Packed roads and big reveals at Nampo 2026

June 19, 2026

Mud, traffic jams and thousands of visitors descending on Bothaville could not dampen the energy surrounding NAMPO Harvest Day 2026. TRACY KLÜCKOW joined the crowds…

This year marked the 58^th NAMPO Harvest Day, presented by Grain SA in Bothaville, Free State. The surrounding roads were packed with vehicles as visitors queued bumper to bumper to explore the offerings of more than 910 exhibitors showcasing innovations across the agricultural value chain.

Heavy rainfall in the lead-up to NAMPO Harvest Day 2026 placed considerable pressure on the showgrounds and surrounding road infrastructure, with some sections transformed into dams. This tested the limits of the many vehicles making their way to and from the Southern Hemisphere’s largest open-air agricultural trade exhibition.

“The lead-up to NAMPO this year was exceptional. A week before the show, sections of the terrain were still heavily waterlogged following significant rainfall, yet the team worked around the clock to ensure the park was ready for exhibitors and visitors,” said Dr Dirk Strydom, managing director of NAMPO.

He added that the wet conditions restricted traffic flow, as more than 30km of gravel access routes could not be used, including an additional access point to the northern parking area. This forced all traffic through the R30 corridor. Consequently, the NAMPO team is already exploring new ways to improve access to the park and discussing possible solutions with the South African National Roads Agency, which manages the R30.

Attendance reaches new heights

The four-day event, held from 12 to 15 May, has grown into one of the world’s most important agricultural gatherings and remains exceptionally popular, with day two recording the highest single-day attendance of 24,579 visitors.

Overall, the event attracted an impressive 81,822 visitors. Attendance by air was equally notable, with 311 fixed-wing aircraft, 100 helicopters and a total of 657 air traffic movements recorded during the week, highlighting NAMPO’s national and international relevance.

Interest in the event was further amplified on day two by the Toyota Hilux Guinness World Record attempt hosted by Toyota South Africa Motors at NAMPO Park. The gathering attracted 1,545 Hilux bakkies to the area, placing further – albeit temporary – pressure on traffic flow around the event, according to organisers.

“While the traffic congestion created understandable frustration for some visitors, we sincerely appreciate the patience and support shown by the public. Our teams worked closely with traffic authorities to stabilise the situation as quickly as possible. We are also proud that NAMPO could host such a unique world-record attempt alongside the Harvest Day,” said Strydom.

Vehicle manufacturers showcase new products

NAMPO was also chosen by Isuzu Motors South Africa as the ideal platform to debut the new 2026 Isuzu D-Max facelift locally. According to the manufacturer, the new model underwent more than 400,000km of rigorous testing across some of Africa’s most demanding terrain to ensure it meets the brand’s reputation for reliability.

Nissan South Africa, which also exhibited at NAMPO, reaffirmed its support of the local agricultural industry with the appointment of leading South African agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo as one of three new brand ambassadors. He joins engineers Shaldon Naicker and Gavin Kirstein as Nissan Navara agricultural and industrial brand ambassadors for 2026.

Among the light commercial vehicles (LCVs) showcased by Foton South Africa, the introduction of the Foton Miler Lite – a new Code 8 LCV – dominated the brand’s presence this year. The vehicle is designed to improve accessibility and efficiency for South African businesses.

Visitors were impressed with the versatility of FAW’s JK6 16.260FL-AMT for agricultural applications.

Hino South Africa will launch its new Hino Care Gap Cover in mid-2026, offering broader, improved warranty protection for trucks such as the Hino 500 2836 cattle body.

The new 2026 Isuzu D-MAX facelift was showcased at NAMPO after having completed an extensive durability validation programme.

The Volvo FH Aero long-haul truck – available in electric, gas-powered and diesel – on display at NAMPO Harvest Day 2026.

HCVs take centre stage

In the heavy commercial vehicle (HCV) category, Scania South Africa showcased its Scania Super at NAMPO, presenting a next-generation transport solution engineered to deliver measurable gains in fuel efficiency, operational performance and sustainability. Read more in this month’s cover story on page 24.

FAW Trucks Southern Africa also participated, with COO Xin Huang emphasising, “NAMPO remains the heartbeat of South African agriculture.” The manufacturer displayed the recently launched J7 28.550FT/P flagship tractor and the JK6 16.260FL-AMT, both of which, it said, stole the spotlight.

Hino South Africa, represented at the Toyota stand, displayed its Hino 200 150 with modular dropside body, the Hino 500 2836 with cattle body and the Hino 700 2845 truck tractor. Anton Falck, Hino SA vice president, also used the event, themed “Resilience through Innovation”, to announce that the brand has embarked on a local innovation project – a dual-fuel truck prototype powered by diesel and hydrogen – which will soon be shared with the media.

Focus shifts to the Cape

Stakeholders across the agricultural value chain are now turning their attention to preparing for NAMPO Cape 2026, taking place from 9 to 12 September in Bredasdorp, Western Cape.