uThukela District Municipality hosted the ‘uThukela Carnival 2016’ over a three-day period from November 25 to 27.
The carnival was filled with music, parades, comedy, performing arts, sports, exhibitions and people having fun. It was the second of its kind, as it was first organised and held last year.
One way of looking at the carnival is “the storm before the calm” because of the line-up of activities it offers.
The event itself aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the uThukela District, to promote tourism, and the development of arts and culture through the participation of local artists, as well as to strengthen social cohesion.
Since its inception, the carnival just seems to be getting bigger and better.
In his opening remarks, uThukela District Mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko emphasised the fact that the carnival is part of service delivery, as it brings a host of established acts who come to impart knowledge to the locals and entertain them.
“This in turn helps generate good economic spin-offs in our district,” said the mayor.
This year, there was a long list full of exciting activities and performances, including the following: live music performances by world-renowned four-time Grammy Award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Colenso Abafana Benkokhelo, as well as a laughter-filled comedy show on Friday night.
Then, the next day was filled with plenty more activities such as a street parade, motorbike stunts, food exhibition & tasting, arts & crafts exhibition, fashion show & cultural performances, indigenous games, soccer, netball and basketball games, not forgetting the Mega Music Festival with top DJs, all taking place at the AG Magubane in Steadville.
The day ended with festivities that lasted all night long.
On the final day (Sunday), various activities were undertaken which included kids’ entertainment, a film workshop, a movie screening and photo booth, all happening in the Ezakheni A-Section Park.
All these activities are significant in promoting tourism and economic development in our region.
At all the venues, attendance was “full house” and participation was excellent.
The carnival benefits local small businesses and co-operatives, as they are given the opportunity to showcase and sell their products at stands that are set up.
People who are in the hospitality industry also benefit significantly, as the event attracts visitors from outside the district. This all adds up to healthy economic spin-offs for the district.
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