Online Reporter
PREPARATIONS for the 2025 Matabeleland South provincial agricultural show, which kicks off in Gwanda tomorrow are on course with about 80 percent of exhibition space already taken.
More than 100 exhibitors are expected to participate at this 67th edition. The showgrounds have a holding capacity of 70 indoor stands and a number of open spaces, which can accommodate those exhibitors with machinery and other bigger products.
The show, which starts tomorrow and ends on Saturday, is running under the theme: “Farm to Factory: Unlocking Industrial Growth” and aligns well with the Government’s Rural Industrialisation Agenda and Vision 2030 goals.
Show society president, Sheron Dewa, said everything was on course as they were raring to go, adding that the guest of honour had confirmed availability.
“As show society, we are pleased with the stands uptake. The preparations are almost complete except for a few touch-ups such as roads rehabilitation,” she said.
“Perimeter fence has been done, electrification of stands completed while plumbing works are underway. Fifty six out of 70 stands have been taken up, while 40 percent have confirmed through payments. Most payments are centralised, so we understand challenges that exhibitors face and we are addressing them.”
The trend is that traditional exhibitors usually do last minute bookings and payments.
“We have new exhibitors that include the Ministry of Mines, Kango, Metro Peach, Gain Cash and Carry, Mcinn Restaurant and Parliament of Zimbabwe, among others. Our guest of honour will be Mr Jim Ross Goddard,” said Dewa.
Mr Goddard is a prominent Zimbabwean businessman who founded J.R. Goddard Contracting in 1982. His company has built over 100 dams and completed more than 200 contracts, including major projects like Bem- bezaan and Rusitu Dams. Employing over 2 000 people, his businesses span construction, mining and agriculture.
Mr Goddard was named Businessman of the Year by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce. The company has partnered international firm, Prospect Resources to work on the Arcadia Lithium Project, which is worth millions of dollars.
Mr Goddard’s company has earned respect and recognition within the industry for its commitment to integrity, hard work and community development.
New Ziana
