All systems go for Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival. The jam-packed event commenced at Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng on Thursday. The four day event kicked-off with amazing performance from world renowned music group, Joyous Celebration.

MEC for Tourism, Desbo Mohono said the event will boost the economy of the province. Mohono further said product owners across Mahikeng will also benefit.

“We encourage our product owners to take advantage of this inventiveness. We have revellers from various areas and the initiative will create job opportunities for locals. Our department has already engaged with them and urged them to provide attractive and affordable packages to our visitors.

“The event will also put the province on the map. The department has also embarked on Shapa Round campaign as we heading to festive season. This is the exciting times and our people are encouraged to visit our attraction sites. Even though North West province is predominantly rural, we have unique and interesting World Heritage Sites,” she said.

However, Mohono warned product owners not to upsurge prices. She said product owners sometimes are tempted to escalate prices during events of this magnitude.

“Escalating of prices will affect their businesses and eventually drives them out of business. If you increase your prices, visitors will not come back again. The Shapa Round initiative will be activated across all regions. We also have an upcoming event in Taung called Dj Nation Annual Bash on the 28 December 2017,” Mohono said.

North West Culture, Art and Traditional Affairs (CATA) department said it wassatisfied with the preparations. CATA spokesperson, Daddy Sebolecwe said that the project will benefit emerging artists too.

“There are BackStage Lectures and workshops that are in place at BRS. The workshop will focus on Music Production, Basic Studio Equipment Orientation and Music Entrepreneurial Skills and the entry is free of charge.

“The cultural music festival kicked-off with a carnival parade that included clowns, drum majorettes, brass band, chinese dragon dance, traditional dancers, donkey carts and horses.

Local artists also performed as curtain raisers. Gospel artist, Brian Mosiapoa said: “I am grateful to be part of the line-up at Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival event. The initiative boosts the local artists. I also want to encourage our people to come out in numbers as there are still strings of performances lined-up.”

Another gospel artist from Potchefstroom, Coach Motlawe said: “I am happy to be give the notch as disabled artist. I proved that disability does not necessary means inability. So, if I can do it, anyone can do it too. Let’s us display what God has blessed us with.” –Newsnote