A local small business's hopes of expanding were shattered after its application to participate in the Windhoek Agricultural Show was disapproved.
 
Lulu Gugushe Pioluc Investments claims the Show Society instead approved the application of a South African-based company.

The company's founder, Lulu Gugushe, complained about the preference given to a South African company at the expense of the locals.

Gugushe went on to say that this isn't the first time they've run into the same issue, as they did so in 2019 in Rehoboth, where they were reportedly told that the same South African company didn't want the competition. 

After approaching the Windhoek Agricultural Show Society, Gugushe says, she was told that the Windhoek showground would not have jumping castles this year. 

She claimed that the Show Society promised to revert to her. However, they failed to do so.

The company derives most of its income from shows such as these, and Gugushe is now unsure of the future of her business. 

When approached for comment, the Managing Director of the Windhoek Show Society, Harald Schmidt, says Gugushe is not the only one whose application was rejected. 

He says they will not be forced into how exhibitors are selected and that all the would-be participants have to go through a selection process.

Schmidt also pointed out that they have an agreement with the South African company to participate in the show once a year, and other entrepreneurs who offer similar services have to be turned down to avoid competition.