Building on the legacy and milestone of the 20th anniversary of the Mangaung African Cultural Festival (MACUFE) which was celebrated in 2017, the 21st edition of MACUFE will cement the fact that indeed MACUFE is one of the most popular cultural festival on the African continent and beyond. This festival has from humble beginnings grown from strength to strength and has undoubtedly reached international stature.
With the key objectives of promoting social cohesion, nation-building, tourism and economic development MACUFE continues to be the major highlight in the arts and entertainment calendar of the country and stands shoulder high amongst many other festivals.
2018 Edition:
The Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, in partnership with the national Department of Arts and Culture and Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, is proud to stage the 21st edition of MACUFE.
As in previous editions the 21st edition of MACUFE promises to dazzle its patrons with an action packed and entertainment galore programme. Guided by its theme, “Kaofela re moo”, this year’s MACUFE will be rolled out from the 05-14 October 2018 and coincides with the centenary celebrations of Former President Nelson Mandela as well as that of Mama Albertina Sisulu. The 21st Anniversary of this festival, is indicative of its solidness, sustainability and maturity. Indeed, MACUFE has come of age and matured over the years since its inception in 1997. The 2018 theme speaks to the character of this festival as a melting pot and a meeting point for all arts lovers.
As it has done during its past 21 years MACUFE will showcase the following qualitative programme:
Artists:
International artists of note will continue to feature as part of the programme. For the 21st edition, music lovers can expect to be enthralled by the likes of Brandy (USA), Joe (USA), Tiwa Savage (Nigeria), and Oliver Mtukutzi (Zimbabwe) among others. These music maestros will perform alongside our own South African music maestros who will equally keep MACUFE patrons entertained; they include Nasty C, A Rheece (Tshepe Hip Hop), Lebo Sekgobela, Benjamin Dube, Teboho, Thoko Nogabe, Neyi Zimu (Gospel), Selaelo Selota, Kunle, Xolisile Nosenga (Indoor Jazz), Semito, Amanda Black, Prince Kaybee, Nathi, Zonke, Lady Zamar (Main Festival) among others.
Several Free State hit-makers continues to feature prominently in the line-up of artists. These include Prince Kaybee, Dynamic Worshippers, Thabo Lebeko, Keorapetse, Tshepiso Mpotle, Thoko Nogabe, Msingizane, among many others.
Programme
The MACUFE programme has always been appealing to a wide range of audiences with diverse music. The 21st edition will continue to entrench this appeal to all lovers of music and the arts in general. Tickets are available at Computicket and the programme will unfold as follows:
- Friday, 05 October: Official Launch of the Programme
- Friday, 05 October: MACUFE Tshepe Hip Hop show will be staged at The Old Grey Events Centre (Old Grey Sports Ground) from 18h00 to 02h00. Entrance fee is R100.00
- Sunday, 07 October: MACUFE Gospel show will be staged at The Old Grey Events Centre (Old Grey Sports Ground) from 09h00 to 23h00. Entrance fee is R170.00
- Wednesday, 10 October: MACUFE Comedy Show will be staged at The Old Grey Events Centre (Old Grey Sports Ground) from 18h30 till 00h00. Entrance fee is R190.0
- Thursday, 11 October: MACUFE Indoor Jazz will be staged at The Old Grey Events Centre (Old Grey Sports Ground) from 18h30 till 00h00. Entrance fee is R240.00
- Friday, 12 October: MACUFE Divas will be staged at The Old Grey Events Centre (Old Grey Sports Ground) from 18h30 till 00h00. Entrance fee is R280.00
- Saturday, 13 October: MACUFE Main Festival will be staged at Rose Garden, Loch Logan from 11h00 till late. Entrance fee is R350.00
- Sunday, 14 October: MACUFE Cup will be staged at the Free State Stadium. Gates open at 11h00. Entrance Fee is R60.00 for Grand Stand and R50.00 for Open Stand. Juveniles will pay R30.00
- Monday to Saturday, 08 – 13 October: MACUFE Arts and Craft Market will be staged at Markgraaf Street from 09:00 – 19:00. Entrance is free of charge.
Security: Prohibited Items and Activities
The patrons of MACUFE are cordially requested to take note of the following rules when attending the festival particularly on the venues within the MACUFE Precinct:
1. At the Old Grey Events Centre (Old Grey Sports Ground): NO cooler boxes/bags, camping chairs, braai stands, umbrellas/patio, breakable bottles, firearms or dangerous weapons will be allowed. 2. At the Rose Garden: NO tents, braai stands, umbrellas/patio, breakable glasses, firearms or dangerous weapons will be allowed. 3. At the Free State Stadium: NO tents, braai stands, umbrellas/patio, breakable glasses, liquor, firearms or dangerous weapons will be allowed. 4. NO PASS-OUT in all MACUFE activities except where admission is free. 5. NB: All children pay for admission at a cost similar to adults except where admission is free.
MACUFE patrons are again assured high level security management at all MACUFE activities and venues. However, it remains the primary responsibility of each patron to ensure maximum personal security at all material times.
Job Creation and Economic Impact:
Job creation and economic upliftment remains some of the cornerstones of the staging of this festival. Through various services that will be rendered at the festival, ranging from festival infrastructure to cultural programmes activations, several job opportunities are created during the period of the festival. Efforts to ensure full participation of SMMEs (Hawkers and commercial photographers etc) as well as Vendors are undertaken through Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and any interested individuals or groups are encouraged to contact the Municipality in that regard.
The Economic Impact Study of the festival, to gauge the tourism, job creation as well as visitor’s expenditure patterns will continue to be undertaken in partnership with independent research institutions. The socio-economic impact assessment conducted by the Centre for Development Support of the University of the Free State underscored the fact that the MACUFE is an important tool in boosting the local economy in Mangaung. According to the study, MACUFE generates approximately R91 million in visitor expenditure in Bloemfontein. If expenditure by locals is included, a total of R150 million is spent by the patrons of MACUFE. The festival attracts approximately 18 000 visitors from outside Mangaung.
Enquiries:
Tankiso Zola
Director: Communication and IT
Tel: 051 – 410 4742/4786/4735
Email: tankiso@sacr.fs.gov.za
