Photo: Gary Wium
Correction notice: This article was amended to reflect the correct information after it previously stated that there were fewer visitors on Tuesday, May 13 this year than last year when in fact there were just over 1 000 more visitors. The initial information was published after there were confusion about 2024’s attendance numbers because of statistics included in a document provided to the media.
Dr Dirk Strydom, marketing director at Grain SA, said that the value of the business conducted at the Nampo Harvest Day show is more important than the number of visitors that will be attending. One of the highlights of the first day included the visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa, according to Strydom.
“Overall, the visitors to Nampo had a very good experience with the president. He greeted some of them and allowed for photo opportunities,” Strydom said. “It was good for farmers’ morale to rub shoulders with him.”
Ramaphosa told the media that he was attending Nampo as a farmer, and not as the president of the country.
“He asked his security to stand back a bit, as he didn’t want to draw attention,” Strydom said.
Strydom declined to disclose how much the president spent at the event.
“I think it would be insensitive to share any financial information, but he came with a long shopping list for his farm. He was especially interested in new technology and farming equipment.”
Ramaphosa, who primarily focuses on cattle farming, showed a keen interest in South Africa’s grain industry and asked several questions about crop production.
A positive start
Strydom said that visitor statistics for the first day of Nampo compared well to last year’s.
“It’s more important for us to measure the value of business conducted over the four days than simply how many people passed through the gates.”
Statistics for Day One (13 May):
- 17 500 visitors
- 85 planes
- 16 helicopters
