The ceremony, which is held annually is aimed at promoting knowledge and awareness about the African tradition associated with the golden fruit of Africa, Marula.

‘Ku luma Vukanyi’ serves as a build-up activity towards the annual Marula Festival which is held in Phalaborwa.

The festival is aimed at marketing Limpopo’s cultural diversity and heritage.

The day began with a cleansing ceremony performed by traditional healers, which was followed by the formal programme which showcased the diverse culture of Limpopo.

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Speaking during the ceremony, the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Thandi Moraka said that ‘Ku lumaVukanyi’ is a traditional and ancestral clarion call to bring people together.

“This auspicious festival is all about enjoyment, entertainment, music and above all, the preservation of our heritage,” said Moraka.

She said the ceremony gives traditional leaders an opportunity to guide the community in the spirit of social cohesion and national identity.

“But more importantly let us make sure that our people benefit directly or indirectly from the tourism value chain, that the economic spin-offs we derive from such functions can sustain families,” she said.

She added that the department’s continued support for the festival has seen it being elevated and being infused into the main festival led by the Department of Economic Development Environment and Tourism.