14 September 2023

By: Joy January

Wykus Lamprecht’s colossal pumpkin was the largest in the annual Goliat van Gat competition at Silverton farmer’s market, setting a record weight of 890kg.

Lamprecht, from Meyerton in Gauteng, also won last year’s Goliat van Gat competition with an 846kg pumpkin.

This year, Jaco Cornelius secured second place with his 340kg pumpkin, and Dirk Smal came third with his 309kg fruit.

The competition is hosted by the Cullinan Farmers’ Union, and the prizegiving ceremony is held annually at the Pumpkin Festival at the Farmers’ Market in Silverton, Pretoria. The first competition was held in 2004 as a fundraising project, and it has been staged annually since.

According to a statement, competition organisers are hopeful that next year’s winner will reach the one-ton mark. Lamprecht was also honoured at TLU SA’s recent congress for his record-breaking pumpkin.

“We are very excited about the prospect of another record-breaking pumpkin,” said Henri Combrink, chairperson of the Cullinan Farmers’ Union.

“It is also a significant milestone for us to offer the 20th annual competition again in Pretoria on March 9, 2024.”

According to the statement, interest and involvement in the competition have increased in recent years, making it one of the most popular events on the calendar.

Combrink promised significant prizes for next year’s entrants, and a special prize if a pumpkin weighs a tonne or more.

“We encourage all aspiring giant pumpkin growers to get to work now. The camaraderie and spirit among participants are something special, and everyone supports each other to perform better.”

The Goliat van Gat competition is as an official weigh-off point for the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth, in which participants from all over the world share results to compete with each other.

All the pumpkins entered in the competition are donated to welfare organisations to distribute where needed.