By: JN Reporter
After years of sideliness and having played second violin for more prominent headliners on their home grass, free state artists finally step into the spotlight on Mangaung African Cultural Festival of this year (Macufe).
Last month, Diary news published a story entitled FS -Festivals look local artistsWhere local artists expressed concern about the excluding the festival and called for 90% representation during the annual event.
They described Macufe as a platform rooted in community proud and cultural celebration – one that was intended to present local talent in music, art and culture.
Now their cries have finally been heard by the Diary news.
The Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SAC) has announced that 67% of the artists will come from the free state this year in this year’s most important Macufe programs.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the Tankiso Zola department confirmed that of the 57 artists booked for the three flagship programs of Macufe, 38 local artists, which 67% of the artists were drawn up for the Mega Festival.
“When considering all 2025 Macufe platforms – 121 out of 140 artists – is an impressive 86% free,” Zola said.
He emphasized that this development follows an obligation by Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and MEC Zanele Sifuba during the official Macufe launch.
Sifuba emphasized that the festival would now give priority to the development of local talent.
“Our determination to guarantee artistic development in the free state is a matter of principle, and this growth will continue with an upward route,” said Sifuba, adding that “this level of participation by our local artists in district and provincial art and culture programs is a proof of our dedication to the artist dedication in the artist’s dedication in the artist’s dedication in the artist’s dedication in the artistic dedication in the artistic. stands.”
Macufe is officially planned to take place from 3 to 7 September 2025.
Refilwe Mochoari Refilwe Mochoari
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