Photo: Yolanda Lemmer
President Cyril Ramaphosa was spotted on the first day of the Nampo in Bothaville, not in an official capacity, but “to do a bit of shopping” for his game farm in Limpopo.
Taking on Nampo in 20-year-old shoes
He also said that he didn’t give much thought to his footwear before heading to the Nampo this year.
“I’ve had these shoes for 20 years,” he told Farmer’s Weekly.
Nampo Park spans 40ha, and visitors often walk 4km to 5km a day to see everything on offer.
“By day two, people usually complain about blisters, calluses, and hot spots,” said Sister Pircelle Smit from Lenmed, which provides free medical services at the event. “We treat them with ointments and plasters.”
According to Smit, Ramaphosa made a smart footwear choice.
“Worn-in shoes are best. Don’t come to Nampo in brand-new shoes.”
Farmer to farmer talks with Ramaphosa
Dirk Strydom, Grain SA managing director, confirmed that Ramaphosa had informed them a few days before Nampo that he and his farm manager would be attending as farmers.
“We are going to talk farming matters with him, farmer to farmer,” said Strydom.
He added that the sustainability of farming, and how to create an environment where farmers can flourish would be among the topics discussed with Ramaphosa today.
“Other officials, who are in contact with the president, will be visiting Nampo later this week when we will discuss policies,” he said.
