After 70 years, end of an era for Letaba Show

After 70 years, the Letaba Show is bidding the farming community farewell.

According to Agri Letaba, the Letaba Show was hosted for the last time in 2023. The first Letaba Show was held in 1953.

Agri Letaba played a more prominent role throughout the years, not only as owners of the show grounds, but also as organisers. Countless people have offered their time and knowledge over the years, supporting the show and the role it played in the community.

Since 1966, the chairpersons of the Letaba show have been:

● 1966 – 1967: Perry Joynt

● 1967 – 1968: John Smith

● 1968 – 1969: Bertie van Zyl

● 1970 – 1977: Dick Chambers

● 1978 – 1988: Attie Bester

● 1989 – 1995: Phile van Zyl

● 1998 – 1999: Chris Prinsloo

● 1999 – 2001: Amanda Vorster

● 2001 - 2002: Koos Redelinghuys

● 2002 – 2009: John Eastes

● 2009 – 2010: Ben van Coller

● 2010 – 2011: Fanie van Jaarsveld

● 2013 – 2015: Corrie Labuschagne

● 2016 – 2023: Dawie Grobbelaar

Besides the chairpersons, there have been many other role players, all contributing significantly to the success of the show, said Pieter Vorster, chairperson of Agri Letaba.

“We cannot announce the end of a part of our community’s history without thanking everyone that has been part of the show over time. Thank you will never be enough to convey how much it meant to the community,” he said.

Agri Letaba, the owners of the Tzaneen Showgrounds, however, have new plans. “As an industry organisation looking after the interests of our farmer members in the area, we want to offer something new by giving the farmers in the area an alternative option,” it said.

“After consultation with various role players in the agricultural sector, an opportunity arose for us to be part of the formation of the Tzaneen Market. Agri Letaba will, however, remain as the owners of the showgrounds and a long-term rental contract will be signed with the Market.”

The idea is that the Tzaneen Market will give farmers in and around the Greater Letaba area the opportunity to bring their products to market, with access to trade opportunities. According to Vorster, emerging producers will save on transport and logistic expenses and will have a greater chance at increasing their profit margins.

“This will also benefit the community, who will have easier access to quality, more affordable, local fresh produce. An added benefit to the project will be the creation of a number of job opportunities.”

Agri Letaba will remain on the premises and its doors open to its members.