Now we know why the Bieliemieliefees in Reitz, Free State is known as “die fees met gees” (“the festival with spirit”). There really is a helluva lekke’ vibe. Despite some much-needed rain, thousands are flocking to the town for a four-day-festival with the best in Afrikaans music and entertainment, great food, and a show of agricultural machinery and livestock.
Janette Msibi, Alina Skosana, Maria Mokone and Jeanette Mokwena arrived bright and early on the first day of the Bieliemielie to not miss any of the action.
Festivalgoers enjoying ice-cold beers.
Madelein and Gerhard Mostert had no problem preparing hundreds of potatoes for hungry festival-goers.
Many of the Free State’s primary schools participated in various sport activities during the festival.
Food For Mzansi co-founder Kobus Louwrens featured with VKB’s Deon van der Ross, former Bok coach Pieter de Villiers and Dawn Noemdoe, Food For Mzansi’s Project Editor.
The Bieliemielie also featured a great livestock show.
TV personality Ivor Price featured with former Springbok coach Pieter de Villiers and Danie Slabbert, a local farmer.
Food For Mzansi’s team at the Bieliemielie Festival celebrating the first panel discussion with the team representing Standard Bank’s agri-business division.
Some of the VKB Knights cricketers having a ball at the Bieliemielie Festival.
The inaugaral VKB Food For Mzansi panel discussion was attended by Danie Slabbert (Riemland Study Group), Maseli Latuka, Ivor Price, Pieter de Villiers and Nico Groenewald (Standard Bank).
Of course there’s always a decadent pizza on the Bieliemielie Festival menu.
Reitz resident Jansen Tian attended the festival with his children.
Amor Louw’s beautiful smile made many friends at her pancake stall.
Food For Mzansi’s Project Editor Dawn Noemdoe and Danie Slabbert of the Riemland Study Group.
The VKB Knights cricket squad participated in a festival cook-off filled with laughter.
The one big plus of any festival is that it’s always wine o’clock. Hermanuspietersfontein Wines was a big festival fave.
What’s a festival without a yummy sosatie? Gert Huymans braaied them with all with a smile.
VKB’s Deon van der Ross grilled some steaks for festival-goers.
Food For Mzansi’s very own Dawn Noemdoe dreaming of her own tractor, even if it’s a little one.
The very first VKB Food For Mzansi panel discussion was a great success too, with former Bok coach Peter de Villiers, farmers Maseli Latuka and Danie Slabbert and Nico Groenewald from Standard Bank talking about the power of agriculture to create social cohesion.
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