Heather Erdmann
REHOBOTH – The 9th edition of the annual Reho Expo, organised by the Rehoboth Community Trust, officially concluded over the weekend after three days of vibrant agricultural activities, local enterprise showcases, and community engagement at the town’s expo grounds.
The event was officially inaugurated by Rehoboth Mayor Jackie ǂKhariseb, who emphasised the expo’s significance as a key platform for agricultural development in the Hardap region.
Once again, the expo drew a diverse assembly of farmers, exhibitors, small business owners, and residents, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for rural advancement and economic empowerment.
Central to the expo’s programme were livestock competitions, which saw enthusiastic participation from breeders showcasing small stock.
The event also featured exhibitions of homemade products, horticultural displays, and value-added goods, highlighting local ingenuity and entrepreneurship.
This year’s edition welcomed several new exhibitors, including Didi Olivier of OLIVYF Farming and NAMTET Trading Enterprise CC, a Rehoboth-based welding company.
The companies used the expo to introduce a range of locally manufactured products, such as farming implements, livestock handling equipment (including mobile gates and feeders), and household and institutional furniture crafted from steel and wood.
Beyond the core agricultural activities, the expo offered a variety of community-focused attractions that enriched the event’s festive atmosphere.
Notably, local snake catcher Mario Guterres conducted live demonstrations to educate visitors about snake safety and awareness, which is particularly pertinent in rural areas where encounters with snakes are more common.
His engaging displays attracted large audiences throughout the day, especially among younger visitors.
Cultural participation was also prominent, with pensioner artists George Krohne and George Hein showcasing their artwork and engaging with the public. Their involvement highlighted the enduring contributions of older generations to the community’s creative landscape.
Sporting and recreational activities contributed to the lively weekend. Volleyball matches drew consistent crowds, while horse racing served as one of the event’s main entertainment highlights.
The racing programme, which concluded on the final day, saw riders and horses compete fiercely for top honours, drawing an enthusiastic audience.
While agriculture and sports remained at the core of the expo, the event also underscored the growing importance of local entrepreneurship in supporting rural livelihoods.
Several displays featured innovative, locally produced solutions aimed at improving farming efficiency and community resilience. Additional attractions included interactive displays that fostered a family-friendly environment.
However, the “Giant Pumpkin” competition was less prominent this year, with only one entry observed during the weekend.
Despite this, the Reho Expo continues to serve as a vital gathering point for farmers, entrepreneurs, and community members, providing a platform for knowledge exchange, visibility, and regional growth within Namibia’s agricultural sector.
Photo: Heather Erdmann