsible livestock management in strengthening resilience.
Honourable Nguluvhe further called upon farmers to take advantage of Government-supported agricultural equipment, including tractors and hay balers, to improve productivity and prepare adequately for challenging climatic conditions.
Having toured the exhibition stands, the Minister expressed confidence in the agricultural potential of Matabeleland South, particularly noting the participation of emerging farmers and the quality of displays.
“We need to collaborate as various players and empower each other so that we do not only end hunger at household level, but also contribute meaningfully towards the development of our beloved country Zimbabwe,” said Honourable Nguluvhe.
He challenged farmers and exhibitors from the Province to aspire to participate in larger national, regional and international agricultural exhibitions, using such platforms to exchange knowledge, establish markets and attract investment.
The Minister also welcomed the Agricultural Show Society's vision of transforming the Gwanda Show Grounds into a modern, state-of-the-art exhibition park, including the proposed construction of a Farmers' Hostel to provide suitable accommodation for exhibitors.
He appealed to the corporate sector and development partners to support the initiative, stressing that improved infrastructure would enable the Show Society to operate throughout the year and attract greater participation.
Honourable Nguluvhe also welcomed the increase in exhibitors at the 68th edition compared to the previous year, saying this demonstrated growing confidence in the Show as a platform for business networking and agricultural development.
On livestock production, the Minister acknowledged progress made in responding to Foot and Mouth Disease and commended the responsible authorities for measures taken to contain the threat. He urged farmers and communities to continue adhering to veterinary guidance and movement-control measures to protect the Province's livestock sector.
The Minister further called for the continued strengthening of the Show under the Devolution and Decentralisation agenda, expressing his desire to see the event grow into a truly provincial platform with active participation from all local authorities across Matabeleland South.
Honourable Nguluvhe said agricultural development remained central to the attainment of Vision 2030 and reiterated the national philosophy:
“Ilizwe lakhiwa, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo — Nyika inovakwa, igonamatirwa nevene vayo.”
He subsequently declared the 68th Edition of the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show officially closed, congratulating exhibitors, farmers, organisers, corporate partners and showgoers for contributing towards another successful edition of the annual event.
*Hon. Albert Nguluvhe*
*Minister of State for* *Provincial Affairs and Devolution*
*Matabeleland South Province*