In a move hailed as a historic milestone for the agricultural sector in the province, MEC Madoda Sambatha officially announced that Vryburg will now serve as the permanent home of the iconic North West Agricultural Show (NWAS). The announcement was made during the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s 2025/26 Policy and Budget Vote Speech on 23 July 2025.

Scheduled for 18 to 21 September 2025, the provincial show will return to the Vryburg Showgrounds, under the custodianship of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality and Naledi Local Municipality.

Speaking during the announcement, MEC Sambatha said, “We are bringing back a platform that once united farmers, producers, youth and innovators — a true celebration of agriculture.”

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The revived event in Vryburg, once described as the “Texas of South Africa” due to Vryburg’s rich farming legacy, will no longer be a once-off affair. From 2026, each district in the province will host a district-level agricultural show, leading to the main provincial event in Vryburg every September.

The North West Agricultural Show is being reimagined as a business-driven, market-oriented platform, aimed at promoting sustainable production, agricultural marketing, youth development, and agro-tourism.

Activities will include exhibitions, livestock competitions, masterclasses, career guidance, and one-on-one business sessions between farmers, financial institutions, and industry leaders.

The event is also being seen as a powerful tool for rural development and intergovernmental collaboration through the District Development Model (DDM).

MEC Sambatha emphasized the show’s long-term role in positioning the province as a national benchmark for integrated agri-development:

“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. We extend an invite to all in the province, the country, and neighbouring countries to descend on Vryburg to witness what we have to offer.”

As preparations for the September launch intensify, further details will be shared in the coming weeks.

-The VIP Team 

-NW DARD

-NLM

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