Mpumalanga Show knocks first show out of the park

MBOMBELA – An estimated 18 000 people attended the first-ever Mpumalanga Show this past weekend.

The agriculture, forestry, wildlife and tourism show offered attendees many activities, ranging from exhibitors, camel rides, stellar live music (such as Mango Groove) and the province’s first polo matches.

It showcased what the province had to offer in agriculture, tourism and business by giving owners the opportunity to exhibit their work at the four-day show held at Mbombela Stadium.
Lindi Botha, marketing manager for the show, said they managed to also educate children, with more than 3 000 schoolchildren attending the agricultural exhibits and career talks on Thursday and Friday.

“We are very happy with the turnout for the first year,” Botha said. “Our participants and sponsors are happy, with many of them already booking stands for next year.”
Mpumalanga premier, David Mabuza, officially opened the show on Friday. He planted a tree and visited the various exhibitions along with agriculture, rural development, land and environmental affairs MEC, Vusi Shongwe and the MEC for provincial treasury, economic development and tourism, Sikhumbuzo Kholwane, as well as Mbombela mayor, Sibusiso Mathonsi.
Mabuza called on the various heads of departments to collect the exhibitors’ business cards. The information will collated and published in a book. According to Mabuza, the book is to be made available at the province’s various tourist spots.

“The idea is to get them out of their corners and give them exposure,” he said.
“If they can be given a platform and the necessary support, then we can export these goods and grow the province’s economy,” he added. He also called for the show to be made longer in the future.
However, it was not without its hitches. Three vehicles were stolen. “We called on more security after the first incident,” said Botha.

Two car thieves were also apprehended at the show and the cars were recovered.

Another visitor said he experienced an absence of a designated parking space for the disabled. Botha explained that there was parking for the disabled next to the main entrance, and they reached out to the complainant.

“I gave him my personal number ,but he never got back to me,” she adds. She goes on to say that he was offered parking at the VIP entrance of the show, but never got back to her.

Hospitality students from University of Mpumalanga protested on the last day of the show, at the stadium, after an alleged misunderstanding as to when they would be paid.

According to Botha the misunderstanding was as to whether they would be paid on the day of the event or afterwards. The event continued undisrupted as it was resolved with the university and the students.
Lowvelder received a noise complaint from a resident, who could hear the noise for her house on Saturday.

“According to the municipal by-laws, all loud music should be off at midnight and our show ended at 22:30, so we were well within stipulated time,” Botha said.

“The Mataffin community was made well aware of everything.” She has agreed to follow it up.
Botha said they were looking forward to next year’s show. “We are looking to expand it next year and continuing the focus on the family feel of the show.”
Show management was grateful for all the sponsors, exhibitors and visitors who supported it. “We learnt a lot from our first show and welcome all constructive input on how we can improve.”