Online Reporter
Hello there.
It is a brilliant and sunny morning in Harare as the nation waits for the official opening of the 115th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS).
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to officially open the grand event later today.
This year’s show highlights the growing significance of ZAS as a key agribusiness forum within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Following last year’s opening by Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, President Ramaphosa’s participation underscores the importance of regional collaboration in agriculture.
Join us as our Reporters Wallace Ruzvidzo and Harmony Agere, as well as Photographers Justin Mutenda and Believe Nyakudjara bring you updates from this significant event on the agricultural calendar.
President Ramaphosa arrives
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived to officially open the 115th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show today.
The Show is running under the theme “Building Bridges: Connecting Agriculture, Industry and Community.”
He was welcomed at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, Zimbabwean Ambassador to South Africa David Hamadziripi and South African Embassy Officials.
President, First Lady now at Harare Exhibition Grounds
President Mnangagwa, accompanied by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, has arrived at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society building ahead of the official opening of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
He was welcomed by Vice President Kembo Mohadi.
President Ramaphosa is expected to arrive shortly.
A tour of selected exhibition stands will follow thereafter.
Presidents have started the tour of exhibition stands
President Mnangagwa and President Ramaphosa conclude tour of exhibition stands
President Mnangagwa and his South African counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa have concluded a tour of exhibition stands at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, drawing huge crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the two leaders.
The tour began at the South African Qualifications Authority stand, before the Presidents proceeded to the Midlands State University and ARDA stands, where they were briefed on innovations aimed at strengthening agricultural development.
At both ARDA and AFC Holdings’ stands, which was led by the Minister of Agriculture Dr Anxious Masuku, the leaders were appraised of initiatives designed to boost Zimbabwe’s food security.
They also visited the Angel of Hope Foundation and the Land Tenure stands, attracting widespread public attention.
The two leaders later toured Kutsaga, followed by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development stand, where officials showcased new mining technologies being implemented by the Government.
They also stopped by Zimplats and Mimosa Mining Company stands, with Zimplats also highlighting its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The Presidents then visited the MenBelievED stand, which chronicles President Mnangagwa’s life history, before moving on to the livestock exhibits.
Their final stops included the Ministry of Agriculture stand and the Parliament of Zimbabwe stand, where the tour concluded.
Throughout the walkabout, business temporarily came to a standstill as both children and adults competed for a chance to see the Heads of State.
VP Mohadi tours stands
Vice President Kembo Mohadi is also touring exhibition stands at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
He made a stop at the TIMB stand inside the Tobacco Hall, where he is assessing the trends that have been recorded since the Board’s inception.
From there, he proceeded to the Mines and Mining Development Ministry stand, where officials highlighted the strides the ministry has made in digitalising most of its sectors. VP Mohadi also toured the SeedCo stand, where he viewed newly rolled out varieties of vegetables and legumes showcased in a lush, green display of thriving crops. The Vice President also made a stop at the MenBelievED stand and the livestock section.
Zimbabwe awaits for SA President’s address
Scores of people are now seated in the main arena, waiting for the official opening by President Ramaphosa.
Senior Government officials have also started arriving at the main arena.
Entertainment is being provided by musican, ExQ, drum majorettes, as well as the police band.
ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera tours the NetOne stand.
Finance and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube tours the IPEC stand at ZAS 2025 this morning.- Pictures: Edward Zvemisha
Children enjoy virtual reality games at the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services ZAS stand.
National Army ready for inspection
The Zimbabwe National Army has mounted the parade and are now waiting inspection.
The atmosphere is festive, with the Glamis Arena almost full to capacity.
A number of entertainment activities are lined up for the day.
Its clear skies and sunny as Zimbabweans from all walks of life have gathered at the Showgrounds.
The Commander of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda accompanied by service commanders have arrived.
Official proceedings begin
President Mnangagwa and his South African counterpart President Cyril Ramaphosa have now entered the venue to mark the beginning of the official ceremony.
This was followed by the singing of the national anthem and a fly past.
Following the singing of the national anthem, President Ramaphosa inspected the parade.
He will deliver his speech shortly.
President Ramaphosa commends Zim’s agric progress and calls for increased trade cooperation
The South African President has taken to the podium to address attendees.
He began by acknowledging that he had missed a lot by not attending ZAS over the years.
President Ramaphosa becomes the third South African leader to have officiated at ZAS.
Former Presidents Jacob Zuma and the late Nelson Mandela officiated in 2009 and 1994, respectively.
“I am here at the special invitation of my dear brother President Mnangagwa who has on several occasions invited me to come to this agricultural show.
“I now confess that I have been missing out a lot over the years,” he said.
President Ramaphosa congratulated his counterpart for hosting the ZAS, which he described as outstanding.
The South African leader commended how Zimbabwe had redressed the land issues post-independence.
“This mirrored our own experience in South Africa,” he said.
He said the progress Zimbabwe is making in the agriculture sector is encouraging.
“Agriculture is the cornerstone of the Zimbabwean economy. Today I have seen and heard for myself the progress that you have made.
“I congratulate you on the progress you have made in agriculture, dear President,” he said.
President Ramaphosa then emphasised the importance of collaboration among neighbouring countries.
He said it is important that countries embrace new technologies in agriculture.
“Such innovation will be the key as we build resilience in pursuit of food security,” said President Ramaphosa.
He said the hosting of the ZAS resonates with Sadc’s agricultural goals.
The two Presidents were among the leaders who attended the 45th Sadc Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Madagascar this month.
“President Mnangagwa and I recently attended the Sadc Summit a few weeks ago,” he said.
The South African leader called on the private sector to scout for potential opportunities that will see an increase in trade and collaboration.
Awards for ZAS exhibitors
Overall best small livestock winner – Mukwashi Simbarashe from Buhera, Manicaland Province
Best Extension Winner – Caroline Lupahla from Lupane, Matabeleland North Province
Best Commercial Soya Beans – Ian Dunken, from Bubi, Matabeleland North
Best commercial maize winner – Tawanda Matangira, Bindura, Mashonaland Central
Best Pfumvudza Farmer – Chidhume Claudios, Zvishavane, Midlands Province
Overall best livestock exhibitor – SKC, Headlands, Manicaland
Best Cotton grower – George Siyachiboma, Lusulu, Binga, Mat North
Best Agriproduce Exhibitor – Plaxedes Murefu, Chegutu, Mashonaland West
Best Display for Agricultural Value Addition and Beneficiation – GMB
Best Organisation exhibiting sustainable conservation practices – ZimParks
Best Display Exhibitor AgroProcessing – Tongat Hullet
Best Display by State Enterprise and Parastatals – TIMB
Best Exhibitor State Security – ZRP
Best Display by Local Authority – Binga Rural District Council
Best Display by Financial Services Institution – RBZ
Best Exhibitor in Health Sector – NSSA
Best Telecommunications Exhibitor – Econet Wireless
Best Exhibitor Climate Smart Exhibitor – Midlands State University
Best Exhibitor Arts, Culture and Sport – ZPCS arts department
Best Exhibitor Educational Institution – Chinhoyi University of Technology
Best Exhibitor Construction sector – Allied Timbers
Best SME, Export and Import Substitution Efforts – Zanu PF
And it’s a wrap!
The awards ceremony has ended.
President Ramaphosa has been given a Brahman bull as a token of appreciation by the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society.
The two Presidents take their leave to mark the end of the official programme.
As both leaders depart, the sentiments expressed during the event highlight the importance of innovation and partnership in achieving food security and economic development in the region.
This occasion marks a renewed commitment to working together for a prosperous future.
Thank you for joining us in this live feed.
