The Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival is an annual event in South Africa that showcases modern traditional music, arts, and culture in the North West Province. It aims to promote cultural diversity, social cohesion, and economic development through a series of events such as a gospel show, traditional festival, arts and crafts exhibitions, and hip hop show.
The North West Provincial Government sees this festival as an opportunity to uplift the hopelessness of its citizens and share information through Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Singing poetry, and dancing are a part of African heritage and are used for prayer and communication with ancestors and for expressing both joy and sadness.
We hope you enjoy this one of a kind experience, there are a few basic precautions you should take to ensure that your stay is as pleasant and safe as possible.
IN THE HOTEL
• Ensure that identifiable staff assist you with luggage on arrival at your accommodation establishment.
• Do not leave your luggage unattended unless it is locked in your room.
• Store valuables in a safe deposit box.
• Keep your room locked at all times.
• Hand the key in at the desk when you leave the hotel- it is advised that you tell someone at the reception where you are going.
• If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door.
IN THE STREETS
• Plan your route beforehand.
• Avoid stopping at remote areas.
• Don’t stop people to ask for directions or check your map on the streets.
• It is better to explore in groups and stick to well-lit busy streets.
• If you want to go on a trip, your accommodation establishment or the nearest tourism information office can recommend a reliable service.
• It is not advisable to carry large sums of money around.
ON THE ROAD
• Practice the same prevention skills you apply in parking lots or garages at home.
• Become familiar with your route before you start the trip.
• Get a map of the route and study it.
• Keep doors locked while driving.
• Store luggage in the car’s boot (trunk) where it is out of sight.
• If your car is bumped by another car, think before you get out. If you are in doubt or feel uncomfortable, signal to the driver to follow you to the nearby police station or a busy, well-lit area where it is safe to get out of the car.
IN THE CAR
• Keep the doors locked and windows up all times.
• Do not use cell phones unless you have a hand free kit.
• Lock your valuables inside the boot (trunk) before departure.
• At night, park in well-lit arears.
• If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice.
SAFETY AT THE ATM
• Be alert at all times and if you see anything suspicious, stop your transaction and leave.
• Never give your pin to anyone, not even a bank official or security personnel.
• Never accept assistance from a stranger.
HOW TO AVOID MUGGING
• Look around you and be aware of your surroundings. Remember, an area is not safe just because you are familiar with it.
• Carry your bag around your neck and diagonally across your body. Do not carry hanging over one shoulder. You may as well clutch your bag and hold it to the front.
• Walk in well-lit busy streets and walk in a group if possible
• If you know or suspect that a pedestrian is following you, go to the nearest well-lit or busy area and call the police.
• Avoid taking short-cuts through deserted areas such as parks, empty areas and passages.
• Do not publicise your valuables.
• If you are followed by a suspicious vehicle, never try to outrun it. Turn and walk in the opposite direction. React by yelling or shouting if possible.
• Hide your cell phone and do not walk around talking on it as it will distract you.
SIGHTSEEING AND ENTERTAINMENT
• Use registered, qualified tour guides, identifiable by a certified tour guide badge and card.
• Do not leave valuables on chairs, under tables or on restroom hooks.
REPORTING CRIME – STEPS TO FOLLOW
• Dial the telephone number 10111 anywhere in South Africa.
• A call centre operator will answer the incoming call and take all necessary particulars.
• The complaint is the assigned to the local South African Police Services, Community Services Centre’s Sector Vehicle or the nearest Flying Squad vehicle.
For more complaints of a less serious nature and for general enquiries the nearest police station should instead be called. It is therefore very important that numbers of one’s nearest local police station be on hand.
FOR FURTHER CLARITY OR LODGING ANY TOURISM RELATED COMPLAINTS PLEASE CONTACT:
Provinical Registrar – Tourist Guides – Gabriel Dichabe:
gdichabe@nwpg.gov.za • 083 413 1022
George Masomako:
gmosomako@nwpg.gov.za • 082 740 6662