By Thabo Mosia
Mangaung, Free State – The much-anticipated return of the Mangaung African Cultural Festival (MACUFE) has been confirmed for 2025, according to Zanele Sifuba, the Free State MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture & Recreation. Speaking during an interview on the 55th episode of The Current Review on Central News, MEC Sifuba highlighted the significance of MACUFE’s return after a hiatus. The festival, which has long been a cornerstone of the Free State’s cultural calendar, was put on hold following legal battles, logistical challenges, and issues surrounding the tender processes.
Background and Announcement
During her address, Sifuba underscored the cultural and economic importance of MACUFE, acknowledging its role in promoting Free State talent while drawing national and international attention. While 2024 was initially slated as the year for the festival’s return, complications led to its cancellation, much to the disappointment of local businesses, artists, and stakeholders. The event is now set to resume in 2025 under a reimagined vision, which will focus on broadening the scope of cultural engagement, tourism, and business opportunities.
Zanele Sifuba urged the public to support the Lemo Festival and the CUFA Festival, two significant cultural events filling in for MACUFE in 2024, both scheduled during the traditional MACUFE dates. Sifuba assured the public that the 2025 festival would deliver an experience that encompasses both the cultural and economic spirit that MACUFE has always embodied.
Tebogo Kotsi’s Call for MACUFE 2024
In an open letter penned five months ago, Tebogo Kotsi, a prominent figure in the Free State entertainment industry, expressed his frustration with the ongoing delays and uncertainty surrounding MACUFE. Kotsi had previously urged the Free State Department of Sports, Arts, Culture & Recreation to prioritise the festival’s return in 2024, emphasizing its potential economic impact. He pointed out that businesses, hotels, and the hospitality sector were already preparing for the event, anticipating a significant financial boost. Kotsi argued that canceling the 2024 edition would lead to substantial financial losses for local businesses, particularly those in hospitality, entertainment, and tourism.
“MACUFE is more than a festival—it’s an international brand,” Kotsi remarked. “It attracts audiences from all over South Africa and beyond, and its absence this year is a significant blow to the local economy.”
Kotsi also suggested that to bring MACUFE back in 2024, a march should be organised, consisting of all stakeholders from the arts, tourism, and recreation sectors. He lamented the department’s lack of engagement with local promoters and artists, calling for more inclusivity and collaboration in the planning process.
Legal Issues and Court Rulings
MACUFE’s cancellation for 2024 came in the wake of legal disputes over the awarding of its tender. A significant judgment in April 2024 by the Free State Division of the High Court concluded that the tender process conducted in 2022, which awarded management of the festival to C-Squared Group Pty Ltd, was fair and lawful. The court dismissed allegations of irregularities brought forward by DS Consortium, which had contested the decision. This judgment brought an end to the legal impasse, clearing the way for future editions of the festival to be planned without further legal challenges .
The 2022 tender process had caused a delay in preparations, and with the legal ruling finalised in April, the department was left with limited time to stage the festival for 2024. As a result, MEC Zanele Sifuba decided to reimagine the festival for 2025, focusing on a renewed and inclusive approach to the event.
Economic Impact of MACUFE
MACUFE has long been a key driver of economic activity in the Free State, attracting over 16,000 visitors annually and generating millions in revenue for local businesses. A study conducted by the University of the Free State from 2009 to 2015 highlighted the festival’s substantial economic benefits, particularly for the hospitality sector. The study noted that during MACUFE, the Free State’s restaurants, guesthouses, and liquor retailers saw a significant uptick in sales, with guesthouses and accommodation providers in Mangaung Township benefiting the most.
The economic importance of the festival cannot be overstated. MACUFE has historically created hundreds of part-time jobs, provided a platform for local artists, and contributed to the broader cultural identity of the Free State. These factors make the return of the festival highly anticipated, not only by artists but by local businesses that depend on the economic windfall it brings.
The Reimagined Vision for MACUFE 2025
According to the final presentation of MACUFE 2024 , plans for the 2025 festival include a broader focus on African cultural heritage, with a renewed emphasis on inclusivity and talent development within the Free State. The festival will feature new additions such as a Golf Day, an International Rugby Match, a Marathon, and a Cultural Festival. Additionally, the traditional line-up of popular MACUFE events, including the Gospel Fest, Comedy Festival, Main Music Fest, and Fashion Show, will remain central to the reimagined programme.
The department has also outlined a strategy to turn MACUFE into a self-sustaining entity by 2027. This includes the establishment of a MACUFE Institute, which will be responsible for nurturing local talent and ensuring that the festival continues to evolve. The institute will serve as a developmental platform for Free State artists, providing year-round training, exposure, and opportunities for collaboration with national and international acts.
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