Foot-and-mouth disease
In 1934 the Windhoek Show Grounds were laid out, an area between Windhoek's city centre and the Suiderhof suburb, next to today's Maerua Mall. These show grounds were designed primarily to house the Windhoek Industrial and Agricultural Show but the next fair was only held in 1954, and one more show in 1964. A 1961 fair was scheduled but had to be canceled due to a Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. During that time the industrial sector was incorporated; originally only through businesses that supplied the agricultural sector but subsequently including a larger portfolio.