MAGALIESBURG: Nestled amidst a backdrop of mountains, valleys, rivers, indigenous woodland and a 2.5-billion-year history, the town of Magaliesburg, an hour away from Johannesburg, Pretoria and Rustenburg, is as picturesque as any postcard. Over the past four years though, Magalies has firmly put itself back on the map for a reason other than its natural beauty and World Biosphere Reserve status. Magaliesburg has become a leading example of the incredible feats that can be achieved when an entire community works together for a common cause.
It all started in 2016 when the Magalies Business Forum (now the Magalies Business and Tourism Forum) decided to host an event to reinvigorate the town’s economic development while still maintaining its distinctive off-the-beaten track character. The three-day Magalies Rocks the Cradle Festival (MRtC) was born, uniting the entire community as residents and businesses teamed up to create a better life for all by showcasing the region’s unique art, crafts, lifestyle, culinary and experiential treasures. Fast forward four years, and the deep commitment to collaborative citizenry remains strong with MRtC now a firm favourite on the SA events calendar. Unique in that it is spread across the entire region rather than being hosted at a central point, MRtC attracts families and adventure-seekers from across the country who are looking for an authentic off-the-grid encounter.
“Great things happen when a community bands together, but magic happens when an entire town works together,” explains Hannelie Hartman of the Magalies Business and Tourism Forum. There is so much more to Magalies than meets the eye and every year, we remind our fellow South Africans what an incredible little place this is, full of magic and wonder.”
The MRtC Festival, that takes place this weekend, 23 : 24: 25 August 2019, has taken months of planning, coordinating and strategizing, and now the community has rolled out the red carpet as they wait to treat visitors to their trademark Magalies hospitality.
“We have more than 100 exciting events and activities for the whole family with loads of special offers and freebies,” explains Hartman. “From markets to action-packed outdoor activities to tons of kids’ entertainment to local food and drink, arts and crafts and live music, we are giving you 72 hours to relax, explore and experience. It’s all about giving people a taste of what real country life is all about and showing them what it is so magical about Magalies.”
One of the highlights this year is the four-distance Women Running Wild trail run through the mountains in celebration of Women’s Month, and the 99 striking life-sized bronze statues from the Long March to Freedom exhibition that are on display at Maropeng to mark the 25th anniversary of SA’s democracy. The full list of activities is available on the festival website, www.magaliesrocksthecradle.co.za
“We up our game each year to make the experience more memorable for our visitors than the year before,” says Hartman. “This is truly a town effort, and every single resident, entrepreneurial business and established enterprises is deeply committed to making a positive, significant impact for the benefit of our entire town. We’re ready to wow this weekend so come on over and have a taste of true Magalies hospitality.”
Magalies Rocks the Cradle
72H : Relax : Explore : Experience
23 : 24 : 25 August
www.magaliesrocksthecradle.co.za
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1: One of the highlights at MRtC this year is the 3km, 5km, 13km, and 17km Women Run Wild trail run amidst the magnificent mountains of Magaliesburg.
2& 3: The world’s largest exhibition of representational bronze sculptures is on display at MRtC this year. The 99 striking life-sized bronze statues from the Long March to Freedom exhibition mark the 25th anniversary of SA’s democracy.
4: The Magalies Rocks the Cradle Festival is the brainchild of the Magalies Business and Tourism Forum that united the entire town in an effort to boost the local economy for a better quality of life for all.
5: Now in its fourth year, MRtC is one of SA’s most enjoyed off-the-beaten-track experience for the whole family with arts, crafts, markets, live music, food and drink, adrenaline activities and workshops spread over three days.