Marula Festival disruption impacts Makhushane brewers

PHALABORWA – Morula brewers in Makhushane have revealed the scale of their losses following the cancellation of the annual Marula Festival, saying large quantities of marula fruit and traditional morula beer went to waste after the event was called off.

Festival cancellation causes major losses

Members of the Makhushane Morula brewers group said the unused marula fruit alone could have filled at least two plastic drums, while traditional morula beer that had already been brewed had to be given away after it could no longer be kept.

The brewers, who depend on the festival to earn income for their households, said the cancellation came as a major financial blow.

Josephina Rapatsa, who has been brewing morula beer for the festival since 2014, said the impact was deeply felt by many families.

“We were deeply affected by the cancellation of the Marula Festival because that is what we depend on to put food on our tables for our children.

“The festival helps us a lot. We survive with the money we make there,” she said.

Rapatsa said that while they understood that the festival had to be cancelled because of the difficult circumstances facing Phalaborwa, the loss was painful for many brewers.

“At some point, we felt like waking up and fixing the damaged bridges ourselves so that the festival could continue, but that was not possible,” she said.

Another brewer, Soinah Agu, added that many of the brewers had already prepared their morula beer in anticipation of the festival.

“Our morula beer was ready, but we had to throw it away because it was no longer good.

“However, we are grateful for the opportunity that has been created for us through the Go Loma Morula event. We are happy that we have gained something,” said Agu.

Go Loma Morula event offers relief

Despite the losses, brewers were allowed to provide their morula beer during the Go Loma Morula event hosted by the Leolo Community Trust in partnership with the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality.

The cultural event in Makhushane took place on Wednesday, March 4, at the Makhushane Traditional Council and provided a platform for the community to celebrate the marula harvest while supporting local brewers who rely on the tradition for income.

The Go Loma Morula event took place in all five traditional councils, including Mashishimale, Maseke, Makhushane, and Selwane, and concluded at the Majeje Tribal Authority on Saturday, March 7.

Supporting traditions and livelihoods

A representative from the Leolo Community Trust said the organisation remains committed to supporting local communities and preserving cultural traditions.

“At Leolo, our mission is to empower residents in all five communities by creating opportunities that support livelihoods, preserve cultural traditions, and strengthen community engagement.

“Through initiatives like the Go Loma Morula event, we support local brewers and celebrate our heritage, while bringing the community together to participate in and appreciate these important cultural practices,” said the representative.