South Africa’s largest and most iconic consumer show, the Rand Show, took over the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec for five days from April 2 to 6.

The popular event gave attendees the opportunity to shop, enjoy family fun, live entertainment and crowd-pleasing spectacles.

Everything was designed around a full day out, with something for everyone.

Elsie Sithole travelled all the way from Centurion and told Urban News that the last time she attended the Rand Show was in 2010, and she was determined not to miss this year’s event.

“This year is bigger and better. I came here with my friends to have fun, and it has been nothing short of that. I am looking forward to more rides, entertainment and stalls with different products,” said Sithole.

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One of the highlights of the show was the new Tech and Gaming Arena, designed not only to entertain but also to educate, inspire curiosity and introduce future-ready skills in a way that is accessible to families, learners, parents and young adults.

This initiative is backed by the HONOR and RGB Gaming Launch eGaming Initiative, which aims to empower township youth in communities.

“At HONOR, we believe technology should be a bridge to opportunity,” said Zhou Lefeng, CEO of HONOR South Africa.

“Our partnership with RGB Gaming is about unlocking the potential of young people by giving them access to the tools, skills and platforms they need to thrive in a digital future.”

The colourful and vibrant event was filled with laughter and screams from adrenaline-rushing rides, as well as excitement from attendees exploring the many attractions.

The founder of the Elliot Sithole clothing brand from Meadowlands in Soweto said, “I am a visual artist from a small township who has worked very hard to get to where I am. Having a stall to showcase my work and brand really means a lot to me. It tells me that I am doing something right.”

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He added that the reception from attendees has been great and that he is proud of himself and his team.
Mbali Tshabalala from Meadowlands Zone 5 in Soweto shared that this was her first experience attending the event with her family.

“Everything has been exceptional, and I look forward to coming back every year. It really accommodates everyone,” she said.