Faith, Hope And Nampo

From a humble beginning in 1967, Nampo Harvest Day has grown into the biggest agricultural trade show in the southern hemisphere. It’s no longer only about tractors, planters and mielies, but it will always be about farmers. And in the midst of a drought, it’s also about hope.

- Willem Van Der Berg

The road from Bloemfontein to Nampo Park near Bothaville goes through barren red fields and stands of wilted mielies. The Free State is in the grips of a drought and the veld is stubble. It’s the worst drought in decades say the older farmers; for the younger generation it’s the worst drought they’ve ever experienced.

It’s May and harvest season, but I don’t hear the rumble of combine harvesters. There’s a stillness on the plains and a faded blue sky filled with prayers for rain. The mood out in the countryside is sombre and I can’t help but wonder whether it will be the same at Nampo Harvest Day, South Africa’s biggest annual agricultural event.

There are hundreds of vehicles lined up in the parking area when I arrive, as well as about 60 light aircraft parked on an airfield. I even count 11 helicopters. Maybe my fears are unfounded…

I park next to a Hilux covered in Bible verses and other stickers. One sticker reads: “Are you a slave to drought?” The bakkie belongs to Louis Swanepoel, who has a cross shaved into his hair above each ear. He’s busy unpacking boxes and boxes of Christian CDs.

“God told me to bring 90 000 CDs to Nampo, so here I am,” he says. “Everyone fears the drought, but they have to realise that drought can’t harm you if you have God on your side. Even if He doesn’t send rain, He can use groundwater to bless you. I know a farmer who had a record mielie harvest this year because God watered his fields from below.”

Louis must notice my scepticism because he puts his hand on my shoulder and asks if he can pray for me.