The Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) of KwaZulu-Natal is entering a new era under the leadership of its recently appointed General Manager, Wayne Muller. After just two months in office, Muller has confirmed that the 2026 Royal Agricultural Show will run from 29 May to 3 June 2026 at Tweedie Hall in Howick, marking the Society’s 175th anniversary with a renewed focus on agriculture.
Building on a Legacy
Muller’s appointment in May 2025 came at a pivotal moment for the RAS. Following a period of change—including the Society’s relocation from Pietermaritzburg, the retirement of long-serving CEO Terry Strachan, and the passing of President Mike Moncur—the RAS was unable to host a show in 2025. Now, with its milestone anniversary in 2026 on the horizon, Muller is determined to strengthen the Society’s agricultural identity.
“The 2026 Royal Show will be a full agricultural show, not just an exhibition,” he explained, underlining his vision to celebrate farming, agribusiness, and related commercial activity.
Connecting and Collaborating
Muller has wasted no time in reconnecting the RAS with its stakeholders. Even before his official start, he met with over 40 past and present staff members, committee leaders, sponsors, and exhibitors. Since then, he has attended AGMs, livestock sales, and tourism events across KZN, travelled to the Bloem Show to consult with exhibitors, and visited Pretoria to secure new sponsorships. His presence has also been felt at the KZN Bee Farmers honey competition in Eston. In the coming months, he will attend the National Youth Show in Upington, while the RAS continues its support for regional events such as the Berg and Underberg Shows.
At the RAS offices, Muller has directed his team to update the membership database, manage assets, and begin detailed planning for the 2026 Royal Show. “My staff and I inherit a 174-year legacy of history and remarkable contributions made by the Society to KZN, South Africa, and agriculture,” Muller said. “New venue, renewed focus, member value.”
With this vision, he is determined to honour the past while laying the foundation for a vibrant and relevant agricultural future.