Online Reporter
Nothando Zondo, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has commended Umzingwane Rural District Council and the organisers of the Umzingwane Agricultural and Trade Expo for creating a platform that promotes investment, innovation, business networking and economic transformation at grassroots level.
The commendation was made by Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, while officially opening the three-day Expo at Hiny Hall in Esigodini on Saturday.
Minister Nguluvhe said the successful hosting of the event reflected strong commitment, collaboration and effective coordination among stakeholders.
He applauded the local authority and the organising committee for bringing together farmers, miners, entrepreneurs, Government departments and development partners under one roof.
“Allow me to commend the Umzingwane Rural District Council and the organising committee for successfully organising this important event, because this Expo is more than an exhibition of goods and services, it is a strategic platform for investment, innovation, business networking, knowledge exchange and economic transformation,” he said.
The Minister said the Expo was fully aligned with the Government’s devolution agenda, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the Second Republic’s vision of driving development from the grassroots through local production, enterprise development and value creation.
He noted that Umzingwane possesses significant economic potential in agriculture, livestock production, mining, tourism and entrepreneurship. He urged stakeholders to harness these opportunities through increased productivity, value addition and stronger market linkages.
“The theme of this year’s Expo, ‘Unlocking Markets, Building Partnerships and Discovering Opportunities’, is fully aligned with the aspirations of the Second Republic, the National Development Strategy 2, and the devolution agenda,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He said the theme underscored the importance of connecting producers to markets, building partnerships that support innovation and turning economic opportunities into sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.
Minister Nguluvhe challenged exhibitors to use the Expo as a platform for building lasting business relationships that can unlock new investment opportunities, secure processing agreements and improve market access.
“I challenge every exhibitor gathered here today to use this Expo not merely to showcase products, but to establish lasting business relationships; let this Expo become a marketplace where producers meet processors, entrepreneurs meet investors and local enterprises secure sustainable markets,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
The Minister stressed that economic transformation cannot be achieved by Government alone and called for stronger collaboration among local authorities, traditional leaders, financial institutions, research institutions, development partners, the private sector and local communities.
Turning to agriculture, Minister Nguluvhe urged farmers to adopt a market-driven approach to production by understanding consumer preferences, quality requirements and market demand before investing in crops or livestock.
He also encouraged producers to embrace collective marketing through co-operatives and producer associations, saying such structures strengthen bargaining power and improve access to finance, agricultural inputs and reliable markets.
“Value addition and beneficiation are critical for raising incomes and creating jobs, and I call for increased local processing, packaging and branding of agricultural and mineral products to keep more value in the district,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“There is also a strong need to amplify the adoption of innovation and climate-smart agricultural practices in response to climate change, droughts and erratic rainfall patterns affecting Matabeleland South.
“At the same time, farmers are urged to embrace efficient water management, irrigation development, conservation farming, drought-tolerant crops and improved livestock production systems that can withstand dry conditions.”
The Minister further encouraged farmers and businesses to embrace digital technologies, mechanisation and renewable energy solutions to improve efficiency, reduce production costs and increase competitiveness.
He said young people should be actively supported to participate in agricultural and mining value chains as innovators, investors and employers rather than remaining on the periphery of the rural economy.
Minister Nguluvhe also emphasised the need for responsible utilisation of natural resources, warning that economic growth should not come at the expense of the environment.
He said safeguarding water sources, grazing land and other natural resources was critical to ensuring sustainable development for future generations.
The Minister challenged organisers to ensure that the Expo delivers measurable results by establishing systems to track investment commitments, business partnerships and market opportunities generated during the event.
“The introduction of the Farmers’ Indaba as part of the Expo is commendable, it is an important platform for
dialogue, knowledge sharing and innovation between farmers, miners, extension officers and policymakers,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
The Expo attracted exhibitors drawn from the agriculture, mining, manufacturing, business and Government sectors, with outstanding exhibitors receiving prizes and certificates in recognition of innovation, excellence and quality.
Minister Nguluvhe said the Umzingwane Agricultural and Trade Expo should continue to grow into a key platform for investment promotion, enterprise development and market expansion, not only for Umzingwane District but for
Matabeleland South Province and the country as a whole.
He said such initiatives have an important role to play in unlocking economic opportunities, creating jobs and accelerating rural development in line with the country’s broader development goals.
Sidumisile Mabena