About the Zimbabwe Nguni Society
The Zimbabwe Nguni Society represents all persons and entities involved with the Nguni breed in Zimbabwe. Founded to protect, promote and further the interests of those with an interest in Nguni cattle, the Society is dedicated to developing a sound, healthy and economically viable Nguni breeding industry.
The Society operates from a registered office housed at the Zimbabwe Herd Book (ZHB). The Council consists of 6 to 8 elected councillors who consider and deliberate on all matters affecting Nguni breeders across Zimbabwe's ten provinces.
The Zimbabwe Nguni Society was established out of a need by commercial farmers searching for the ultimate grass-fed animal capable of surviving in Zimbabwe's diverse climate while handling periodic droughts without excessive human intervention. The Nguni breed fills the gap between high-maintenance exotic breeds and indigenous breeds, offering an acceptable carcass with low to no input cost — delivering optimum income for Zimbabwean cattlemen.
Full membership is open to any person or entity that breeds Nguni cattle for sale in Zimbabwe. Pedigree breeders agree to pay levies as prescribed by ZHB. The Society maintains a register of all current members, and all members are bound by the provisions of the Constitution.
Aims & Objectives
To promote, develop and advance the breeding of pedigree Nguni cattle in Zimbabwe and to further the interests of all Nguni breeders locally and regionally.
To collect and disseminate information on the breeding of Nguni cattle.
To co-operate and work jointly with other Societies, Farmers' Unions or Groups with similar objectives.
To initiate, encourage and assist production and breeding research to promote the efficiency and viability of Nguni breeders.
To deal with Government or any other authority on any matter of concern affecting Nguni breeders.
To participate in any activity or enterprise that will advance the viability, productivity or welfare of Nguni breeders.
Constitution Highlights
The Constitution of the Zimbabwe Nguni Society governs all operations of the Society. The following table summarises the key provisions:
| Section | Key Provision |
|---|---|
| Name | The name of the Society shall be the ZIMBABWE NGUNI SOCIETY |
| Status | The Society will represent all persons and entities involved with the Nguni breed |
| Structure | Council with 6-8 councillors, elected for staggered terms of 1-3 years |
| Office | Registered office housed at the Zimbabwe Herd Book (ZHB) |
| AGM | Held no more than 3 months after financial year-end (31 December) |
| Quorum | At least half of the members for AGMs; half of Council for Council meetings |
| Membership | Open to any person or entity that breeds or sells Nguni cattle in Zimbabwe |
| Fees | US$20 per ordinary member annually; levies as prescribed by ZHB |
| Finance | Financial year ends 31 December; accounts audited where funds permit |
| Amendments | Requires two-thirds majority vote at AGM or Special General Meeting |
| Dissolution | Requires majority vote at Special General Meeting called for this purpose |
For the full Constitution document, please contact the Society.
Governance & Council
The Society is governed by a Council of between 6 and 8 elected councillors. Council members are elected at the Annual General Meeting by full members of the Society. In each cycle of three years, two Councilors retire at the end of the first year, and three Councilors at the end of each of the following two years. They are eligible for re-election.
The Council meets at least twice each year. Meeting venues rotate through the ten provinces of Zimbabwe where practical. Online attendance is made available where possible.
The term of office of the Chairperson is limited to two consecutive years and may not be extended. The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson are elected at the Annual General Meeting.