Butterworth is expected to buzz this month when the town hosts the popular Mnquma Jazz Festival.
This year’s event promises to be bigger and better, says Mnquma executive mayor Bhabha Ganjana.
Festivities will take place over the weekend of November 28 and 29 with fun for the whole family promised.
Events leading up to the festival weekend start on November 21 with a rugby tournament at the Ngqamakhwe Sports Fields where local rugby teams will compete.
On Friday November 27, local crafters will be invited to a workshop to be addressed by agencies that help entrepreneurs with finances and marketing.
Ganjana said: “Our aim is to expose them to investors. The knowledge they will get from that workshop will assist them further with their businesses. The fringe programmes around the main event are focused on developing the entrepreneurs of Mnquma.”
Ganjana said the festival was not just for entertainment but intended also as a “springboard” for Mnquma’s tourism programme.
“We want to make sure people in all provinces and internationally come every year for the Mnquma Jazz Festival. We want to create our own New Orleans in Mnquma.”
He said the festival had created short- and long-term jobs for youth around Mnquma.
“Already there are people on site paving the road leading to the dam. There are also those that are installing lights.”
The main event will feature musicians like Selaelo Selota, new sensation Nathi, famous for his song Nomvula, award-winning gospel artist S’fiso Ncwane and internationally recognised songbird Thandiswa Mazwai.
The main jazz event will be followed by a picnic on Sunday for families.
Nkosifikile Gqomo of organising company Nophemba Holdings said security will be beefed up around
Mnquma Dam where most of the activities will be held, and both police and municipal law-enforcement will be on high alert.
Ganjana said: “We do not want anyone to leave Butterworth with a broken heart due to criminal activities. We want it to be a safe environment for kids and elderly.”
Other expected activities include the Tiyo Soga lecture on November 27 and a fun run on November 28.
Butterworth blowing its horn
This year’s event promises to be bigger and better, says Mnquma executive mayor Bhabha Ganjana.
Festivities will take place over the weekend of November 28 and 29 with fun for the whole family promised.
Events leading up to the festival weekend start on November 21 with a rugby tournament at the Ngqamakhwe Sports Fields where local rugby teams will compete.
On Friday November 27, local crafters will be invited to a workshop to be addressed by agencies that help entrepreneurs with finances and marketing.
Ganjana said: “Our aim is to expose them to investors. The knowledge they will get from that workshop will assist them further with their businesses. The fringe programmes around the main event are focused on developing the entrepreneurs of Mnquma.”
Ganjana said the festival was not just for entertainment but intended also as a “springboard” for Mnquma’s tourism programme.
“We want to make sure people in all provinces and internationally come every year for the Mnquma Jazz Festival. We want to create our own New Orleans in Mnquma.”
He said the festival had created short- and long-term jobs for youth around Mnquma.
“Already there are people on site paving the road leading to the dam. There are also those that are installing lights.”
The main event will feature musicians like Selaelo Selota, new sensation Nathi, famous for his song Nomvula, award-winning gospel artist S’fiso Ncwane and internationally recognised songbird Thandiswa Mazwai.
The main jazz event will be followed by a picnic on Sunday for families.
Nkosifikile Gqomo of organising company Nophemba Holdings said security will be beefed up around
Mnquma Dam where most of the activities will be held, and both police and municipal law-enforcement will be on high alert.
Ganjana said: “We do not want anyone to leave Butterworth with a broken heart due to criminal activities. We want it to be a safe environment for kids and elderly.”
Other expected activities include the Tiyo Soga lecture on November 27 and a fun run on November 28.
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