A vibrant new chapter for the Mangaung African Cultural Festival (MACUFE) has officially been unveiled. On 31 July, the Free State MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Hon. Ntombizanele Sifuba, took to the podium at the Bloemfontein Anglo-Boer War Museum to launch the highly anticipated 2026 edition of the province's flagship cultural event.
The high-profile launch was well-attended by key stakeholders who gathered to signal their support. Among the stakeholders were representatives from the Free State Arts and Culture statutory bodies, Free State Sport Confederation President Edward Saunderson, and the House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders. Also in attendance were Provincial Heritage Resources Authority (PRHA) representative Rev. Thabiso Mashiloane, Portfolio Committee Chair Hon. Zama Sigwebela, the HOD of COGTA, the Acting CEO of the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS), and Mr Brian Mokete representing ABSA.
Following the opening performance of the national anthem, Vincent Khetha, Chief Director of Cultural Affairs, welcomed guests and outlined the event's core purpose. He emphasised that MACUFE has evolved into a vital platform where local artistry, heritage, and culture truly come alive to preserve the province's rich history.
Offering a message of support, Portfolio Committee Chairperson Hon. Zama Sigwebela praised the festival's enduring impact and economic viability “It is an event that lives in our memories forever," Sigwebela said. "It connects the people, brings people together to showcase their talent, to network, and to ensure that all artists, businesses, and communities become successful.
As the portfolio committee, we see the value for money in this particular programme. We want the MEC and the departmental staff to continue so that MACUFE becomes the greatest event throughout the history of the province. “Attendees were reminded of MACUFE's power as an international fixture that fosters deep social cohesion—recalling the iconic October 2008 installation where a rainy setting brought together thousands of strangers in unity during Maxwell’s performance.
In her keynote address, MEC Ntombizanele Sifuba began with a sombre tribute to the recently passed Free State gospel artist, Itu, who had been a beloved performer at previous MACUFE Gospel installations.MEC Sifuba detailed the deliberate transformation the festival has undergone since 2022 to realign with its core mission. Following a two-year absence, the event was re-established last year on 1 August as a "recalibrated and reimagined" programme.
Part of this strategic shift included moving the primary festival dates to September to directly coincide with National Heritage Month. “As part of this repurposing and reimagining, the festival was last year staged in September, which is the month in which we celebrate our cultural heritage," MEC Sifuba stated. "This is part of our resolve to emphasise that MACUFE is not only a music and entertainment event, but a fundamentally cultural programme.
The launch concluded with the thrilling announcement of the 2026 artist lineup, which promises a heavy blend of local legends and contemporary stars across various genres. Comedy will have Shaun Dihoro, Spooknik, Mashabela, and Nthaby, while the Divas Concert will be headlined by Zonke, Lira, Puleng Phoofolo, and Sinazo Moloi. The Amapiano vs Hip-Hop will feature Khuli Chana, Murda, and Emtee. Gospel Music Festival will be Showcasing Winnie Mashaba, Lebo Sekgobela, and Puleng March. The flagship Main Festival, scheduled for 12 September, will boast performances by Sannere, Khaya, the Jaziel Brothers, Zonke, Lira, Thabiso wa Maluti, the Peter Nthwane Band, and Semito. Organisers also confirmed that negotiations are currently underway to secure world-renowned music icon Salif Keita as this year’s international headline act, promising an unforgettable celebration of African music and culture.
