Get excited for the annual marula festival

POLOKWANE – The tasting extravaganza was held at Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane on March 2.

The event gave local crafters and marula beer brewers a platform to showcase their products and share traditional brewed marula beverages with community members.

Spokesperson for the department, Lucky Tshilimandila said the event formed part of the build-up to the annual marula festival scheduled for Phalaborwa in April.

“We also wanted to create awareness about the marula tree and beverages among communities and promote the festival. Our aim was to preserve heritage, foster social cohesion and create an opportunity for the creative industry to showcase their craft. As the custodians of culture in the province, we have a mandatory obligation to preserve heritage, promote cultural diversity, reconciliation, social cohesion, peace, art and culture as well as nation building.”

The department provided ample litres of marula beverages which were consumed by the public, local artists as well the departmental officials.

Tshilimandila further stated that they will be visiting other districts in the province to create more awareness about the marula tree and the fruit.

Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism MEC Thabo Mokone recently called for the reinstatement of the annual festival.

“The festival and its various activities contributes to economic growth, drives domestic tourism, enhances local trade and creates a conducive environment for local job opportunities,” he explained in a statement.

The 2022 event is scheduled for April 6-9.