By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, has praised the Beitbridge Business Community and Municipality for taking charge of their own development through the construction of a self-funded showground, saying the initiative is a true reflection of the national vision — “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.”
Speaking during the Beitbridge Business Expo fundraising dinner held over the weekend, Nguluvhe said he was impressed by the community’s determination to develop the town using local resources without waiting for external donors.
“It is humbling to learn that the Beitbridge Business Community, in collaboration with the Municipality, is developing a showground using their own resources without donor funding,” he said.
“This is exactly what we mean when we say Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo (citizens build their own country) — no one will build your country except yourselves.”
Nguluvhe said the project will serve as a vital hub for trade, culture, and community life, providing space for business expos, music festivals, and other social events that will boost investment, tourism, and local pride.
He also said Beitbridge’s strategic position as Zimbabwe’s gateway to Southern Africa gives the town an advantage to host large-scale trade fairs with capacity to attract both local and international business players.
He commended the organising committee led by Dr. Annah Muleya for rallying the community around a shared vision, describing their work as a model of patriotism and unity.
Nguluvhe also encouraged the Beitbridge Business Expo and the Municipality to explore Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to accelerate the project, citing the successful modernisation of the Beitbridge Border Post as proof of how collaboration drives national progress.
“Triple Ps can move us and Zimbabwe forward. Let us give generously not just money, but time, skills, and ideas” Nguluvhe said.
Nguluvhe urged residents, corporates, and partners to keep supporting the project until completion.
“Together, we can build a stronger, prosperous Beitbridge that stands as a beacon of local empowerment and national pride,” he said.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Ward 4 Councillor Alderman Taku Taku, Beitbridge Mayor Peter Pirato said the showground will bring visible economic and social benefits, including job creation and opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“It will create employment during and after construction, and provide a platform for SMEs to market their products, gain customers, and expand their reach,” said Pirato.
He said the project would deepen cross-border cooperation between Zimbabwean and South African businesses, especially with Musina and Vhembe municipalities, while boosting tourism and hospitality services in the border town.
Pirato said the showground symbolises unity, resilience, and inclusive development, offering a space for youth innovation, cultural exchange, and community learning in line with government’s goal to leave no one behind.
The self-funded project, received a lot of donations from the business community in cash and other donated bags of cement and bricks which shows how the Business Community is willing to make this project a success.
Now that it is under development, is expected to become a permanent venue for annual expos, trade fairs, and community events, firmly positioning Beitbridge as a growing economic hub in southern Zimbabwe.