KAITE turns 70

The Keetmanshoop Agricultural, Industrial and Tourism Expo (KAITE) will be celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. 

The event, scheduled for 27 October to 31 October, is held annually at the Expo Show Grounds in Keetmanshoop. It features livestock exhibitions, farming equipment, an investment conference, SME stalls, a music bash, and the popular Miss Expo pageant. 

Economic boost - According to Karl Heinz Burger, the vice president of KAITE, the event brings a significant economic boost for Keetmanshoop, the //Kharas, and Hardap regions. “Last year, an estimated 9,000 people visited the Expo, which is regarded as the biggest of its kind in the country. Visitors do shopping, and garage owners and accommodation owners make money. We did a calculation which showed that almost N$ 900,000 will be spent on accommodation for the duration of the expo,” he said.  

The Expo organisers are currently busy with the pre-events, such as the gala dinner on 5 June with Namibian comedy sensation OC Ebs as the MC. “This is usually the first event through which we raise funds to host the Expo, and patrons can look forward to a night of fun with a lot of activities. Because it is our 70th anniversary, it will be an agricultural-themed night with a lot of background from the sector," Burger explained. 

Partnerships - He encouraged businesses to join hands with the festival organisers and ensure that the 70th anniversary of KAITE exceeds all expectations. “We need financial support and partnerships to keep this idea alive. Business owners, please come on board. Use this established platform to sell your services and products, to exhibit, meet and greet clients and to expand your business.” 

Planning for the 70th anniversary edition is already at an advanced stage. “It will be a big event, almost twice as big as the previous events. This year we are very focused on the agricultural sector, and there will be a lot of agricultural activities, such as exhibitors, breeders, and the animals themselves,” Burger said. 

Origins - Farmers came up with the idea 70 years ago to collect funds to support upcoming farmers and breeders by buying lucerne and medication for their animals in times of drought. 

“Seven years ago we introduced the tourism and industrial sector sections. The agricultural sector is huge with a lot to offer. We also have mines and tourist attractions in the South. This platform was created for these sectors to exhibit their products and services,” said Burger. 

The Boerboek Competition forms an integral part of the Expo. “We are the only expo where top-quality pelts are exhibited; you can feel it and take a close look. The Boerboek Competition will once again be a display of top-quality animals, and we want the young people to come and experience this. We also plan to have an auction,” said Burger.   

Exhibitors - KAITE mainly hosts three types of exhibitors. “There are industrial, tourism and agricultural sector stalls. We also have some exhibitors from different sectors such as education. The showground's hall accommodates approximately 92 corporate-sector exhibitors,” Burger highlighted.

The organisers plan to set up a demarcated area for the tourism sector and the agricultural sector. “There will be about 58 stalls. Industrial machines and all kinds of solar panels will be on display,” Burger said. 

Rudy Agritactic, a 100% Namibian-owned company specialising in the fabrication of agricultural machinery and metalwork solutions, joined KAITE last year. “Founded by Rudorph Shapumba, the presence of the company, which focuses on supporting local manufacturing, creating employment, and delivering reliable, high-quality fabrication services that contribute to Namibia’s economic growth, was welcomed and well supported by the farming community who could purchase machines on the spot,” Burger highlighted. 

KAITE also gives away 20 stalls for free to create a platform for entrepreneurs to exhibit their products. “We want to encourage dialogue, build a database and facilitate training for our SMEs," Burger emphasised.    

“Expo visitors can also look forward to enjoying some rides on the merry-go-round. Come to eat, to have a drink and to enjoy yourselves. There will be loads of information and ample opportunity to engage potential clients and service providers,” Burger concluded.