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THE
GRAIN AND OILSEED INDUSTRY
OF SOUTH AFRICA – A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
ႃႄ
Giel van Zyl, Manager Administration NAMPO 1983 - 1992;
Managing Director of NAMPO 1992 - 1999; Managing Director
of Grain SA 1999 - 2001.
Since Mr Giel van Zyl joined NAMPO in 1983 the Harvest Day was part of his
management responsibilities. As liaison between the former Managing Director,
Dr Piet Gous, and the Harvest Day Committee, his duty was among other things
the strategic planning, and making sure that it was carried out – something that
suited Van Zyl’s personal ability to a T in executing huge plans in the finest detail.
The first part of the long-term strategy with the Harvest Day was to get it
acknowledged country wide. Although it had already developed a good standing in
the market, the Harvest Day was still in competition with other agricultural shows in
1983. It was also not a given that exhibitors would take part every year, and there
was room to convert it to become a preferred show venue for agricultural exhibitors.
With the purpose of developing the Harvest Day into a world-class trade show a
vision and mission statement, which were drawn up by the Harvest Day Committee,
were accepted by the NAMPO Executive. It then became clear that time and energy
had to be invested in expanding the standard of the Harvest Day grounds and
facilities, improving the rules for exhibitors and a renewed focus on developing the
character of the Harvest Day as a purely agricultural trade show.
‘In the early eighties the grounds were not fenced in and exhibitors and visitors
parked everywhere. The festive atmosphere was also emphasised by the beer
garden, which was situated in the middle of the grounds. Exhibitors did not have
many rules to abide by,’ says Van Zyl.
During subsequent years the Harvest Day Committee laid down stricter rules so
that no exhibitor could enter the grounds with a vehicle during the Harvest Day.
The duration of the Harvest Day was also extended from one-and-a-half days to
three days, and exhibitors’ contracts were changed so that tool and implement
manufacturers had to undertake to show their goods. Participation in controlled
demonstrations also now became compulsory.
Van Zyl also says that it was not always easy to enforce and apply the rules that were
laid down by the committee. Many exhibitors can attest to the entrance gates being
introduced for exhibitors, and how they quickly became known as ‘swearing gates’.
Although it was a challenge to get exhibitors used to the new house rules, a standard
was set that put the organisation and stature of the Harvest Day on par with those of
many international agricultural trade shows.
Since 1983 food was also provided at other points and not only at the restaurants.
Since 1984 take-aways and cooldrink kiosks were introduced on a larger scale.
There was a real danger in 1988 that the Harvest Day could be cancelled due to an
above-average rainy season. According to Van Zyl, the grounds were soaked after
more than 900 mm of rain had fallen and they had to act quickly. Drainage pumps
were therefore used to dry out the grounds in time.
Through contact with input providers he could convince companies to act as sponsors
for the construction of halls that could provide extra covered exhibiting spaces, but
also provide more permanent areas for companies who had an association with the
Harvest Day. Examples of these venues were the Sentraoes Hall, Foskor Media Centre,
Eskom Hall, the ARC Building and the first phase of the current Afrox Building.
Companies’ faith in the Harvest Day as a strategic trade show was further confirmed
by their investment in the permanent structures on their stands. By 1996 new build-
ings had been erected by Staalmeester, Interlov, Sanvet, Pumpmaker and Mercedes-
Benz. NAMPO reacted to this by creating permanence in the infrastructure, amenities
and facilities on the grounds. In the same year the Roodebank Seed Complex was
opened, and the renovation of the Donkerhoek Hall followed.
Recognition is given to the architect, Freek du Plessis, who helped a lot with plans at
no charge, Willem le Roux, the builder who didmost of the brick work of the buildings,
and Dappies Venter, who erected almost all the steel structures of the buildings
– admittedly for remuneration, but with a special loyalty towards the Harvest Day.
Mr Giel van Zyl
NUMBER PLEASE!
• BY 1983 TELEPHONE
FACILITIES WERE
PROVIDED AT
FIFTEEN STANDS.
• AFTER A TEMPORARY
CELLPHONE TOWER
PROVIDED CELLPHONE
CONNECTIONS IN 1996,
MTN AND VODACOM
CONSTRUCTED A
PERMANENT TOWER ON
THE GROUNDS IN 1997.
Video: New rules introduced by the Harvest
Day Committee had to be implemented
– Mr Giel van Zyl.
