Premier Phophi Ramathuba has called on both MEC for LEDET, Tshitereke Matibe, and Sports, Arts and Culture MEC, Jerry Maseko, to prioritise activities that bring people together in Limpopo — particularly music and football. She emphasised that these two elements remain powerful unifying forces, drawing crowds who willingly spend their own money to support events without relying on financial assistance.
Ramathuba was speaking during the annual Marula Festival media launch held at Mall of the North in Polokwane on Friday, 12 December.
Her comments followed last week’s successful Carling Knockout Cup final between Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, as well as the Metro FM Lekganyane Music Festival hosted a short distance away at the Polokwane Cricket Stadium.
She also paid tribute to the late Collins Chabane, acknowledging his role as the initiator of the Marula Festival, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
“This is undeniably the rhythm of our culture, and we are still in a celebratory mood after last year’s festival, themed Reloaded. The festival continues to serve as a beacon of hope as it supports street vendors, small enterprises, local establishments and more, all contributing to the growth of our provincial economy,” said the Premier.
This year’s festival will take place on 7 March 2026 in Phalaborwa.
Ramathuba announced that tickets will go on sale from 20 December at Computicket, priced at R150 for early birds and R200 for late buyers.
Limpopo’s top performers — including Makhadzi, Janesh, King Monada, Lebo Sekgobela, Pleasure tsa Manyalo — as well as national favourites such as Ringo Madlingozi and others, are among the headline acts for next year’s Marula Festival.
