Community Radio Ensures Wide Reach as Director Ngorima Pledges Ministry Support for Skilled Artisans
The Ministry of Skills Audit and Development (MOSAD) continued its successful provincial rollout of the 2025 Skills Fairs with a vibrant event at Nyanga Country Club, where 48 participants showcased remarkable innovations ranging from mechanical water pumps to eco-friendly aluminum pot making.
The inaugural district event, graced by 20 stakeholders including the representative of Nyanga North Constituency Member of Parliament Hon. Supa Mandiwanzira, Acting District Development Coordinator Mr. Albert Nyawo and Chief Hata, demonstrated the wealth of untapped talent in Zimbabwe’s rural communities.
In his keynote address, Guest of Honour Director P. Ngorima, representing Permanent Secretary Ambassador Rudo M. Chitiga, outlined the Ministry’s core mandate to identify, nurture and promote skills within communities across Zimbabwe.
“The Ministry of Skills Audit and Development will work closely to facilitate where possible that skilled individuals are not only recognised in their respective districts and the entire nation at large, but will create an enabling environment and assist in connecting them to relevant industries, institutions and stakeholders who can help them thrive,” Director Ngorima emphasised.
He highlighted that the Ministry is committed to creating opportunities for skilled personnel to earn a living through their crafts, innovations and technical abilities as a pathway to economic empowerment, in alignment with Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
The event’s reach was significantly enhanced through partnership with Nyanga FM, which provided comprehensive coverage before, during and after the Skills Fair. Pre-event promotion included hourly jingles, while live coverage featured on-air crossovers with radio presenters reporting directly from the venue.
Director Ngorima’s post-event interview on Nyanga FM reached audiences as far as parts of Marondera and Mutasa District. He explained the importance of holding Skills Fair competitions at district, provincial and national levels, emphasising that every individual should make use of their skills to create sustainable livelihoods.
“The Skills Fair also aims to create a database of skills across various categories. This will enable skilled individuals to be linked with industry experts for mentorship and further development of their craft,” Director Ngorima stated during the radio interview.
The fair showcased exceptional talent across multiple categories:
Edward Mupiwa claimed top honors with his revolutionary mechanical water pump designed specifically for mountainous areas. The pump operates without electricity or fuel, using pressurised water from a mini reservoir to force pistons up and down, pumping water from valleys to upland communities—a perfect solution for Manicaland’s challenging terrain.
Sean Buwe secured second place by demonstrating how to make functional speakers using basic materials like magnets, wire and board to convert electrical signals into sound.
Dickson Makanyire won first place in Metal Work for transforming scrap materials into stunning works of art including braai stands, maize shellers, and sculptures of the Big 5 animals. His work contributes to environmental preservation by reducing landfill waste and preventing land pollution.
Victor Mashava earned second place by recycling scrap metal to create practical machines like peanut shellers and peanut blowers, while using remaining materials to craft candle stands and decorative animal images.
In a remarkable display of traditional ingenuity meeting modern adaptation, Patricia Kuhuni secured third place with her aluminum pot making using the blast furnace technique. She sources recycled aluminum directly from car breakers, using wooden boxes as molds and pit sand with bentonite clay to shape molten metal into durable cookware.
Days of Hope organization won first place in the TVET category for their transformative work with widows, orphans and individuals living with disabilities. The organisation offers hands-on training in quilt making, sewing, knitting, crocheting, beadwork, football making and card crafting, demonstrating how skills development can drive social inclusion.
Siphethangani Sibindi took second place for textile printing using screen and ink to print logos and badges on t-shirts, umbrellas, sunhats, and cloth.
Aaron Mujuru claimed third place for his eco-friendly tyre sandals, repurposing old tyres into durable, long-lasting footwear using simple tools and materials.
The Arts category was won by Benjamin Mwenda for his sign writing expertise in designing and painting letters and graphics for business signage, murals, and decorative lettering.
Peter Makuvise secured second place with stone sculptures inspired by nature, using his art to campaign against endangered species through animal sculpturing and creating functional utensils like teapots.
In the Crafts category, Tapuwanashe Mhlanga took first place for handcrafted items that blend nature’s beauty with artistic flair, using natural materials like pebble stones, earth textiles, pine cones and peach and jacaranda seeds.
Rodrick Musekiwa earned second place for sculpture art inspired by spiritual connection and reverence for nature, carving bowls, stone pots, human figures, and other meaningful pieces.
The event was enhanced by participation from local banks, National AIDS Council, Nyaradzo Funeral Services, National Parks, and various Non-Governmental Organisations, who set up exhibition tents to showcase their services and create networking opportunities for skilled artisans.
The presence of Chief Hata and other traditional leaders underscored community support for skills development initiatives.
Director Ngorima emphasised that the Skills Fairs serve a dual purpose: celebrating existing talent while building a comprehensive national database of skills across various categories. This database will enable the Ministry to connect skilled individuals with industry experts for mentorship and facilitate access to markets and opportunities.
“We want to ensure that no talent goes to waste in Zimbabwe. Whether you are in Nyanga, Chipinge, Chimanimani, or any corner of our nation, your skills matter and we are here to help you develop them into sustainable livelihoods,” Director Ngorima stated.
The Nyanga Skills Fair follows successful events in Chipinge and Chimanimani. The nationwide rollout of Skills Fairs continues to uncover exceptional talent and promote inclusive economic growth through practical skills development.
Shields were awarded to winners in positions one through three, with certificates of participation to be issued to all exhibitors.
The Ministry of Skills Audit and Development remains committed to empowering rural communities through targeted skills development initiatives aligned with Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).