R8.1 million set aside for the marula festivities

The 18th annual edition of the Marula festival will cost R8.1 million for all activities starting from 25 April to 4 May 2024, the Marula festival was officially launched yesterday in Polokwane by Limpopo Economic Development and Tourism (LEDET) MEC Rodgers Monama.

Since the inception of the Marula festival in 2006, after the economic intervention of developing Limpopo Makumbi industries as a viable business industry, the province has been able to sustain the festival with each year improving on the livelihoods of the Phalaborwa community which is the home of the Marula festival and boosting tourism in the area.

The public private partnership collaboration with the private sector such as Foskor and Palabora Mining Company (PMC) mine will contribute to the success of the festival.

“ This year the private sector will assist with the marathon and golf activities. Corporates such as Old mutual, Metropolitan, Toyota and Standard Bank have reached out and we are currently finalizing agreements for corporate marula packages.” Said Monana

The brewing and supply of the Marula beverage remains key feature to the economic development as, it is prepared by 60 women from 15 cooperatives across all districts in the province.

The department will procure 12 thousand liters of the Morula beverages to be made available at all build up activities and the main event for free, to empower the SMMEs and promote their products such as Marula achar. Soap, jam and nuts amongst other products made out of marula.

The festival aims to increase domestic and international tourism, to promote Marula festival and activities associated with it , and promote the province by increasing commercial value of the Marula products by exporting and marketing it to countries such as Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique and Lesotho to strengthen investment opportunities.

The festival will take place from 26 April to 4 May at various locations around Phalaborwa town with buildup activities in all the districts to create the vibe ahead of the main event.

Some of the activities includes career expo which attracted more than 5 000 people in the previous year, theatre night production, golf challenge and Marathon.

The main event which will be held at Impala Park Stadium on the 4 May includes Limpopo artists such as Makhadzi, Dr Winnie Mashaba, Master KG, Pleasure tsa manyalo and many more others.

Tickets are available at Computer ticket for R200 general and R800 VIP access.