LIMPOPO – The annual Marula Festival will return this year after a two-year absence due to the Covid-19-pandemic.
Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) MEC, Thabo Mokone launched the 16th instalment of the Marula Festival at Sefapano Safari Lodge last Wednesday.
Mokone said Ledet has made a purposeful economic intervention by developing the Limpopo Mukumbi Industries as a viable business industry in the province, as they take advantage of the vast concentration of Marula trees found mostly in the subtropical parts of the province.
Read more: Get excited for the annual marula festival
The MEC added that the marula brand and residents suffered over the past two years as there was no festival because of Covid-19-regulations.
“We are ready to relaunch and continue where we left off in 2020, while we fully adhere to the applicable regulations. As government we are grateful that the festival has grown to become a sought-after event in the country, despite the disruptions caused by the outbreak of the virus and its devastating effects,” he said.
“The event has since its inception been sustained to change the economic complexion of this part of the country,” he continued.
Mokone emphasised that the festivities are focused on the empowerment of the various sectors, especially women, youths and those who live with disabilities. He said this is done through programmes that include the production of various by-products from the marula tree and its fruit.
“Life has been difficult for those working in most sectors over the past two years. The festival is a way to contribute to the recovery of the tourism sector and other value chains within the sector. We will take advantage of the relaxed regulations that allow us to host a total of 2 000 people at an outdoor venue. The event will raise the economy of the province and district as it annually injects over R50m and brings life to Phalaborwa with accommodation facilities recording full occupancy during the festivities. The overflow of guests will benefit surrounding towns such as Tzaneen and Hoedspruit,” he explained.
Mokone said there will be a fan park with side events this year in order to comply with the regulations, while offering an opportunity for all to attend the event.
He told CV that residents in Modjadjiskloof, Magoebaskloof and Giyani will also benefit from the festival. “The location of the festivities ensures the festival will be a major attraction for local, domestic as well as international tourists,” Mokone concluded.
Festivities:
• Cultural Carnival on April 2.
• SMME Exhibition from April 5 to 8.
• Tourism Career Expo from April 6 to 8.
• Fun Fair from April 6 to 10.
• Welcome dinner on April 8.
• Golf event on April 8 and 9.
• Open air concert on April 9.
