derick.khumalo
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
ZVIKOMBORERO Farms today officially received the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) National Livestock Award in recognition of its champion Simbra stud bull that won the beef category at the 2025 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
The award was presented during the Zvikomborero Farms National Victory Field Day, attended by Government officials, livestock breeders, agricultural experts, development partners and farmers from across the country.
Handing over the award, Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Dr Anxious Masuka congratulated the farm’s founders, Dr Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula, together with the management team and employees, for attaining one of the country’s highest honours in livestock production.
“This victory is not simply the result of exhibiting an exceptional animal; it reflects years of strategic investment, disciplined management, sound genetics and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Dr Masuka.
He said the achievement demonstrated what could be accomplished through vision, commitment and continuous investment in quality livestock production.
“The name Zvikomborero means ‘Blessings‘, and today we witness those blessings manifested through hard work, innovation and a vision that inspires Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector,” he said.
Dr Masuka said agricultural shows remained important platforms for benchmarking performance, showcasing innovation and encouraging farmers to pursue excellence through healthy competition.
Zimbabwe Agricultural Society chief executive officer Mr Rufaro Alfred Gunundu said Zvikomborero Farms had emerged victorious after stiff competition from some of the country’s finest livestock producers at the 2025 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
“The competition was stiff as high-quality livestock was exhibited at the Agricultural Show, but Zvikomborero Farms emerged the winner. We applaud this method of farming and congratulate Dr Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula for this achievement. We hope this recognition will inspire more livestock farmers to continue striving for excellence,” he said.
The event also saw animal health company COOPERS Animal Health sponsor the award-winning Simbra stud bull, highlighting the importance of partnerships in advancing livestock production and breeding standards.
COOPERS Animal Health development projects executive Professor Joseph Kamuzhanje said superior livestock performance depended not only on quality genetics but also on proper animal health management.
“A good breed can only realise its full genetic potential when supported by effective vaccination programmes, sound disease prevention practices and balanced nutrition. These are critical ingredients for productive and profitable livestock farming,” said Prof Kamuzhanje.
Receiving the award, Dr Simbi-Ndhlukula described the recognition as a proud milestone for the farm and a testament to the dedication of its workforce.
“I am humbled to have received this award. It is a sign that, as women, we are no longer just helpers but are now key drivers in the agricultural sector,” she said.
She dedicated the award to the farm’s workers, whose commitment, she said, had been instrumental in producing livestock of national championship quality.
The National Victory Field Day also featured the official exhibition of the champion Simbra stud bull, allowing farmers and industry stakeholders to appreciate the animal whose outstanding qualities earned Zvikomborero Farms national recognition at Zimbabwe’s premier agricultural exhibition.
