Mutual & Federal supports eleventh annual Kierieklapper Arts Festival

Following a decade of support, Mutual & Federal, a member of the Old Mutual Group, will once again proudly sponsor Limpopo’s largest annual arts festival, the Mutual & Federal Agri Kierieklapper Kunstefees (KKKF). The festival is held in support of the elderly community in the province and all money raised goes to the Service Centre for the Aged.

“We have been involved as a sponsor of the festival since its inception, helping to empower the community which needs considerable support to help look after its older citizens,” says Andries Wiese, Group Manager for Mutual & Federal Agri.

The Kierieklapper Kunstefees was conceptualised eleven years ago when subsidies in the Limpopo area started to shrink. With the decrease in subsidies, the needs of the farming communities such as Mokopane (formerly Potgietersrus) consequently increased and finding other sources of income became a pressing necessity. Thus, the Kierieklapper Kunstefees was born. This annual event, which is named after a tree endemic to the area, has now grown to become one of the top arts festivals in the country.

Elaborating on the reasons for Mutual & Federal Agri becoming involved in the festival, Wiese explains, “A large part of the economy of this town rests on agriculture. When farmers retire, they need to be taken care of. We saw this arts festival as an opportunity for Mutual & Federal to give back to this agricultural community which has supported us for so many years.”

This year, some 145 stalls will showcase food, art and other products proudly crafted by the hands of the Mokopane community. There will be a funfair and games for children and the young at heart, drama and music acts and a fun run. Special food and wine pairing will be on offer, along with a beer garden. Informative workshops will also be held on topics such as rose pruning. One of the festival’s highlights includes an exciting line-up of celebrity musicians, such as Chris Chameleon, Bobby van Jaarsveld and Nianell.

All the money raised by the Kierieklapper Kunstefees will be donated to the Service Centre for the Aged, which provides over 16 000 meals annually to the elderly. This centre also assists the elderly with their medical needs and provides other services to enhance their quality of life such as bible studies, hairdressing and even aerobics classes.

“Every year we are impressed and delighted by the variety of offerings at the festival. It is truly a great example of a community that pulls together and takes action to address its problems, rather than choosing to be helpless. As a short-term insurance provider that is hands-on with our community initiatives, we at Mutual & Federal look forward to attending this year’s festival to join in the celebrations”, concludes Wiese.

The 2011 Kierieklapper Kunstefees will take place at the grounds of Hoërskool Piet Potgieter in Mokopane from Thursday 4 August to Saturday6 August. Entrance to the festival grounds is free.

For more information, visit http://www.kierieklapper.co.za/ or phone 015 491 3129.