Nie Cele
Ezekiel Phalana
As expected, Day one of 2026 Rand Show attracted throngs of spirited young and old visitors from all corners of the country who came to enjoy and experience unrivalled entertainment, shopping spree, eye-catching trends of doing things and expert advice from private and public entities at the Johannesburg Expo Centre (Nasrec).
As if that was not enough, cherry on top the exhibitors’ stalls and entertainment were spick-and-span, impeccable and adrenaline-charged.
As promised, Day one highlights included massive crowd turnouts, extensive SANDF military displays, and the opening of new themed halls, focusing on family fun and interactive exhibits.
Key Highlights from Day 1:
- Opening Special: Tickets were priced at a reduced rate of R50 per person for all ages.
- SANDF Displays: A significant draw was the South African National Defence Force exhibition, featuring indoor and outdoor displays including an A109 helicopter and military hardware.
- Kids Zone & Family Fun: Located in Hall 8, featuring free face painting, trampolines, a maze, and interactive, educational exhibits.
- Live Entertainment: The opening day included live performances, with Mr Keyz (12 PM) and DJ JazziQ (4 PM) setting the festive mood.
- Attractions: Activities included a “Big Bounce” (massive bouncy castle), motor drifting, and helicopter rides.
- Shopping & Food: Numerous new product launches and exhibitors were scattered throughout the venues.
Dozens of visitors who spoke to this publication were on cloud nine and gave this show a big thumbs up.
Exhibitors doing activations were also excited with this massive turnout in their stalls.
In an informal snap survey conducted by this publication on some of the Exhibitors stalls, we found out the following.
SARS DESK.
This was one of the active and busiest stall most frequented.
Curious Tax payers got a much deserved five star service with their queries.
Janine Mqulwana, Senior Communication Media person stationed at the desk told this publication they were at the Rand Show to connect with the taxpayers and show them, they were accessible and reachable.
“We are here at your service. There is a lot of misconception about Sars and we are hoping to change that perception.”
Pressed further, she said, “We don’t always want people to queue for long time at branches.”
The Sars desk on the day gave tax guidance to entrepreneurs and small business owners and rendered all the necessary services always requested by taxpayers including career guidance to young prospective graduates aspiring to join Sars.
AROMAT
One Mzansi’s tried and tested household staple brand popularly used on eggs, meat, chips, and vegetables had an active and busiest stall.
They sold sumptuous food, did content creation and sharing and promoted their 5 flavours.
Their message was simple and clear. Sipho Sangweni from Aromat told this publication, “ Aromat was a tried and tested brand that has stood the test of time and was acquired by Unilever since 1953. “ We want people to know that Eggs and Aromat goes together,” He pointed.
This publication also visited National Financial Ombud (NFO) Scheme desk, a body that is tasked to mediate and resolve disputes between consumers and financial services institutions such as banks, credit providers, life insurers and non-life insurers.
This body prides itself as an independent, impartial, accessible and offers services free of charge.
Their neat impeccable stall also attracted a sizeable visitors who were showered with advise on how to go about when having disputes with financial services.
They distributed vibrant fliers carrying very informative, educational and simplified complaints process such as “When to contact NFO regarding Banking complaints.
This important info is available at www.nfosa.co.za
