A cornerstone of the province’s festive season calendar, the 2024 Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience, guarantees a celebration of diverse cultural heritage that promotes social cohesion and economy stimulation.
The ninth instalment of this festival will offer 122 provincial artists, 18 cultural groups and nine choirs an opportunity to participate in the various curated seven-pillar events.
The 2024 Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience, organised by the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation (DCSR), will take place from November 28 until December 7. The pillar events, hosted at four local municipalities in the province, are the Comedy Xperience, Carnival Xperience, Kasi Xperience, Soul Session, Choral Xperience, Traditional Xperience and the Marathon Xperience.
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The Mpumalanga MEC for culture, sports and recreation, Leah Mabuza, unveiled the ninth instalment of the signature event at a media launch at the 34 on Saturn in Mbombela on October 22.
“These events promise a blend of vibrant performances, cultural exhibitions, interactive workshops and sporting activities, showcasing the best our province has to offer while attracting both local and international audiences. Over the years, we have witnessed the event flourish with each edition incorporating feedback and inspiration from previous gatherings. We are thrilled to present an array of captivating experiences across seven thoughtfully curated pillars for this upcoming event. Our goal is to elevate Mpumalanga as a premiere tourist destination, one that thrives on our local creativity and entrepreneurship. It is my honour to declare that the 2024 Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience season is in full swing.”
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The launch was also attended by renowned South African creatives, Mduduzi Ntuli, Judith Sephuma, Nothembi Mkhwebane and Somizi Mhlongo. Imparting some of his flair to the people of Mpumalanga, Mhlongo shared a message of support.
“Firstly, artists from Mpumalanga should not have to relocate to Johannesburg to gain recognition for their craft. In fact, those in Johannesburg should envy the success of Mpumalangan artists in the next 30 years. People from the other provinces should come to Mpumalanga to gain recognition. In addition, I believe it should be compulsory that sports and arts be included at schools as regular subjects so that talents are nurtured from a young age. Secondly, we need to be mindful of organisations advocating for arts are not run by hungry people because they eat from the same pots that are meant to uplift young people. This department [DCSR] is at the right place. Run with the vision and make sure it benefits the right people. In 30 years, the province’s slogan, ‘Where the sun rises’, must be clearly represented,” Mhlongo said.
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