The festival which is presented by the Provincial Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) with the aim of boosting the local economy runs from 15 to 29 February.

It takes place in the mining town of Phalaborwa, near the famous gate to the world renowned Kruger National Park.

Speaking during the official launch of the festival in Tzaneen last week, MEC Thabo Mokone said that last year alone the event injected R47 million into the economy of the town and the surrounding areas.

The money was generated mainly through accommodation, food and beverages.

Mokone said the event started 15 years ago mainly as an open air music concert but has over the years evolved into a fully-fledged cultural melting pot consisting of the celebration of the first fruit, Ala Cuisine, a half marathon, exhibitions, food stalls, street parade, golf day, 4×4 Challenge, music festival, fun fair park and entertainment.

He said that comedy nights and old ladies soccer tournament have been added as part of this year’s activities.

The music festival takes place over two consecutive weekends.

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A youth festival, formerly Kwaito, will be presented in the first weekend and a gospel and jazz open air concert on the second weekend at Impala Park Stadium.

The line-up for the youth festival on 22 February include Sho Madjozi, AKA, Cassper Nyovest, Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Samthing Soweto, DJ Zinhle, Malwela, KB De King & Bizizi, Busiswa, Janisto & CK, Holly Rey, Candy Tsa Mandebele, VJ Nutty, Sphectacula & Naves and DJ Complexion.

The Gospel and Jazz open air concert on 29 February will feature King Monada, Vusi Nova, Dr Golbert Mukwevho, Benny Mayengani, Master KG, Makhadzi, Rofhiwa Manyaga, Holly Rey, Collen Maluleke, Leonard Zhakata (Zimbabwe), Mr Bow (Mozambique), Vhayi Da DJ, Kurt Darren and Penny Penny.

Tickets will be available from Computicket to make the event accessible nationwide.

Mokone said that the target market of the event are all South Africans and the SADC countries, particularly Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique as neighbours.

“These SADC countries share political and cultural relations with the province and have patronized the event over the past years,” said Mokone.

Mokone said that in 2006, marula-related industries were identified as an economic intervention for the province based on the fact that Limpopo has a vast concentration of marula trees found mostly in the sub-tropical parts of the province and neighboring provinces.

“The Government facilitated the of development of industries that included the registration of 13 cooperatives, comprising mainly of rural women from the five districts in the province,” said Mokone.

He said that the initiative had a positive impact on the economy creating in excess of 500 jobs every year for rural community members, hence the reason for the celebration of this indigenous fruit.

He added that the event also allows local and SADC tour operators to use the event as an opportunity for tourism.