Online Reporter
Tapera Gwezhira, [email protected]
The Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) Matabeleland South has once again emerged as a top-performing institution at the 2026 Matabeleland South Agricultural Show, securing first place in the Parastatals/Quasi-Government category.
The award was presented last Saturday by the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial
Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, during the closing proceedings of the agricultural show in Gwanda.
The show ran from Thursday, 20 August to Saturday, 22 August under the theme “Unlocking Opportunities Through Collaboration.”
RIDA’s achievement comes after the agency also scooped the top position at last year’s agricultural show, making this the second consecutive year that RIDA Matabeleland South has been recognised as the leading institution in its category.
Speaking on the achievement, RIDA Provincial Director, Mr Likwalethu Ndlovu, congratulated staff for their collective effort.
“We did great as a team, and congratulations. All your efforts and contributions are really significant and valued. If it wasn’t for the team spirit you all have, we would not have made it. Siyabonga njalo, silitshayela ihlombe,” he said.
At its exhibition stand, RIDA showcased its contribution to rural development, with particular emphasis on road infrastructure, water development, plant and equipment, social infrastructure and agricultural tillage services.
The exhibition provided members of the public, farmers, stakeholders and other exhibitors with an opportunity to learn more about RIDA’s mandate and its contribution to improving rural infrastructure and supporting socio-economic development across the province.
The Agency’s exhibition also demonstrated how collaboration with other Government departments, local authorities, communities and development partners is contributing to the implementation of infrastructure projects across the province.
Addressing the Minister and other delegates who visited the RIDA stand, Insiza District Coordinator, Mr Nkosikona Mguni, highlighted some of the Agency’s major projects and partnerships.
He said RIDA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, was implementing the construction of 40 science laboratories across the province.
Mr Mguni said four laboratories in Bulilima District had been completed and were ready for commissioning, while other laboratories were at various stages of construction, including roofing.
On road infrastructure, he highlighted RIDA’s collaboration with Zinara, the Ministry of Transport, Insiza Rural District Council and FS Mining in the regravelling of a 22-kilometre road in Insiza District.
He also highlighted RIDA’s collaboration with farmers across the province through the provision of tillage services aimed at supporting agricultural production.
On water infrastructure, the official said RIDA was collaborating with Zinwa and other stakeholders, including WASH partners, to improve access to water in communities across the province.
The emphasis on partnerships at the RIDA stand was in line with the 2026 Agricultural Show theme, “Unlocking Opportunities Through Collaboration,” which underscores the importance of coordinated efforts among Government institutions, local authorities, communities, and other stakeholders in driving development.
The recognition also comes at a time when Matabeleland South continues to place emphasis on infrastructure development as a key driver of economic growth and improved livelihoods in rural communities.
The achievement by RIDA was part of a highly competitive exhibition, with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) taking the overall first position. ZPCS also emerged first among exhibitors in the Uniformed Forces category, competing alongside the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
