With a legacy spanning more than 130 years, the Rand Show stands as South Africa’s biggest and most iconic event, offering families a safe and fun-filled Easter weekend experience.

The annual Rand Show draws large crowds to the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec, south of the city centre. Highlights include a dedicated kids’ zone, bustling shopping halls, food trucks, and live entertainment.

Thousands of people are attending the five-day event, featuring unique experiences for everyone in the family.

Rand Show CEO Adele Hartdegen says this is an all-in-one, extraordinary event. “The Rand Show this year is definitely for the people to come see. We’ve launched a brand-new ocean wonders experience, which is basically bringing the beach to Johannesburg, where people can come and experience aquatic life in a digital format. We’ve got a very large beach area for the young ones to come and play and experience. Our music festival stage is up and running again today. We’ve got DJ Zinhle headlining and Scotts Maphuma tomorrow. There’s a lot of shopping to do.”

These visitors were fascinated by the National Defense Force exhibit, among other things.

“It’s actually nice that there’s a variety of stars and different entertainment. It’s good for the wide array of families. My baby is 1 and a half, and he’s enjoying it. But I’m sure it’s good for everyone from young to old,” says a visitor.

“For me, I enjoyed it- it is a very beautiful place to be. I feel like it’s a fun place to be with family and friends, so I really appreciate being here,” adds another visitor.

SANDF budget cuts

Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala of the South African National Defence Force has called on the government to resist budget cuts to the defence force.

The SANDF also continues to be a key player in relation to peacekeeping efforts on the African continent.

Tshabalala says SADC has been engaging with the M23 Rebels to declare a ceasefire in the war-torn eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. He says it remains uncertain when the SANDF soldiers will return home from the DRC.

WATCH: SANDF showcases at Rand Show