Limpopo; Sekhukhune: Leolo was a hive of activity with Limpopo Tourism Agency and partners hosting a Tourism Thursday activation as a precursor to the Yellow Arum Lily Festival to be held at Roossenekal on the 30th November 2024. There were several build-up activities planned before the big day starting from the 24th until the morning of 30 November 2024. The media representatives will today be taken to Mapochs Caves and graves viewing the historic sites in Roossenekal.
LEDET Head of Department (HoD). Mr. Matodzi Rathumbu, who represented the MEC for LEDET, Mr. Tshitereke Matibe, was joined by the Sekhukhune District Municipality, MMC for Economic Development and Planning, Cllr. Alfred Makaeya Matlala, Cllr. Howard Piitjo, Ward Cllr. Katlego Hleko, Contralesa Limpopo Chairperson, Kgošigadi Seopela Nkweng.
The royalties in and around Leolo that fall under ward 15 of Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality present at the event included Dlamini, eMkhondweni, Ga Magolego, Maila Mapitsane, Hoepakrans, Mohlake and Mohlakaneng.
In his welcome address, the local councillor of the area, Cllr. Katlego Hleko, said, “We are grateful to have been chosen to celebrate this event here today. I must say this place has a lot of history that most people do not know about”. He thanked the local people for having come in their numbers to the event.
The Senior Manager for Biodiversity Management at LEDET, Mr. Erol Moeng, outlined the importance of this unique flower which grows only in two areas in Sekhukhune District, that is, Leolo and Roossenekal. “This flower is protected and should thus be sustained and preserved for future generations. Government will develop plans to ensure that the two communities where these unique flowers grow derive benefits economically to change their lives for the better”. This was also supported by the CEO of Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA), Mr. Moses Ngobeni, who emphasised that the people in Leolo and Roossenekal should get economic benefits for having this flower, which is a great selling point for Sekhukhune District.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC), Cllr. Makatishe Eric Mosoane, delivered a message of support on behalf of the Mayor, Cllr. Merah Mahlase. “Our Mayor, Cllr. Merah Mahlase, couldn’t be here due to other commitments, but she welcomes the initiative taken by the Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism to celebrate the Yellow Arum Lily in this part of our province”, said Mosoane.
Hod of LEDET Mr. Matodzi Rathumbu, in his speech announced plans for commercialising the Yellow Arum Lily in collaboration with the Sekhukhune Development Agency (SDA). He said, “These unique flowers, located exclusively in Leolo Mountain and Roosenekal villages, would offer economic opportunities for local residents in future once commissioned. Yellow Arum Lily should benefit the surrounding communities as an attraction that will see more developments in the respective areas. We welcome scientific research study on the flower that will be commissioned by the Department and LTA will help in the marketing of this flower which can be harvested at the right time to other places of the world, thereby enhancing the economy of the people in the two areas where the flower grows”.
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#YellowArumLilyFest24
#LimpopoReimagined
#GoLimpopo
#MoreToEnjoy
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Released on behalf of Stakeholders by
Mike Tauatsoala
Head of Corporate Communications & PR
Limpopo Tourism Agency
Mobile: 082 886 3294
Email: miket@golimpopo.com
