With the Makhado Municipality´s deciding to put the annual show out on tender this year, a group of residents joined forces and formed Mvelelo Event Management.

As a business, Mvelelo Event Management also tendered for the hosting of the show. On May 2, they were informed that they were the successful tenderer.

"When the show was put out on tender, a few people with the same vision and passion for our region got together and formed Mvelelo Event Management. We felt that our region is so rich in culture, crafts, art, tourism and agriculture, that we as residents need to harness and bring together a show that shows who we truly are," said Mvelelo spokesperson Mr Harold Muswobi. Their main driving force was to keep the show "local" and not allow outside tenderers to take it over.

The annual municipal show has been an institution in Louis Trichardt for the past 30 year. Originally an agricultural show, it was a platform for farmers and businessmen alike to market and build business ties. Mvelelo wants to recapture the essence of what made the original show such a success.

"The show should be an opportunity to showcase our region and to remind ourselves of who we are and what drives our economy. This should again be an opportunity for businesspeople, farmers, artists and government departments to showcase their products, to network and to forge relationships that will ensure our region becomes an economic force which brings together various cultures," said Muswobi.

Plans are already well underway in organizing the show, but unlike previous years, the show will not take place at the end of July. Called the Mvelelo Spring Show, it will be hosted from September 26 until 29. Their decision to host it in Spring symbolizes fresh new beginnings and their slogan is This is who we are!

"Both businesses, government and parastatals that we have approached to either exhibit or showcase their products have welcomed this new energy and are extremely positive. Many have already committed themselves to taking part," said Muswobi.

For more information, persons wishing to take part in the show can phone Mvelelo Event Management at Tel 082 891 6010.