By OBAKENG MAJE

15 August 2025- The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said the province is entering a bold new chapter. This comes after Sambatha, recently announced the official return of the iconic North West Agricultural Show scheduled to take place at Vryburg Showground from 18 until 21 September 2025.

He further said this flagship event marks a significant milestone in positioning agriculture as a competitive, business-driven industry, reigniting pride, creating economic opportunities, and promoting skills development across the value chain. Sambatha said this is a collaborative effort between the Dr Ruth Segomotsi District Municipality, Naledi Local Municipality and the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, that aims to unite stakeholders and reignite agricultural celebration.

“We are bringing back a platform that once united farmers, producers, youth and innovators, a true celebration of agriculture.

“The revived show, now inclusive of the Vryburg event, will no longer be a once-off occasion. From 2026, each district will host its annual show before the end of June, laying the groundwork for the main provincial event in Vryburg every September,” he said.

Sambatha said once dubbed the: “Texas of South Africa”, Vryburg will now serve as the permanent home of the provincial show. He described this approach as a transformative intervention that reimagines agricultural events as platforms for impact.

“The North West Provincial Agricultural Show and its District Agricultural Shows will act as a vehicle to attract and trigger concerted focus on agriculture as a business by our farmers.

“The show would provide a platform to showcase and market agri-businesses, attract buyers and off-takers and strengthen agricultural marketing while boosting agro-tourism,” said Sambatha.

He said although the primary goal is to encourage market-oriented, sustainable production, the North West Agricultural Show (NWAS) will also empower farmers through knowledge-sharing and create a conducive space for interaction among stakeholders to promote agricultural development and sustainability.

He said the re-launch in September 2025, will see the Vryburg Showgrounds, under the Naledi Local Municipality, become the permanent host venue within the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.

“Held over three days (18–20 September 2025), the show will feature master classes, exhibitions, and one-on-one sessions connecting farmers with financial institutions, industry leaders, and agricultural machinery manufacturers.

“This revival is a strong demonstration of the District Development Model (DDM) through effective intergovernmental relations (IGR),” said Sambatha.

He said the event will showcase emerging and established producers, highly competitive livestock exhibitions. Sambatha said insightful panel discussions addressing innovation, resilience and sector growth will also be in attendance.

“It will also offer career guidance to inspire and equip future agricultural leaders. This is more than a gathering; it is a statement of intent, a celebration of excellence, and a bold showcase of the province’s agricultural strength.

“The event aims to position the North West as a national benchmark for integrated agri-development, strategic partnerships, and agro-tourism potential,” he said.

Sambatha described NWAS as a welcome addition: “For many years, North West has been the food basket of South Africa. Here, agriculture is not just a livelihood, but a source of pride and legacy.

“NWAS will be a platform to showcase the best of our province. We know the resilience and ingenuity of our farmers, and this will be celebrated on a grand scale,” he said.

Sambatha said he extends an invite to all in the province, the country, and neighbouring countries to descend on Vryburg to witness what they have to offer. He said further details will be shared in the coming weeks as preparations for the September launch intensify.

taungdailynews@gmail.com