Online Reporter
Chronicle Correspondent
A NEW executive committee has taken charge at the National Association of Agricultural Show Societies of Zimbabwe (NAASSZ), amid renewed calls for show societies to spearhead business creation and drive provincial economic transformation.
NAASSZ is the apex body for all registered and affiliated provincial and district agricultural show societies in the country.
There are 10 provincial show societies in the country and a few district shows that are affiliated to NAASSZ.
The organisation held its annual general meeting on 24 April on the sidelines of the just-ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo where the new executive was elected among other resolutions.
Matabeleland North Show Society, organisers of the Matabeleland North Provincial Agricultural Show hosted the 2026 AGM and chose to hold it on the sidelines of the ZITF at the Bulawayo Agricultural Society members’ pavilion.
The new executive comprises of Mr Godfrey Mavankeni who retained his position as president, and will be deputized by Mr Augustine Mupakurirwa.
Mr Thabani Mkwananzi retained his position as secretary and will be deputised Mr Tonderayi Choga. Mrs Pedisai Rusero was voted as treasurer while Mrs Moline Matina will be the marketing and publicity. Committee members are Mr Brian Vengai, Mr Josphat Mukwena and Alderman Against Chiteme.
In an interview after the AGM and election, Mr Mavankeni said businesses exhibit where they see value.
“We have had an AGM where a number of issues were discussed including how shows performed during previous years. We also discussed about what can be done to improve performance and engage partners and also to be involved in engaging provincial ministers,” he said.
“The show societies are a conduit in bringing business for the provincial governments because they play a crucial role in bringing businesspeople and agriculture together.
“So, we felt as show societies that we have to do more and add value to our stakeholders. People should see the benefits of why they should come and exhibit at the show,” said Mr Mavankeni.
He said a show is not all about exhibiting but about making business and connections.
Mr Mavankeni said show societies were also encouraged to attend regional and international shows so that they are aware of the trends and how exhibitions are taking shape.
In terms of his plans for NAASSZ, Mr Mavankeni said better things are yet to come.
“I feel very much humbled to be re-elected as the NAASSZ chair. We want to take NAASSZ to the next level. We have spoken of development of show grounds, we have to support Government agenda of development. So, to show societies, I say let’s develop our institutions, lets improve the structures,” he said.
“Lest work with relevant stakeholders so that we play our role in development of our provinces and country.”
During the AGM, show societies were encouraged to develop master plans and strive to reach the level of Zimbabwe Agricultural Show and BAS, as well as ensure they invest in development of agriculture, particularly crop and livestock farming.
The idea is to enhance NAASSZ. Meanwhile, the AGM set the tone for the upcoming provincial show societies with Matabeleland North Show Society, which hosted the 2026 AGM, set to host its show from 5 to 8 August 2026.
