MPUCE unites all cultural groups and develops the economy of Mpumalanga 

By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe & Kopano Dibakwane

The wave of excitement that is currently spreading throughout the province as a result of the 9th MPUCE (Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience) will not only provide entertainment, but it will unite all cultural groups and ensure economic development for a number of formal and informal businesses.

This is according to the MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation, Leah Mabuza. The MEC was speaking during the second day of MPUCE as hundreds of revellers took part in the colourful Carnival Xperience held in the CBD of Mbombela on Friday 28 November.

MPUCE managed to achieve its goal of social cohesion as various racial and cultural groups walked from the SARS(South African Revenue Service) precinct all the way to the Promenade building, to showcase a medley of signature cultural colours that make Mpumalanga the most diverse province in the country.

“ The mandate of this programme(MPUCE) is to unite people. As the Department of Culture, Sport, and Recreation, we are responsible in ensuring that there is social cohesion amongst our people. We are uniting all cultures that we have in our country.

“ Although Mpumalanga is majoring in isiSwati and isiNdebele, the reality is that there are Tsonga, Mapulana, Afrikaner, Coloured, and Indian communities living here, and today we are all united,” said the MEC.

She added that MPUCE includes cultural representation from Mozambique and Swaziland. The two neighbouring countries came out in great numbers to showcase their respective cultures, as Mpumalanga is bordering between them.

According to Mabuza, over 40 groups of young people from all communities, in terms of race, have displayed their support for MPUCE by participating.

“ MPUCE has different pillars, and today is the second pillar. Yesterday we had a comedy night, today we are doing this carnival. In the evening we’ll be doing a Kasi Xperience which will be going to Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.

“ People of Steve Tshwete and surrounding areas will be going there, understanding the Kasi life, where people will gather for the vibe, dance, as well as good music and good food,” said Mabuza.

According to MEC Mabuza, the Mpumalanga Cultural Experience is giving over 128 artists, including local performers, an opportunity to showcase their talents, including singers and DJ’s. Local SSME’s (Small Medium and Micro Enterprise) and service providers will also benefit immensely from MPUCE.

“ We are spending almost over R12 million for this Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience, of which 70% goes to all the artists that are participating. We are working with structures in ensuring that we don’t select on our own, but the structures have indicated who must be given an opportunity.

“ SMME’s are getting benefits, in terms of catering and selling their own products in order to empower themselves while we are doing this programme,” MEC Mabuza concluded.