Albeit, the fest has been plagued by uncertainties and infighting amongst the organisers, this time around things seem to have been ironed-out.
Since its launch in 2007, with only 500 attendance the fest has grown exponentially thereafter and has now been used as the draw card to woo local and international tourists into the province during the month of March.
It begins from March 1 to 9 hosting various activities in and around the Phalaborwa demarcation.
According to CE at LTA Nocks Seabi, the event continues to be one of the flagship events drawing droves of people to Limpopo.
“We are indeed very pleased to be associated with a successful brand like Marula Festival. The event is undoubtedly one major contributor of the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality’s economy, while it significantly also contributes to the economy of the province. We are optimistic that the town of Phalaborwa with its capacity of 1349 beds will be fully booked due to this event and this is good news for the tourism and hospitality sector in Limpopo Province”.
“The festival continues to benefit ordinary people and to date nine (9) Mukumbi Cooperatives from various District Municipalities producing Marula by-products with ninety (90) members have been registered,” he said.
“We are confident that the festival will continue to grow in bounds given the partnership with other key stakeholders like Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality, Provincial Government and the private sector,” says Seabi.
Some of the contributors to the fest come as far as SADC states, who believe the fest is on point in either marketing their brands locally and Continentally or just visiting to enjoy the marula drink which is believed to play a huge role in the bedroom!
Although no official figures have been confirmed, according to independent travel experts estimated that close to R2,4m pre and post the fest would contribute into the coffers of the Province, having attracted more than 30 000 strong-revelers last year.
This year the figure is expected to double.
Mouthwatering musical gems such as Dj Ganyane, Oskido Elvovo, Solly Mahlangu, Winnie Mashaba Ringo, Caiphus Semenya and wife Leta Mbuli, plus 800 free litres of marula beer and R1m will be on offer. Yep!
Activities are lined up as follows:
Date: 01 March 2013
Activity: Kwaito & DJ Festival
Venue: Namakgale Stadium
Date: 02 March 2013
Activity: Gospel Festival
Venue: Impala Park Stadium
Date: 03 March 2013
Activity: Fashion Show
Venue: Impala Park Stadium
Date: 05 March 2013
Activity: Music Workshop and Instruments Exhibition
Venue: Impala Park Sports Hall
Date: 07 March 2013
Activity: Kiddies Fun Fair
Venue: Impala Park Stadium
Activity: Career Exhibition
Venue: Phalaborwa FET College
Date: 08 March 2013
Activity: Cultural Parade/Carnival
Venue: Ba-Phalaborwa designated roads
Activity: Marula a la Cuisine
Venue: Impala Park Sports Hall
Date: 09 March 2013
Activity: Jazz & traditional Festival
Venue: Impala Park Stadium
Activity: Marula Golf Challenge
Venue: Hans Merensky
For more information and tickets prices go to:www.marulafest.co.za
