adminMarvelous Moyo Gwanda Correspondent
THE South Western Districts Show Society has changed its name to Matabeleland South Agricultural Show Society, an official has said.
In an interview, the society’s publicity and advertising officer, Mr Fidelis Mhlolo, said the society, which runs the annual agricultural show in Gwanda, has since disposed of its old name to identify with the province.
“We realised that the previous name which we inherited from the pre-independence era did not identify the society easily in relation to the province. This is not only a Gwanda show but people from all corners of the province must participate,” he said.
Mr Mhlolo said preparations for this year’s agricultural show had started and were on course.
The 56th edition of the show will run from 8 to 10 August under the theme “Promoting Innovations that work”.
“The theme was chosen in light of the fact that the province is drought- prone, so we are urging organisations to come up with, and showcase workable solutions to our agricultural community,” he said.
Participants that included the business community, farmers and miners should come up with innovations that would help tackle economic challenges faced by the country.
“The province also has a lot of gold, therefore companies that are in the mining industry should showcase innovations that will promote the local industry. As a result of the challenges that we face as an economy, it is critical for every sector to come up and promote unique programmes that work. We therefore expect to see a lot of exciting exhibits,” said Mr Mhlolo.
He said invitations had been sent to traditional exhibitors and other potential exhibitors, with more participants expected to take part this year.
“We have received an overwhelming response this year and we are looking forward to having a bigger and exciting show this year. Already, we have 65 organisations that have confirmed participation compared to the 57 organisations that had confirmed participation in the same period last year.
The show can accommodate up to 100 organisations and we are still inviting more exhibitors to come on board,” said Mr Mhlolo.
Participants have in the previous shows managed to clinch deals and venture into successful joint ventures.
Mr Mhlolo said the livestock section would be one of the main attractions at the show as farmers had managed to sustain their cattle through various drought mitigation programmes such as feedlots.
The charges for taking up stands remain unchanged with a minimum stand costing $50 and the most expensive $250.
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