South Africa: The MEC for the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Ms Nakedi Kekana, has appreciated the thousands of Limpopo people for gracing the Arts Festivals since their commencement on 2 December this year.
The MEC was speaking after more than 8 thousand people descended at the Cricket Club stadium and danced the night away. By seven o clock in the morning of Sunday, 11 December, after Benny Mayengane belted the last note of his famous lyrics, the last person was leaving the stadium.
The more than 10 VIP marquees were filled to capacity, led by the Premier of Limpopo Province, Mr Chupu Mathabatha, who was accompanied by some MECs, that included MEC for LEDET, Mr Rodgers Monama, MEC for Roads and Public Works, Ms Nkakareng Rakgoale, Deputy Minister Thembi Simelane.
Amongst guests of the Province were Diplomats and representatives of the governments of Namibia and Zimbabwe. These delegations were comprised of about ten members who enjoyed the courtesy of the Premier and the MEC for the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
The Namibian government has a Cultural exchange programme with the Limpopo Province, and several agreements have been signed in the past three years.
“I am so excited that after three years of no activity because of COVID-19, Limpopo people never disappointed and came in their numbers. I wish to thank Limpopo artists in particular who, when we approached them and requested they be the main artists, agreed to our proposal, and we wish to proceed in this manner, the MEC said.
The MEC further thanked all the Limpopo and national media, which, though sometimes sceptical, were made to understand that a 95% local content musicians festival is possible. She assured all Limpopo artists that this is the beginning of greater things. “ art is business, and we will treat it as such when we empower our people, from a small vendor at a corner of Ga Nkidikitlane village to Magofe or Dzingidzingi or Dididi. Those who could not make it to the Mapungubwe Arts festival will be spread across Limpopo activities through the year 2023,’ she said.
The new kid on the block, idol 18 winner Thapelo Molomo never disappointed and made the stadium for dancing to her gospel renditions. When the queen of ‘TSA manyalo’, Pleasure, took the mike, MECs and dignitaries were dancing on the floor. From Dr Rebecca Malope to Dr Colbert Mukwevho and Dr Winnie Mashaba, doctoring the ears of Limpopo people. The Tsonga Rhythm King, Penny Penny and Makhadzi blew the roof with their collaboration song, ‘ Milandzu bhe’.
The first outdoor festival, Mapungubwe Arts Festival, went without any serious incidents reported.
The MEC appreciated the working relationship of the different law enforcement agencies, who made sure everybody was safe.
