Village folk brace for fruit of the gods season

Marula season...women from GaChuene near Polokwane head home after collecting the marula fruit to process into a popular brew. The fall of the autumn marks the beginning of the marula season. The fruit grows in abundance in the northern provinces of the country. During this period the fruit ripens and drops from the abundant gigantic trees, turning the ground into a colourful mix of bright green and yellow – an offering from the gods akin to the biblical manna from heaven. The brew offers unemployed people based in economically deprived rural areas to cash in by selling it to motorists and shoppers. In 2006 the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism [Ledet] launched the Marula Festival to capitalise on the abundance of the fruit. The Ledet is set to launch the festival this weekend in Phalaborwa in a ceremony named Kuluma Vukanyi - the tasting of the first marula fruit. The ceremony is held annually and is aimed at promoting knowledge and awareness about the African Tradition associated with the golden fruit of Africa, “Marula”. ‘KU LUMA VUKANYI’ is also aimed at marketing Limpopo’s cultural diversity and preserve heritage. The day will commence with a cleansing ceremony to be performed by traditional healers, which will then be preceded by the formal programme that will showcase the diverse culture of Limpopo. The day will not be complete without Marula beverage. Thousands of litres of Marula beverage will be consumed by the public on the day, after the formal programme. The people of Limpopo call Marula the "food of kings and ancestors," and celebrate the "Feast of First Fruits by pouring offerings of fresh marula juice over the tombs of their late chiefs and family. Photo: Lucas Ledwaba