Nomazulu Moyo
POLOKWANE, South Africa – In the heart of South Africa’s Limpopo province, a unique celebration of culture and commerce is set to unfold. The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment & Tourism (LEDET), Rodgers Monama announced the 18th edition of the Limpopo Marula Festival, a vibrant event that has grown into a provincial flagship brand. From 26 April 4 May 2024, the town of Phalaborwa will become a hub of activity, culminating in an open-air concert at the Impala Park Stadium.
The festival is more than just a celebration; it’s a strategic economic intervention by LEDET to capitalise on the region’s abundant marula trees.
“We have made a purposeful economic intervention by developing the Limpopo Mukumbi Industries as a viable business industry within the province,” LEDET MEC said on Monday.
“Taking advantage of the vast concentration of marula trees found mostly in the sub-tropical parts of the province, we aim to recognise and commercialise the rich heritage of the province through this initiative.”
The 2024 festivities are designed to cover all activities traditionally associated with the Marula brand, including SMME empowerment, sporting events like golf and a marathon, and a music festival that promotes the rich arts and cultural heritage of the province. The festival aims to drive attendance, contributing to economic growth, enhancing local trade, and creating new job opportunities.
The event will also feature the conceptual promotion of a series of marula products manufactured by Marula Cooperatives, ensuring a grand showcase of exhibits and an array of products for the markets.
“The Marula festival is not just about the Morula beverage; it’s about blending the festival with activities that promote women empowerment, capacity building, and enhancement of the arts industry,” the MEC added.
The main objectives of the annual Limpopo Marula Festival include using the festival as a draw card to increase tourism flow, developing a festival package for all age groups, facilitating economic opportunities through the harvesting and processing of the Marula fruit, and creating strong partnerships to enhance the marketability of Marula products.
More from Africa News 24
The Pulse of Africa’s Tourism and Investment: WTM Africa and TIFA Event in Cape Town
This year, LEDET will collaborate with the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture to host joint district build-up events, providing a platform for local artists and cultural groups to showcase their talent. The Limpopo Marula Festival is set to be a celebration of economic, cultural, and heritage diplomacy, catering to the needs of all age groups and showcasing Limpopo as an authentic brand.
As the festival approaches, the excitement builds for what promises to be a memorable experience, deeply rooted in the heritage of Limpopo and shining a spotlight on the potential of the marula fruit.
The Limpopo Marula Festival, now in its 18th year, is set to be a grand affair with a series of events that celebrate the cultural and economic significance of the marula fruit. The MEC of LEDET, speaking at the media launch, emphasized the growing partnerships that bolster the festival’s impact. “Our partnership with the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality grows each year, with the municipality supporting the cultural parade that signals the commencement of the marula festivities,” he stated.
The festival’s collaboration with the private sector is also expanding, with companies like Palabora Mining Company and Foskor hosting family-oriented events such as a marathon and golf challenge.
“These events add onto the social aspect of the marula festival by providing family recreation and sports events for all ages,” the MEC added.
A key feature of the festival is the brewing and supply of the morula beverage, a traditional drink prepared by women from local cooperatives.
“The Morula beverage is prepared by 60 women that belong to 15 co-operatives from districts of the province. This year, the department will procure 12 000 litres of the morula beverage that will be made available at all activities that constitute the festival package
