SA’s govt business partnership raises stakes

Wallace Ruzvidzo and Remember Deketeke SOUTH AFRICAN President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to arrive in the country this morning to officially open the 115th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS). His participation underlines the ZAS’ growing appeal as a Sadc agribusiness forum, with the then Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi having officially opened last year’s edition. On Wednesday, President Mnangagwa implored the general citizenry to accord his South African counterpart a warm Zimbabwean welcome and stay. “On Friday (today), we will host His Excellency, Cde Cyril Matemela Ramaphosa, President of the African National Congress party and the Republic of South Africa, who is the Guest of Honour at this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show. “I call upon the party and the nation to prepare to extend our usual and trademark warm hospitality to our guests,” he said at the 386th Ordinary Session of the Politburo. Other South African leaders to have officiated at ZAS in the past include former Presidents Jacob Zuma and the late Nelson Mandela in 2009 and 1994, respectively. Foreign Affairs and International Trade spokesperson, Mrs Philisiwe Chidawanyika told The Herald last night that everything was in place for President Ramaphosa’s arrival this morning. “All is in place (for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s arrival and participation at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show). The two countries enjoy excellent bilateral relations and there are ongoing efforts to strengthen these ties,” she said. The Foreign Affairs spokesperson said exhibitors from the neighbouring country were among the international participants. Outside South Africa, foreign participants from Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palau and China are exhibiting at this year’s event. Speaking after touring various exhibition stands yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the annual Agriculture Show had become an important bridge, linking various sectors of the economy, while also showcasing Zimbabwe’s progress towards food security and modernisation. This year’s edition has drawn exhibitors from across Africa and Asia, including countries like China and Palau. “This year’s exhibition has not only attracted more institutions, but also larger and more diverse participants, including exhibitors from other countries. This demonstrates that Zimbabwe’s agriculture is no longer just about production, but about building strong connections with industry and the community,” he said. Dr Muswere said the media fraternity had a role to play in promoting what is being showcased at this year’s edition, to local, regional and other wider global markets. The agricultural show, which started on Monday, is being held under the theme “Building Bridges: Connecting Agriculture, Industry & Community”. “Members of the Fourth Estate have a responsibility to educate and inform both the nation and international markets about the progress taking place within Zimbabwe’s borders,” he said. “There have been major investments in damming infrastructure such as Tokwe-Mukosi, Marowanyati, Mutare’s Muchekeranwa, and ongoing projects like Kunzvi. “These have provided reliable water supplies to sustain agriculture and ensure food sufficiency,” Dr Muswere said. This year Agriculture Show is organised around five sections, namely agri-produce, tobacco, cotton, livestock and commercial exhibition. Major business events include the Golf Tournament, Annual ZAS Schools Quiz, Annual National Agribusiness Conference, Exhibitors cocktail, Zimbabwe Agricultural Media Awards, Environmental, Social and Governance Conference and the Research for Agricultural Excellence and Technology Indaba.