A total of 20 breeders from across the country watched as Msuthu Magula was named junior champion female, grand champion female and supreme champion of the show.

Her breeder, Sipho Katiya from the Msuthu Kennel in Spruitview, Gauteng, promised to reward her with takeout grilled chicken.

The involvement of Katiya and other breeders indicates the African revival this South African landrace is experiencing in regions beyond the established First World countries.

“Our events by the South African Boerboel Breeders Society (SABBS) emphasise unity and diversity and create a vibrant and inclusive community to which everyone and their Boerboels belong,” says Lititia Kruger, vice-chairperson of the society. “In 2022, the SABBS had a total worldwide membership of 948, with 393 in South Africa.”

At the Bloemfontein regional show, it was evident that the Boerboel is no longer confined to Afrikaans rural communities. According to Kruger, a recent Boerboel show in Soweto was the largest next to the national championship.

A Boerboel show and evaluation also took place on 29 and 30 August in Gaborone, Botswana.

As a sign of the African popularity of the breed, the SABBS held shows and evaluations in June in Portugal, and in July in Mozambique and Uganda, and earlier this month in Harare, Zimbabwe and Achel, Belgium. An event is also planned for Nigeria from 26 September to 1 October.