There were great celebrations in the province of KwaZulu-Natal at this year’s uMthayi Marula Festival. Over the years, the festival’s growing support has attracted many people including locals, and tourists who travel from afar to attend the event. This year the festival welcomed visitors from Seychelles, Swaziland, and Mozambique.
Tembe clan from the Swaziland performing
The festival is an annual ritual of the Tembe clan where older women deliver a brew derived from the first fruits of the Marula harvest to their chief, Inkosi Mabhudu Tembe. The Marula season begins each year in mid-February and continues until May.
Older women of the Tembe clan deliver the beer from the first fruits of the Marula harvest
The festival took place on 26 February at the eMfihlweni Royal Residence in the far north of the province. The festival is spearheaded by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs.
Inkosi Mabhudu Tembe, of the Tembe Royal Clan, takes the first sip of the Marula beer
There were many fantastic activities from traditional dances to the older women bringing in beer for the Inkosi to taste. Speeches were made by Hlengiwe Mavimbela, the MEC for arts and culture, and speeches in IsuZulu were made by the Inkosi.
Tembe clan from the Swaziland performing
Pictures: Supplied
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