Described as one of the largest cultural festivals on the African continent, Macufe had been suspended for several years, despite a favourable legal ruling clearing the event of tender irregularities. Now, it is set to rise from the ashes with an even stronger cultural focus, promising significant socio-economic benefits for the province.

The return of Macufe was confirmed following the 2025 State of the Province Address by Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and the Budget Vote directive from the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR).

According to SACR spokesperson Tankiso Zola, the preparations have started. “Preparatory work is already underway in the department to give effect to the directive for the implementation of a recalibrated Macufe programme with emphasis on culture, heritage and tradition.”

This cultural recalibration lies at the heart of Macufe’s new direction. The programme will place a spotlight on African traditions through events such as the Sesotho Musical Theatre, traditional dance productions as part of the Dance Fiesta, and various other heritage-centric showcases.

MEC Ntombizanele Sifuba emphasised that this shift is both intentional and meaningful. “Guided by the theme ‘Back to our African Heart and Soul’, the central focus of the recalibrated Macufe programme will be on arts and culture-related activities. Reverting to its original concept, the festival will therefore elevate the African cultural heritage as a pivot around which our existence should revolve as Africans, and in line with the mandate of the Department of Nation-Building and Social Cohesion.”

Macufe was previously suspended following a legal dispute over the legitimacy of its tendering process. Initially ruled irregular by the Free State High Court under Judge Phillip Loubser, the decision was overturned in April 2024 when the same court found the process lawful and compliant with Section 217 of the Constitution.

Despite this legal victory, SACR chose to pause the festival in 2024. In her 2024-’25 budget speech, Sifuba explained that Macufe would not be held in 2024 as it was being “repositioned, reimagined, and restructured” to ensure its return would be stronger and more impactful.

Zola stressed that the 2025 Macufe represents not only a cultural renaissance but also a strategic economic opportunity. “These outcomes were underscored by the socio-economic impact study conducted by the University of the Free State: local economic beneficiation for entrepreneurs; increased tourism in the province; and participation benefits for local artists, among others. The relaunched Macufe programme will intensify and escalate these local beneficiation outcomes.”

Macufe 2025 will officially be launched on 1 August, with a diverse line-up of events scheduled for early September:

• Macufe Film Festival: 3–4 September
• Macufe Dance Fiesta: 3–4 September
• Macufe Theatre Festival: 3–5 September
• Macufe Comedy and Poetry Night: 5 September
• Macufe Visual Arts, Craft and Literature Exhibition: 3–6 September
• Macufe Hip-Hop vs Amapiano Showcase: 5 September
• Macufe Main Festival: 6 September
• Macufe Gospel Festival: 7 September

Zola added that further details around the full Macufe 2025 programme will be communicated in due course.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg