Pretoria: The annual Mapungubwe Arts Festival, to celebrate 20 years of freedom and democracy, will be celebrated in Limpopo.

The announcement was made by Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha during his State of the Province Address at the provincial legislature in Lebowakgomo on Thursday.

“Next month, we are hosting the Annual Mapungubwe Arts Festival to celebrate 20 years of freedom and democracy.

“Occasions such as this, are meant for all our people, black and white. You are, invited to join us in celebrating this human achievement,” he said.

Mathabatha said building relations across colour and race is the bedrock of nation building and social cohesion.

Libraries

In an effort to inculcate the spirit of learning and research, the Premier said his provincial government has constructed libraries in the communities of Molepo, Musina-Nancefield, Mutale, Bakgoma, Vlakfontein, Shiluvane, Rapotokwane, Saselamani, Shongoane and Ga-Phaahla.

These libraries house over 17 500 books for the province’s future leaders to read and study.

“To bridge the digital divide, especially for children in the rural areas, we have also ensured that 68 of our libraries have internet connectivity,” he said.