Mmabana Cultural Centre, Taung, North West Province
The North West Cultural
Calabash is the premier rural
arts festival in South Africa's
North West Province. It gives a
creative outlet to previously
disadvantaged artists.
It is a year long event that
culminates in a major festival in
September, it features
competitions, workshops, shows
and associated industries.
I always do my best to help the client no matter
how difficult the request. The t-shirts opposite
were ordered, printed in Pretoria, and shipped to
Taung arriving on 21st September 06. The whole
process happened in 6 days including the two
days it took to ship them via courier.
Mmabana Cultural Centre, Taung, North West Province
Mmabana Cultural Centre was established
with the aim of uplifting the community of
Taung. There are preschool classes for
local children, Adult Basic Education
classes for their parents, as well as
classes teaching skills such as art, sewing
etc. It is a centre run by a very dedicated
group of people for the people of the area.
It is sponsored by Transnet and the North
West Province local government.
Taung is limited in its facilities and
offerings to organisations and companies
wanting to hold functions. One can
generally only order white or cream linen
and white plastic tables and chairs. This
year the Calabash organisers wanted
something more up-market and opulent
for their opening ceremony.
Setting up on the day of the function…
How do you make a security check point
beautiful? As the Premier was the keynote
speaker at the function – her security
detail arrived at lunchtime to sweep the
area and set up the metal detectors! No
pass – no entry!
Earning my keep! As part of an upliftment
scheme in the area, the waitering staff
were all fairly new at their jobs, with
limited training, so there was a fair amount
of overseeing of the catering of the
function. This is why it’s important to have
a team member of your own, to assist with
such matters.
A feast fit for a King!
The catering provided a definite
challenge for us, as the location is
150km south of Kimberly. Aside from
your standard cocktail platter
selection of chicken legs,
Samoosas, and sausages, the more
exotic fresh produce such as the
prawn rissoles were hard to come
by and as a result, the choices for
caterers was limited.
Top right: Hennie Baird organiser of
the Cultural Calabash with caterer
Wim Lock from Baron’s Galley
Lodge
Whilst waiting for the speeches the guests were treated to a local string quartet.