MBOMBELA – “The 2018 event was a true showstopper and we doubled our number of visitors from last year,” said Hanlie Lombaard, general manager of the Mpumalanga Show.

According to her, the event had a better layout than last year, more trade stalls and more entertainment, which proves there is more confidence among sponsors and exhibitors as well as the public.

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“The outcome of our success this year can be attributed to our comprehensive advertising and media campaign countrywide, with billboards spread across Mbombela and Witbank,” said Lombaard.

There were more entertainment events for young and old who enjoyed the merry-go-round, soft play area, animal rides and the more daring activities such as the crocodile cage dive, bag jump and of course, the chance to see a live cheetah on display.

The business sector was well represented, with more than 350 exhibitors spread all over the showgrounds. Farming, forestry, mining, the outdoors and wildlife were all well represented.
One of the biggest highlights at the show was the livestock area, sponsored by Standard Bank. he show itself and other smaller sponsors like Lafarge, Mbombela municipality and BUCO invested extra money into the structure that will be used throughout the year for events and exhibits. From massive Angus bulls to miniature donkeys to chickens and birds, all kinds of animal were on show. The Department of Agriculture had tilapia fish on display.
The show was officially opened with a parade around the show area, joined by members of Working on Fire.
On Friday rugby enthusiasts were treated to a Currie Cup match between the iCollege Pumas and DHL Western Province.

Although the Pumas were on the losing end, it was yet another groundbreaking first for the Mpumalanga Show. The daring and dangerous Le Rich motorbike show had visitors gasping for their breath and on Saturday the wrestling team entertained the crowd. Blood and sweat were part of this show.
Music pleasing to the ear all day from various artists made the beer tent the place to be, with a great variety of food stalls.

The sweeter side of the show was not forgotten with the Jou Koekie of Myne competition. Arts and culture played a role with a khoi exhibit and visual art displays.
“The organisers and staff are extremely happy with the outcome. This will go down in history as a massive success for the show’s second year of existence. Very positive feedback was received from both the public and the exhibitors,” said Yolande Calvert, marketing manager of the Mpumalanga Show. She also pledged to listen to advice from exhibitors about placements for exhibits for 2019.

Next year Mbombela can expect an even bigger and better show with brand-new items on the programme.