REVAMPING MARULA FESTIVAL: EMPOWERING WOMEN, CELEBRATING SCIENCE

Now that we have all sobered up, are well rested and back to our normal routines, let us take time to sit back and have a much-needed conversation about the Marula Festival.

Eswatini’s Marula Festival, a vibrant celebration of the marula fruit, traditionally celebrated for its delicious flavour and cultural significance, is poised for an exciting transformation if we take this conversation seriously. The festival, which attracts thousands of locals and tourists alike, could see enhanced engagement and enrichment with a focus on showcasing products made by women and incorporating scientific research on the fruit’s medicinal properties.

Inclusion

One of the most significant changes I would like to propose for the Marula Festival in the upcoming years is the inclusion of a dedicated segment highlighting women’s craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit. By establishing a marketplace section where women can showcase and sell marula-based products— such as oils, soaps, cosmetics and beverages— the festival can empower local female artisans and business owners.

The marula fruit is an integral part of our culture and women have long been the custodians of knowledge passed down through generations. We want to put these women in the spotlight, not only to honour their heritage, but to stimulate local economies. We have seen this happen with a number of locally available raw materials that women have used before and turned into useful products. What better place to showcase this creativity if not at the Marula Festival?

Teach

In addition to selling products, workshops and demonstrations can be organised to teach festival-goers about the various ways the marula fruit can be utilised. This hands-on experience could make participants appreciate the cultural heritage while understanding the economic potential of the marula fruit. Eswatini is faced with an ongoing unemployment issue, especially among women and youth, and this could really play a major role in opening their eyes towards the possibilities of making money through the fruit.

Who knows, maybe we can one day find ways to make it available throughout the year through preservation, instead of having it available only during the marula season. The Marula Festival could become an educational platform by incorporating scientific research on the medicinal benefits of the marula fruit. Eswatini is home to several universities and research institutions with access to science labs that can explore the nutritional and health-related properties of marula.

Collaborating with local universities, the festival could include presentations and interactive exhibits showcasing the findings of ongoing research on marula’s potential health benefits, including its antioxidant properties and role in traditional medicine. I strongly advocate for the incorporation of academia into the festival. Scientific research can help unlock the untapped potential of the marula fruit. By understanding its medicinal benefits, we can promote it not only as a staple ingredient in our diets but as a key player in health and wellness.

To further engage families and the youth, there could be workshops and activities such as cooking classes, marula fruit-themed art competitions and educational games focused on sustainability and nutrition. These interactive components will foster a sense of community, encouraging people from all walks of life to come together and learn about the cultural and economic significance of the marula fruit.

Opportunity

As Eswatini’s Marula Festival continues to grow in popularity, there exists a unique opportunity to transform it into a multidimensional celebration that honours tradition while embracing innovation. By empowering women, promoting scientific research and engaging the community, this beloved festival can deepen its impact and become a hallmark of cultural pride and economic growth in Eswatini. I really believe that we can change the narrative and attitudes of people who believe the festival is a display of all sorts of negativity and turn it into something everyone looks forward to each year.

As the festival approaches each year, there is a buzz of anticipation. With these new ideas set to be implemented, the Marula Festival has the potential to not only celebrate a cherished fruit but to uplift the people who cultivate it, ensuring that everyone—from artisans to scientists—has a place in the festivities.

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