A YOUNG and ambitious goat farmer from Beitbridge, Ntandoyenkosi Ndhlovu, despite facing numerous challenges,  has made a name for himself in the agricultural industry. 

Ndhlovu has persevered and built a successful goat farming business, exporting high-quality Boer goats to various African countries and is  blazing the trail in South Africa were he is now based.

“My interest in agriculture and goat farming was sparked by my exposure to farming practices in my community,” Ndhlovu said. “I saw the potential for goat farming to improve livelihoods and contribute to food security, and I was determined to make a difference.”

A Passion for Agriculture

Growing up in a rural area, Ndhlovu developed a passion for agriculture and animal husbandry at a young age. He was inspired by the dominance of livestock farming in Beitbridge’s economy and saw an opportunity to make a career out of it.

“I wanted to transform the narrative around agriculture: from being a retirement pursuit to a viable career path and sustainable business model,” Ndhlovu said. “I wanted to be an example by starting young with nothing, so that I will be able to preach what I know, not what I think.”

Overcoming Challenges

Ndhlovu faced numerous challenges as he built his business, including limited resources, market access, and competition. However, he persevered and adapted, attending workshops, trainings, and using social media marketing to overcome these challenges.

“Farming isn’t a career for selfish individuals,” Ndhlovu said. “It needs other farmers to work together to combat diseases, build strong markets, and cut production costs.”

Awards and recognition

Ndhlovu’s hard work and dedication have paid off, and he has become a leading figure in the goat farming industry. In 2023, he won the Pacesetters Awards Goat Farmer of the Year award, which recognised his outstanding contributions to the industry. He has also been honoured with the Outstanding Farmer award at the prestigious Zim Community Trailblazers Awards, further solidifying his reputation as a trailblazer in the agricultural sector.

“Winning these awards is a significant milestone,” Ndhlovu said. “It recognizes my hard work and dedication to goat farming, and it boosts my reputation in the industry.”

Giving Back to the Community

He is committed to giving back to his community and supporting local development. Through his Gatsheni Goat Empowerment Project, he donates Boer bucks or Meatmaster rams to community members to cross-breed with their local sheep or goats, promoting carcass weight and growth rate.

“My dream is to work with small stock and help farmers improve their livelihoods through goats and sheep farming,” Ndhlovu said.

A Bright Future

Ndlovu’s vision is to impact the entire African continent through livestock production, and he plans to achieve this by expanding his operations, sharing knowledge, and collaborating with other farmers.

“I’m passionate about initiatives that support agricultural development and community empowerment,” he said. “I believe that trust is an underrated capital that can help you build an empire.”

With his dedication, expertise, and commitment to giving back to the community, Ndhlovu is sure to make a lasting impact in the agricultural industry.

The Zim Community Trailblazers Awards (ZCTA) recently inducted 15 outstanding past awardees into its Hall of Fame at the fifth edition of the prestigious community awards in Zimbabwe.

The ceremony, held at the Harare International Conference Centre on January 31, was officiated by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere.

The ZCTA recognises and celebrates individuals and organisations making a profound impact in their communities.

According to Albert Masaka, one of the event organisers, the ZCTA Hall of Fame aims to celebrate excellence, foster community engagement, and drive positive change.

The ZCTA Hall of Fame is expected to increase recognition and celebration of exceptional community leaders and organizations, foster community engagement and collaboration, drive positive change, and provide a platform for community leaders to share their stories and experiences ¹.

The Big 15 Hall of Fame inductees

ZCTA 2024

Hall of Fame

1. Pastor Dr Ruth Musarurwa

2. Dr. Nigel Chanakira

3. Dr. Solomon Guramatunhu

4. Prophet Effort V. Maphosa

5. Dr .Johannes Marisa

6. Mr/s  Isaiah and Tsitsi Musabayana                               

7. Black Umfolosi                                         

8. Pastor Dr  Daisy Mukariri     

9. Minister Michael Mahendere

10 . Kidzcan

11. Dr Edzai Kachirekwa

12 Zimpapers

13. Radio Zimbabwe

14. Mutare City Council

15. Zodwa Mkandla

By ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

PREPARATIONS for the prestigious Zim Community Trailblazers fifth edition grand celebrations are at an advanced stage with the organisers calling for more mutually beneficial partnerships.

The coveted awards honour and celebrate trailblazing  individuals and organisations who have made significant contributions to Zimbabwe’s development are set to be held at the HICC on Friday 31 January 2025  under the theme “Promoting a legacy of excellence in our communities.

An organiser, Albert Masaka has announced that they were also going to commemorate the trailblazing achievements of past winners.

“The great thing is that our awards will be held in a celebratory mood as this is our fifth ceremony.”

“We are receiving nominations that can win an award anytime and anywhere, from nominees who have a pioneering mentality, a way of visualizing paths that don’t exist and are blazing new trails .”

 “In that light, we call on stakeholders to come and partner with us financially or in kind to make this event a memorable one for everyone.

“At the moment we can’t divulge much but we are going to honour deserving winners in the coming edition, and plans are in place for our trailblazers who have won in the past.

Masaka added that they have slashed the categories to be won by more than half and this has resulted in an improvement in the quality of nominations.

He added that it was their custom to provide strategic win-win partnerships with their partners.

In a trailblazing rise, the awards that are led by a board chaired by Dr Nigel Chanakira began as a virtual event during the Covid 19 era have grown in status and appeal.

SOME OF THE NOTABLE PAST WINNERS

Church leaders: Pastor Dr Ruth Musarurwa, Pastor Bonnie Deuschle, Prophet Effort Vakai Maphosa

Businessmen:  Dr Nigel Chanakira, Ken Sharpe, Dr Phillip Chiyangwa, Zodwa Mkandla, Beven Makaka, Edzai Kachirekwa, Lincoln Masiyenyama

CEOs: Pikirayi Deketeke, Dr Christine Peta

Politicians: Temba Mliswa

Medical Practitioners: Dr Vivek Solanki, Dr Solomon Guramatunhu, Dr Johannes Marisa, Seasons Pharmaceuticals.

Organisations: Higher Life, Red Cross Zimbabwe, Inner City Mission, Bright Daisies

Sports: Sikandar Razah, Dynamos, Shihan Muripo, Charles Manyuchi, Andie Kuipers, Zim Women U21 (Hockey)

Artists: Charles and Olivia Charamba, Mechanic Manyeruke, Minister Michael Mahendere, Black Umfolosi, Jesesi Mungoshi, Madam Boss, Flame B, B, Rev Chivaviro, Albert Nyathi, Nutty O, Kenny Gamble, Lewis and Tau Ngara, Chaka Ngwenya, Collette Manny.

Journalists: Guthrie Munyuki, Victoria Ruzvidzo, Kholwani Nyathi, Faith Zaba,  Robson Sharuko, Charles Mabika, Moses Mugugunyeki, Terrance Mapurisana, Wadzanayi Mhombera, Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi, Abigail Tembo, Michael Gwarisa, Catherine Murombedzi

Philanthropists: Liane Lombard, Brenda Mudzimu,  Fayaz Rahman, Bhuran Weston, Sylvia Sanyanga, Daisy Mukariri, Ruvarashe Masarakufa, Nyasha Nhau