Gauteng Smallholder April 2017 | Page 13

NEWS

From page 10
Entrance to the show is R40 per car, regardless of the number of occupants and all proceeds from the show will go towards the establishment and maintenance of the society ' s ambitious Walkerville Agricultural Community Centre. In May the action moves out of Gauteng to Bothaville in the Free State for the Nampo Harvest Day from 16 to 19 May, a four-day show that has become a must-do for anybody involved in agriculture in southern Africa. While accommodation in the area is at a premium at this time of year it is quite possible to do a day trip to Nampo from Gauteng by car if one leaves early enough, and if one has one ' s own aircraft or helicopter the showgrounds has its own airfield, complete with air traffic control for the duration of the show. Back in Gauteng, the Outdoor X Expo takes place on 27 and 28 May at Malonjeni Guest Farm outside Heidelberg. As the name suggests this growing show features all manner of outdoor pursuits, including hunting, 4x4 vehicles, camping and leisure activities. The first weekend in June features the popular Mampoerfees at the Willem Prinsloo Agrticultural History Museum outside Rayton, which is an occasion for visitors to sample the many types of home-distilled traditionally-flavoured spirit on offer, as well as to partake in traditional Afrikaans fare and activities. Finally, ten days later, the KragDag Expo takes place from 16 to 18 June near Donkerhoek, Rayton. Now in its ninth iteration, it has grown into the largest exposition of self-sufficiency and renewable technology in South Africa, and is expected to draw a crowd of more than the 13 000 visitors who
attended last year ' s show. With a lead sponsorship by Afrikaans union Solidarity now in its second year, the KragDag show features more than 500 exhibitors spread over a 3ha exhibition ground that incorporates food stalls and entertainment in a carnival atmosphere. Originally started in response to the energy crisis of 2007, the show was envisaged to enable visitors to“ do their own thing” by living off-grid, using solar energy, growing
their own food and developing a lifestyle that renders them independent and selfsupporting. With this in view, the theme of this year ' s expo is“ gone are the days of living at the highest gear” in an attempt to highlight ways and means to live life at a more meaningful, but slower, pace. Although energy solutions and self-sufficiency remain cornerstones of the show, other areas have come to be highlighted including water supply and quality, security,
food security, the economy, education, health, and financial aspects. There is also a focus on entrepreneurship and a sub-exhibition by the Association of Home Educators. Entrance on the day is R70 for adults, with children under 18 free, but you can enter for free if you register on-line with your own email address at www. kragdag. co. za.
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