History of Windhoek Show Society

With the agricultural sector being the backbone of the Namibian economy ever since, it is not surprising that already early during the German colonial period farmers, businesspeople and manufacturers would convene to present their products to engage in marketing, to exchange information and meet to network. The rapid development of Windhoek as the capital is evidenced by the fact that first Agricultural Show in German South West Africa already took placein Windhoek on 2 en 3 June, 1899, with 22 exhibitors (the foundation of modern Windhoek took place in 1890).

At that show, the farmers from Klein Windhoek produced and exhibited a variety of vegetables, from potatoes and wheat, to wine. Breeding stock totalled 27 entries, which included 43 horses, 133 heads of cattle and 146 small livestock animals. 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 8000 Marks was awarded in prize monies. A total of 602 single tickets and 176 seasonal tickets were sold.

The second agricultural show was held from 20 to 22 June 1902 and already showed 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 Show. Passengers were encouraged to visit the Windhoek Show, as an incentive, visitors were remunerated for their efforts with the cost of a one-way ticket entitling them to to a free return journey to Swakopmund, provided the show officials in Windhoek has 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 Guest were Prince Leopold, the "Royal Hunter" and Prince George of Bavaria, who had come to the country on a hunting expedition. At the same occasion, the Schutztruppe celebrated their 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 29 May until 1 June 1914. Although it was planned to have the Imperial German Crown Prince as a guest of honour, he was not able to attend and the show had to take place under the honorary chairmanship of the German Governor, Dr. Th. 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 food-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 27000 visitors, indicating that it had been a huge success. The Windhoek Agricultural and Industrial Show has been held ever since. In the last years, it has some-what 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 spring-time in Windhoek. [Information: Bravenboer, B:; Windhoek-Capital of Namibia (Gams-Berg MacMillan 2004)

The Windhoek Show Society, P.O. Box 1733, Windhoek Namibia, 9000

Tel: ++264-61-224748  |  Fax: ++264-61-227707  |  Email: wssexpo@wss.com.na