With the escalating challenges of Eskom load shedding, security concerns, looming water crises, inaccessible roads, and underperforming state education, the imperative to move beyond mere complaints about the current state of affairs has never been clearer.
It’s within this context that Sakeliga KragDag proclaims: ‘There is an alternative!’ at its second Western Cape independence expo at Môreson Farm outside Malmesbury, scheduled for 21 – 23 March, 2024. HP Steyn, the CEO of KragDag, reflects on the success of the previous year’s Western Cape version of the event, which was held for the first time outside Malmesbury. With over 5,000 visitors exploring offerings from 100 exhibitors, the decision to expand KragDag’s reach was validated.
The inception of the expo dates back to the announcement of load shedding in South Africa in 2007, a pivotal moment that highlighted the urgent need for energy solutions for households and small businesses. Today, the expo showcases a broad spectrum of solutions for independence across various facets of life, addressing challenges such as water shortages, water purification, food production, education, and security.
KragDag has grown significantly since its inception, having been hosted 14 times at Diamantvallei Estate near Pretoria. The event has expanded from a handful of exhibitors to approximately 600, and from a few hundred visitors to over 36,000 in August 2023. Since 2019, the expo has also included an agricultural sub-expo, enriching its diversity and appeal.
The theme ‘There is an alternative’ resonates deeply in the current climate of economic decline and societal challenges. It underscores the importance of independence and individual responsibility, encouraging a shift away from reliance on state provisions. Sakeliga KragDag is more than just an expo; it is a movement fostering a culture of independence and self-determination, inspiring attendees to embrace creative and autonomous solutions for their lives and communities.
The Sakeliga KragDag Western Cape 2024 promises a variety of alternatives for attendees to explore, including independent power generation, personal water management, private healthcare, home schooling, community-driven infrastructure maintenance, and personal and community security solutions.
The event will feature over 100 exhibitors focused on independence, alongside diverse food stalls, and a beer and wine garden for socializing. The expo will also host a series of discussions in the Kopskuif Ateljee with notable speakers like Dawie Roodt, Piet le Roux, Ian Cameron, Bennie van Zyl, and Theo de Jager, further enriching the discourse on self-reliance. In addition, the Junior Entrepreneurship Competition will spotlight the role of entrepreneurship in fostering independence.
Admission for the expo is set at R120 per adult at the gate, with a 50% discount available for advance ticket purchases. Children under 18 can enjoy the expo free of charge, making it an accessible event for families to explore the possibilities of independence and self-reliance.
