Windhoek Show's history spans 119 years

Dr. Andreas Vogt, Cultural historian and writer - With the agricultural sector being the backbone of the Namibian economy for decades, it is not surprising that during the early German colonial period farmers, businessmen and manufacturers would convene to present their products, to engage in marketing, to exchange information and meet for networking.

The foundation of modern Windhoek took place in 1890. The rapid development of the city as the capital is evidenced by the fact that the first agricultural show in German South West Africa took place in Windhoek from 2 - 3 June 1899 with 22 exhibitors. At that show, the farmers from Klein-Windhoek produced and exhibited a variety of vegetables, ranging from potatoes and wheat to wine. Breeding stock totalled 27 entries, which included 43 horses, 133 heads of cattle and 146 small livestock.

The crossbreeding of European Simmentalers, Hollander and Shorthorn strains with indigenous cattle species showed good results, indicating that the cattle farmer’s breeding endeavours had been successful.

Entry fees and a lottery covered the expenses and a total of 8 000 Mark was awarded in prize monies. A total of 602 single tickets and 176 seasonal tickets were sold.

SECOND SHOW

The second agricultural show was held from 20 to 22 June 1902 and already displayed a marked improvement in products and participants. This time, the wines drew special attention and were considered as “young and promising”.

At the beginning of 1902, the building of the railway line from Swakopmund to Windhoek was well underway. Hence, special transport arrangements were made for those attending or participating in the agricultural show. Passengers were encouraged to visit the Windhoek Show and as an incentive visitors were remunerated for their efforts with the cost of a one-way ticket entitling them to a free return journey to Swakopmund, provided the show officials in Windhoek had stamped the ticket.

In 1910 the agricultural show took place on 30 and 31 May. The opening was filmed and later shown at the Hotel Stadt Windhuk. Amongst the guests were Prince Leopold, the “Royal Hunter” and Prince Georg of Bavaria, who had come to the country on a hunting expedition. On the same occasion, the Schutztruppe celebrated its 25th anniversary.

By granting reduced railway tariffs exempt from customs, German industries were encouraged to exhibit farm and agricultural machinery, agronomic and horticultural implements and horticultural products at the Windhoek Show in 1913.

The last Windhoek Show before the outbreak of the First World War took place from May 29 until June 1, 1914. Although it was planned to have the Imperial German Crown Prince as a guest of honour, he was not able to attend due to the looming crisis in Europe and the show had to take place under the honorary chairmanship of the German Governor, Dr. T.H. Seitz.

The first Windhoek Agricultural Show during the South African era was held in 1930, following a publicity campaign launched to inform the South African public about conditions and business opportunities in Windhoek. South African Railways and Harbours guaranteed rail bookings at reduced rates for a period of one month during the exhibition. A special train came to SWA with inclusive rates for sightseeing, hotel accommodation, hunting trips and other excursions as part of the package.

In 1934, Town Clerk George Kerby was appointed to lay out the Windhoek Show Grounds, including a large exhibition hall. The next show, however, was only held in 1954 and intermittently after that. In 1961 a show was also scheduled, but had to be cancelled five days before its opening because of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. The next show was only held in 1964. The organisation expanded and developed and in 1966 the show was attended by approximately 27 000 visitors, indicating that it had been a huge success.

The Windhoek Agricultural and Industrial Show has been held ever since. In recent years it has somewhat changed its focus by concentrating more and more on trade and consumer items. It is, however, still an important event and also a social highlight coinciding with springtime in Windhoek.

[Information: Bravenboer, B.; Windhoek- Capital of Namibia (Gamsberg MacMillan 2004)].