The 2024 Mpumalanga Agricultural Trade & Family Show was the perfect all-day family entertainment hub at the Mbombela Stadium from September 5 to 7.
This signature event attracted more than 25 800 people from all over the province over the three days, while 3 638 learners visited for the school day programme on Thursday. A total of 180 exhibitors with an additional 60 exhibitors in the BUCO tent displayed their products and services.
The show offered a vast range of fun activities, carnival rides, a livestock parade, a reptile park, monster truck stunt shows, a braai-off competition and agricultural exhibits every day. The daily live music shows were a favourite and featured Kurt Darren, Riaan Benadé and Die Heuwels Fantasties. A flea market sold everything from candy floss and light-up balloons to bespoke jewellery, handmade clothing, food and much more. The Dino World Travel Expo attracted many who wanted to see a depiction of these extinct greats. Lowvelder Riaan Laubscher won a brand-new Honda Amaze in the car competition.
Throughout the show, there was an emphasis on agriculture, forestry, mining, tourism and livestock in an effort to drive change and boost economic growth, sustainability and transformation. The Mpumalanga Show’s director, Themba Sgudla, said most guest houses and hotels in the vicinity of Mbombela and White River were fully booked.
“The show was indeed the biggest and best by far and once again a great success.”
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The show also contributed to job creation for cleaners, caterers and security guards from the community of Mataffin. This achievement cemented the MEC for co-operative governance, human settlements and traditional affairs, Speed Mashilo’s words when he led the official opening of the show on Thursday on behalf of the premier.
“We are expecting great attendance from locals and tourists, which reflects the growth of the festival and the province’s economy. This is a significant initiative that showcases the beautiful image of the province, which is rich with agricultural activities, coal mining and tourism. The show plays a vital role in the development of Mpumalanga as a tourism hub, because it brings together diverse people, products, food and so much more. I encourage the people to also visit the various tourist attractions in the province in celebration of Tourism Month,” Mashilo said.
Sgudla conducted a walkabout with notable guests, including the Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, the MEC for agriculture, rural development, land and environmental affairs, Nompumelelo Hlophe, and Mashilo.
