Online Reporter
Dorothy N Sithole
A FARMERS’ showcase held at Chalet Clinic in Ward 14, Insiza North, was transformed into a celebration of agricultural development and community empowerment after Ward 23 Shadow Councillor Cde Sikhanyisiwe Nkomo donated equipment and funds towards various community projects.
The event, held on Friday, brought together farmers, traditional leaders, development partners and agricultural experts for an exhibition aimed at promoting farming as a business.
Chalet Clinic, a homestead building that also serves as a resettlement meeting venue, hosted the showcase organised by Lochard VIDCO V4 chairman Mr Kudakwashe Muzenda together with the ward VIDCO committee. Farmers from Ward 22 also attended.
The event was officiated by Ward 14 Councillor Cde Kembo Nkomo, while Agritex officials Mr Thompson Mpofu from Ward 18 and Mr Makhosi Xaba from Ward 23 judged the exhibits. Ward 14 Agritex officer Mr Lulama Sihlahla could not attend after the death of his brother.
Also in attendance were animal scientist Mr Panashe Taruvinga and agronomist Mr Obriel Chiurawa from Intaba Trading, who provided farmers with technical advice on livestock management, crop production and climate-smart agriculture.
The major highlight of the day was the presence of Cde Nkomo, who donated resources aimed at improving livelihoods in Ward 14.
The programme started with community games, with winners of apple bobbing, ladies’ soccer and the egg-and-spoon race receiving a combined US$150. Participants in the question-and-answer segment were also rewarded with cash prizes.
In a major boost for the ward, Cde Nkomo handed over US$600 to Cllr Kembo Nkomo, with US$300 earmarked for identifying beneficiaries of a new goat project in Ward 14.
Another US$300 will go towards fulfilling a pledge she made to Siyazama Primary School during its Cultural Day held on 29 May 2026, with the funds set to be handed over to the school headmaster.
She also donated two earth auger machines and an egg incubator machine for use by residents, while Cllr Kembo Nkomo received US$50 towards fuel to support his mobility as he serves the ward.
Cde Nkomo further pledged to provide seven solar spark starter lights worth US$102 each for Ward 14 leaders who had not yet received the equipment.
She also announced plans to donate three motorbikes to Agritex officers from Ward 22 — Ms Tecla Dube, Ms Virginia Zulu and Ms Chipo Lwanda — in recognition of their work supporting farmers.
“These women cut across bushes and risk their lives to educate farmers all over,” she said.
The motorbikes are expected to be ready for collection on 15 August 2026.
The donations were welcomed by residents, with some describing the gesture as unprecedented.
“This is a great miracle that we have never seen before. God has visited to lift us up in a miraculous way,” said one elderly resident.
Addressing the gathering, Cde Nkomo said the empowerment initiatives were a demonstration of the benefits of unity and development.
She thanked Ward 14 residents for supporting Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3, which was recently signed into law by President Mnangagwa, saying communities would continue to benefit from development programmes.
“This is the right time you are starting to witness the fruits of CAB3. With all the donations I make from my own pocket to empower Insiza North residents, I am in full support of the ‘suit’. When I say the suit, I mean I am supporting President ED Mnangagwa with all my heart and resources,” she said.
She said Government’s development programmes were geared towards achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
Cde Nkomo also commended Insiza North legislator Delani Moyo and Ward 14 Councillor Kembo Nkomo for representing community interests.
“Honour and respect our leaders. Psalm 133 teaches us that it is a blessing to dwell together in unity. Let us not be selfish. Support one another through these pass-on scheme projects I have initiated among you,” she said.
Cllr Kembo Nkomo urged farmers to embrace agricultural shows as platforms for learning, sharing ideas and improving production.
Mr Thompson Mpofu guided farmers through the judging criteria, which included livestock health, breed and uniformity, crop variety and quality, cookery, crafts and vegetable production.
Mr Makhosi Xaba said the Government’s vision was to transform agriculture into a major industry by 2030.
“Our vision as Agritex and Government is to see farming becoming a big industry for everyone by 2030,” he said.
Mr Taruvinga encouraged farmers to prioritise livestock health through regular dipping, vaccination programmes and prevention of diseases such as January disease.
Mr Chiurawa urged farmers to adopt climate-smart agriculture, select suitable maize varieties and reduce post-harvest losses.
The showcase ended with farmers being encouraged to commercialise agriculture and view farming as a viable business venture.
derick.khumalo