The revival of the iconic North West Agricultural Show was officially launched at the Vryburg Showgrounds on Thursday, 19 September, led by Madoda Sambatha, MEC for the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
By Lebogang Mashala, Editor at African Farming
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Sambatha said the revitalised event would serve as an economic and community driver, placing agriculture at the forefront of the province’s development, particularly in the Dr Ruth S Mompati District Municipality.
“The annual show acts as a business-driven, market-oriented platform, aiming to attract investment, foster entrepreneurship and promote the North West province as a leader in agri-development,” Sambatha said.
The MEC emphasised that the event was designed to spur youth involvement in agriculture while reigniting community pride. Farmers will not only showcase their products but also participate in master classes and networking sessions, aimed at fostering learning and collaboration.
Sambatha acknowledged shortcomings in the inaugural relaunch, specifically the exclusion of white commercial farmers. He was clear that the show must reflect the demographics of the district and province.
“In Naledi Municipality, we have a large white farming population that was not part of this show. As the MEC of agriculture, I cannot accept an agricultural show that is only for black farmers. I’ll accept this mistake for this year as it was the first, but moving forward, this show must be inclusive,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s role in marketing agriculture, Sambatha called on South Africans to support farmers, reminding citizens: “Food is not produced by retailers, but by farmers.”
He warned that food security is not just about production but also affordability and accessibility, especially in a country battling high unemployment.
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The MEC criticised the role of middlemen in exploiting farmers, using the government procurement system as an example. Currently, non-farmers often win tenders and then buy cattle from farmers at reduced prices, reselling them to the state at inflated margins.
To curb this, Sambatha announced that from April 2026, the department will only procure livestock and related products directly from farmers. In addition, successful bidders will be required to mentor smallholder farmers as part of the support programme.
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Sambatha underlined a shift in departmental policy: prioritising support for farmers who have already started their ventures, no matter how small.
“If you have started with your layer business and already have knowledge of what you are doing, it is our responsibility to support you and grow your business,” he explained.
By contrast, he cautioned against funding untested ideas presented through polished business plans without practical experience. Citing failed government projects previously managed by Agri-Delight, he said the department had learned hard lessons and would focus on supporting genuine farmers over opportunists.
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Sambatha urged that the show and related agricultural initiatives must not be tied to political terms but should outlive current leaders.
“This should be a farmer-led project that must not collapse when I leave the office. It must outlive all of us here,” he said.
With its permanent home now in Vryburg, the revitalised agricultural show is set to reclaim its role as a hub for farmer development, agribusiness investment and community upliftment in North West.
