Ivayinerudo Magarazano
CHIREDZI- Budula Festival formerly known as the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Cultural Trade Fair is gearing up for a grand comeback in May/June 2025.
Budula is a Tsonga word which means a corridor full of activities according to Gaza Trust chairman, Gift Machukele, which runs the revived festival.
After it’s suspension in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic the festival is seeking collaboration from its stakeholders to ensure a thunderous come back.
The festival organized by the Gaza Trust has been held annually at Boli-Muhlanguleni in Chikombedzi, Chiredzi showcasing the rich Tsonga cultural heritage since 2013.
Technical advisor to the Gaza Trust board Professor Walter Musakwa emphasized the need for key launches to elevate the festival at the Budula Festival inaugural stakeholders meeting which include world-class accommodations, a community innovation hub, Xibelani dance festival, Budula marathon, and a book launch.
These initiatives will empower the community to showcase their ideas, attract funding, and enhance the innovation value chain.
“To project an authentic cultural history and attract visitors, we need world-class campsites, cultural tour guides, education centers, and knowledge-sharing camps,” Dr. Musakwa explained.
Machukele highlighted the importance of local manufacturing of Xibelani clothing.
“This is a great business opportunity for our community and the festival will create employment, generate income from homestays and more,” Machukele said.
By collaborating with stakeholders the Budula Festival aims to create a vibrant cultural experience that benefits the local community and showcases the rich Tsonga heritage.
