THOHOYANDOU -

Mr Ronald Makhadi of the Thulamela Municipality said there will be a music festival of five days and more than 50 international artists will perform.

Tourists will be entertained by cultural dances like Xicaicai, Tshikona, Mtshongolo, Xibelana, Malende and Tshigombela.

The Eclipse 2002 festival will be launched in a grand style of Mandoza Music Festival on Saturday 30 November 2002.

Hawkers were advised to store their products in hygienic storage. This will promote good health for the tourist. The Department of Health and Welfare has already monitored the conditions in hospitals, clinics and health centres.

Makhadi added that they must boil the local drinking water before drinking it. There will be cheap bottled spring water available at numerous bars throughout the venue, he said.

On November 29, all people will be provided with special eclipse viewers and people must never look directly to the sun with naked eyes, because they will damage their eyes. Meanwhile the Rihone Events management will stage a beauty contest at the Mutale Town hall on 03 December 2002. Contestants will be clad in traditional attire.

Police spokesperson, Capt Ailwei Mushavhanamadi said there would be a huge contingent of security officers in all areas where tourists would be viewing the solar eclipse.