Dancers from the Matsaka Brass Band entertain the crowds at the annual Mapungubwe Arts and Culture Carnival in Polokwane, Limpopo. The Carnival is part of a series of events to celebrate the province's rich cultural heritage. Photo: Lucas Ledwaba
THE Limpopo provincial capital Polokwane was a hive of activity as scores of people turned up for the annual Mapungubwe Arts and Culture Carnival on Friday.
Shoppers, workers and passersby joined in on the spectacle as the parade led by a SA Police Service Brass Band marched through the town’s main streets from the SABC Park to the Jack Botes Hall in town.
The carnival also served as a home coming ceremony for Idols SA winner Thapelo Molomo who hails from the Mogalakwena province.
The spectacle showcased the province’s diverse and vibrant culture and heritage of its different nationalities, from Bapedi, VhaVenda, BaTsonga, Afrikanners, Coloureds, Indians, AmaNdebele and others.
The Mapungubwe Arts and Culture Festival runs from 3 to 10 December features various activities including a marathon, a boxing tournament, arts and craft exhibition and a music festival.
Idols winner Thapelo Molomo is set to feature in the line-up for the grand finale music festival in Polokwane on December 10.
“We are so proud to welcome our son, our star in Limpopo, during the run up campaign to his win, we knew in our hearts that we have star here,” said MEC for sport, arts and culture Nakedi Kekana.
Polokwane mayor Ngoako Taueatsoala said: “We are proud and excited for Thapelo’s win, this will serve as an encouragement to our children who are residing in rural villages that their success cannot be determined by the background they are coming from. Even those who reside in deep rural areas are destined for greatness.”
Performers painted the town of Polokwane in bright colours as they danced through the streets as part of the Mapungubwe Arts and Culture Carnival march. Photo: Lucas LedwabaA police brass band belting out the hit tune Koko Matswale leads the parade through the town of Polokwane. Photo: Lucas LedwabaParticipants carried the national flags of the continent’s different countries to showcase African unity and celebration of all its cultures. Photo: Lucas LedwabaExcited shoppers stopped to greet and encourage those partaking in the parade through the streets of Polokwane. Photo: Lucas LedwabaAmaNdebele elders added colour to the event with their traditional blanket which bears colours that symbolise earth, water, minerals and blood. The colours feature in the national flags of most African nations Photo: Lucas LedwabaVhaVenda performers enthrall the crowds with a spirited performance of tshigombela traditional dance Photo: Lucas LedwabaA young man from Mopani district shows how the VaTsonga celebrate their rich and colourful culture during a performance at the Jack Botes Hall. Photo: Lucas LedwabaA group of young women gave the audience a touch of India with a well choreographed dance repertoire that drew admiration from the gathered crowds. Photo: Lucas LedwabaPerformers painted the town of Polokwane in bright colours as they danced through the streets as part of the Mapungubwe Arts and Culture Carnival march. Photo: Lucas Ledwaba
