Makana Tourism’s Prudence Mini shares her must-do list
“We’re ready to rock and roll!” says Prudence Mini, Makana Tourism’s livewire marketing officer.
Starting from Thursday 24 February, the Monument in Makhanda serves as the hub for an action-packed weekend.
The small and dynamic teams from Makana Tourism and the National Arts Festival have pulled out all the stops for a three-day event this weekend that celebrates the resilience of this town’s entrepreneurs and creative people – as well as the good things we have to offer.
The popular dance production, We Are Still Marching will have its second performance at the Guy Butler Theatre on Friday 25 February at 6.30pm.
On Saturday, 26 February from 11am to 3pm and Sunday from 9am – 1pm, the Monument will be transformed into a vibrant street market.
More than 40 stalls and other activities include an art exhibition; thrift shopping; a food court and bar with diverse cuisine and drinks, live music, craft beer and gin and good wine, freshly brewed coffee and a variety of organic produce.
Live music and entertainment for children – and a mini-car show for the big kids – will provide a feast for ears and eyes.
SmilingSouth asked Mini to first tell us five things we shouldn’t miss – and five things she definitely won’t be missing.
Here’s what she says you shouldn’t miss:
1. Come through to Makhanda for a long weekend to catch an unmissable performance of We Are Still Marching. This dance production is a magnificent celebration of women, their lives and their commitment, and promises an exciting, unforgettable experience for all lovers of dance. Performance dates: Thursday, 24 February at 3pm and Friday, 25 February at 6.30pm. Please note there is no ticket fee but donations in support of the Siphumelele Youth Foundation are encouraged.
2. You can’t miss out on the Be Brave Mzansi Dance Challenge that will be taking place on Saturday, 26 February. Join us for this Be Brave Mansi Dance off from 11am to 2.30pm. It’s a fun activity that will help motivate us towards new growth, bring us together and explore new experiences in the historic and creative City of Makhanda.
3. Check out the art exhibition by N’lamwai Chithambo – a Scotland born, South Africa raised, Malawian who grew up in Makhanda.
4. For car enthusiasts, the Kelston Volkswagen Grahamstown will display the newest VW and Renault vehicles
5. Live music from the Makhanda Marimba Band and Ntsika Secondary School Choir.
Five things Prudence Mini definitely won’t be missing:
1. Getting down with the inspirational Be Brave Mzansi Dance Challenge
2. Craft beer with Featherstone Brewery before I head over to the art exhibition by N’lamwai Chithambo.
3. I’m a big kid, so I would love to try out the quad bike train rides;
4. I have my own unique fashion sense, often misunderstood. So, thrift shopping is the best way for me to look for buried treasure.
5. Ending the day off with Sip Beverage Solutions.
The event introduces Makana Tourism’s new look and services and comes after months of consultation and research, says Mini.
“It’s a way to re-write the narrative after the region has faced an intense period with several businesses struggling or closing down and a sharp drop in the number of inbound international travellers during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Against all odds, and with practically no budget, Mini has been bringing the town’s photographers, craftspeople, artists, homestay owners and other entrepreneurs out into the light for the past three years.
Behind the scenes and a driving force for this weekend’s event was the late local economic development director Riana Meiring. Makana Tourism, local entrepreneurs and the National Arts Festival team are carrying that flame.
https://www.grahamstown.co.za/events/08-2022-18
https://www.grahamstown.co.za/events/be-brave
SmilingSouth 
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