“The marula tree is a protected tree and undoubtedly it was created to serve human beings and animals,” said the MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Collins Chabane, during a media briefing at Karibu lodge next to Giyani last Friday night.

The MEC said that the marula tree’s fruit can be used to create a wonderfully refreshing drink, but it can also be used for medicinal purpose.

Many people around Limpopo who produce marula beer attended the annual marula festival, which was officially opened by the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Joe Maswanganyi, at Muti wa Vatsonga (formerly known as Tsonga kraal) on Saturday.

Maswanganyi said that it is important for the different cultural groups to develop their living cultural heritage that distinguishes them from other people of the world. “We celebrate this festival because our indigenous knowledge system has kept communities together for decades.”

Mr Ettienne Bruwer, brand manager of Amarula Lapa near Phalaborwa, said that he was paying communities to bring the marula fruit to his company. Bruwer said that Amarula Cream liqueur comes from the heart of Africa and is made from the fruit of the indigenous marula tree. He further alleged that the marula is known for its aphrodisiac properties and the marula fruit features prominently in tribal fertility rights and still plays major role in tribal marriage.

In February and March of every year, the marula trees bear the delicious fruit from which the vitamin-rich juice is collected for processing.