The North West Agricultural Show (NWAS) will be returning in September, with Vryburg designated as its permanent location.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor of African Farming
In a bold move to reposition agriculture at the heart of North West’s economic revival, the province’s MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, has officially announced the return of the North West Agricultural Show, with Vryburg named as its permanent home.
The announcement, made during the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s 2025/26 Policy and Budget Vote Speech, confirmed that the reimagined event will take place from 18 to 21 September 2025 at the Vryburg Showgrounds. This marks the triumphant return of what was once the province’s premier farming showcase.
“We are bringing back a platform that once united farmers, producers, youth and innovators –a true celebration of agriculture,” said Sambatha. “This show is more than a gathering. It is a statement of intent.”
A New Era For North West Agriculture
Once fondly dubbed the “Texas of South Africa” for its expansive farming activity, Vryburg is being positioned as the agricultural heartbeat of the province. NWAS is designed not only to revive a longstanding tradition but also to elevate agriculture into a commercially competitive, youth-inclusive and innovation-driven industry.
“The North West Provincial Agricultural Show and its district shows will become the backbone of our efforts to grow agribusiness and make farming profitable, sustainable and appealing to the next generation,” Sambatha explained.
From 2026 onwards, each district will host its annual agricultural show by the end of June. These will build momentum towards the flagship provincial event, held every September in Vryburg, which has become the permanent host city for the show.
What To Expect This September
The 2025 show is set to deliver a high-impact experience:
- Live exhibitions of livestock, crops and machinery;
- Agribusiness showcases and financial networking opportunities;
- Masterclasses by leading experts;
- Panel discussions on innovation, climate resilience and market access;
- Youth-focused career zones; and
- One-on-one sessions with input suppliers, financiers and support agencies.
The show will highlight both emerging and commercial producers, boosting agrotourism and local economic development.
Intergovernmental Collaboration In Action
The return of NWAS is a flagship example of the District Development Model (DDM) in action, supported jointly by the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, the Naledi Local Municipality and the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
“This show is a vehicle for visibility, marketing and investment attraction. It places agriculture at the centre of economic opportunity,” said Sambatha.
“It’s about more than farming – it’s about jobs, skills, dignity and legacy.”
A Platform For Pride And Progress
NWAS aims to reignite pride among farmers, spur youth involvement and strengthen market linkages through a focused platform that bridges government, private sector and grassroots producers.
“North West has long been the food basket of South Africa. NWAS will showcase the best of our province – our producers, our innovations and our resilience,” Sambatha affirmed.
“We are calling on everyone – farmers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and the public – to descend on Vryburg this September. The future of agriculture is being shaped here.”
Final details and exhibitor registrations will be unveiled in the coming weeks as preparations for September’s grand relaunch intensify.
