By Emily Setona
BLOEMFONTEIN – The much-loved Mangaung African Cultural Festival (MACUFE) is set to make a spectacular return this September, signaling a major revival of the Free State’s cultural and creative industries.
After years of silence, the festival’s relaunch was officially confirmed during the 2025 State of the Province Address by Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, and further supported by the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation’s (SACR) Budget Vote. The new iteration of MACUFE comes with a renewed emphasis on heritage, tradition, and African cultural pride.
Under the theme “Back to Our African Heart and Soul,” this year’s MACUFE will return to its roots—celebrating and preserving African identity through diverse artistic and cultural expressions. The festival has previously attracted thousands of local and international visitors and is expected to once again make a meaningful impact across sectors.
Preparations are already underway within SACR to ensure a successful rollout of the revamped festival. A revitalised programme will spotlight authentic cultural experiences, including a Sesotho Musical Theatre showcase and Traditional Dance performances as part of the MACUFE Theatre and Dance Fiesta.
MEC for SACR, Ntombizanele Sifuba, said the festival will play a crucial role in promoting nation-building and social cohesion. “Reverting back to its original concept, the festival will elevate African cultural heritage as the pivot around which our existence should revolve,” she said.
The 2025 MACUFE relaunch will begin in early August and run through mid-September, featuring a variety of events covering multiple artistic disciplines.
Beyond cultural celebration, MACUFE’s return is poised to stimulate local economic development and tourism. A Socio-Economic Impact Study by the University of the Free State showed that past editions of MACUFE significantly boosted local businesses, tourism, and exposure for local artists.
“The relaunched MACUFE programme will intensify and escalate these local beneficiation outcomes,” said SACR spokesperson Tankiso Zola.
“More details about the 2025 MACUFE programme will be communicated in due course.”
The department also confirmed that updates regarding performances, ticketing, and partnerships will be shared soon.
With its comeback, MACUFE not only restores a premier cultural event but also reaffirms the Free State’s commitment to reclaiming African heritage, empowering local creatives, and uniting communities through the arts.
