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Day 2 of the Rand Easter Show
Rand Easter Show CEO Adele Hartdegen says they have had their busiest start to the show this year compared to the previous years, and will run till Easter Monday. The show, which is in its 131st edition features five-days of family entertainment including a major music festival, carnival rides, food stalls and shopping.
The Rand Easter Show is not only the country’s largest consumer lifestyle event but also contributes to Johannesburg’s economy and job creation target.
— SABC News (@SABCNews) April 4, 2026
The Rand Easter Show is not only the country’s largest consumer lifestyle event, but also contributes to Johannesburg’s economy and job creation target. There is also a dedicated Township Economy Pavilion designed to spotlight township based entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators.
Hartgenen says this year’s show has a different feel.
“This year we had such a fantastic start to the show. We’ve had our busiest start than what we’ve had in our last five editions. The thousands of people coming through and what really stands out for me this year is that we gave a lot of value to our tickets. There’s a lot of things that people can do for free once they’ve purchased their tickets and I also see quite a change and the quality, in a lot of exhibitors that are we got on the floor this year, as well as on the outside. So there’s loads to do, loads of activations and the show just has a whole of a different feel this year.”
She further added that the show creates close to 3 000 jobs and it’s a crucial event for the city.
“Leading up to the show as well as during the show and in the breakdown period of the show, we can create two-and-half to three-thousand jobs for people working at the show. And then there’s a wider economic impact of small exhibitors that come on to the show, they start the show with their brand and they become big businesses. So, it really has a ripple effect on the immediate community but also to the business community in South Africa.”
Visitors say those skipping the event are missing out on the fun. “Everyone is having fun, we’re all here happy together.”
The South African Defence Force (SANDF) also showcased various activities at the show.
Brigadier General Selina Rawlins further explains: “Our main message for us is for the public and for the community to know that the Defense Force is here. We’re here to let the public know that the Defense Force is for all.”
