Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
MS Sheron Dewa (37) has made history by becoming the first female and youngest person to lead the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show Society (MSASS).
Since assuming office in November last year, Ms Dewa, an accountant by profession and a businesswoman in retail and farming, has set her sights on transforming the show society into a key player in the development of the agricultural sector in the province.
Her election as MSASS president followed a fierce leadership race, with Ms Dewa emerging victorious over several male candidates. Her leadership journey began in 2020 when she served as treasurer for the show society.
Ms Dewa’s success in this role, particularly during the 2023 show where she stepped up in the absence of the then-president, inspired her peers to encourage her to contest for the top position.
“I was motivated by members of the show society after we successfully managed to hold the 2023 show as a committee in the absence of the president who was committed during that period at work outside the province. My fellow committee members urged me to contest for the office of president,” she said.
Ms Dewa expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in her by the committee members.
“I’m honoured by the trust my fellow members have shown in me. Being the first female and youngest president in the history of MSASS is a significant achievement, and I’m committed to leading with integrity and innovation,” she said.
Under her leadership, the 66th Edition of the Matabeleland South Agricultural Show was successfully held, marking a new chapter for the society. Ms Dewa said her immediate priorities include completing a 15-unit farmers’ hostel, a project initiated by her predecessors. She also envisions transforming the showgrounds into a state-of-the-art exhibition park that will host multiple expos throughout the year.
“Our strategy is to engage various partners to fully develop the showgrounds. There’s a lot of unused space that, if properly utilised, can bring in significant returns,” said Ms Dewa.
In just a few months, Ms Dewa and her committee have already made considerable progress. They have refurbished the office, constructed ablution facilities, renovated livestock pens, drilled a borehole, and erected a boundary fence, all with the support of well-wishers from the business community.
Looking ahead, Ms Dewa wants to enhance the quality of exhibitions, particularly in agriculture, by working closely with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development. The committee also intends to coordinate district shows that will feed into the provincial event and hold field days to further educate and engage farmers.
“Our annual themes will reflect the current trends in agriculture. This year’s theme, ‘Smart Interventions in Agribusiness: Our Top Priority,’ focused on educating farmers about climate-smart measures to mitigate the effects of drought,” said Ms Dewa.
As she leads MSASS into a new era, Ms Dewa said she is determined to make a lasting impact, ensuring that society not only contributes to the agricultural sector, but also plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of Matabeleland South.
Ms Dewa said they also intend to facilitate business and farming indabas during the show as part of creating synergies and capacitating farmers.
“We plan to also improve on the quality of prizes as they can act as a strategy to lure exhibitors and motivate them. The main thrust of the committee is to improve the quality of exhibitions, especially under the agriculture category namely crops and livestock,” she said.– @DubeMatutu
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