The spirit of resilience, creativity and cultural pride is set to take centre stage as the Umtiza Festival marks its 10th anniversary in Buffalo City, promising a rich and dynamic programme that reflects both its roots and its growth over the years.
Festival director Papama Mnqandi describes Umtiza as more than just an arts event, it is a symbol of endurance and collaboration. Inspired by the Umtiza tree, which thrives throughout the year, the festival embodies the resilience of the people of the Eastern Cape.
“The festival is about inspiring resilience amongst our communities,” said Mnqandi.
“It tells the story of how we have persevered, even though challenges like Covid-19, when the festival had to pause for two years, and how we were able to bounce back stronger.”
Born out of a collective partnership between the East London Guild Theatre, Ann Bryant Art Gallery and the East London Museum, Umtiza has grown into a flagship cultural event in the province.
This year’s edition reflects that growth, featuring a diverse line-up that spans multiple artistic disciplines.
Music lovers can look forward to performances by acclaimed artists including Bongeziwe Mabandla and Bobby van Jaarsveld, while homegrown talent Wandile Mbabeni will fulfil a lifelong dream by performing at the Guild Theatre in his hometown for the first time.
The programme also includes comedy, fine arts exhibitions, vibrant markets and, for the first time, a soccer tournament, an initiative supported by the MEC for Arts and Culture.
Beyond entertainment, the festival continues to position itself as a platform for learning and industry development. A summit on UNESCO Creative Cities will bring together creatives, students and professionals to explore opportunities in the sector, including funding and networking.
Mnqandi emphasised the importance of festivals like Umtiza in uplifting local talent and strengthening the creative economy.
“Events like this showcase the value of the arts, not only culturally, but economically. They create opportunities for artists and ensure that people in Buffalo City don’t have to travel elsewhere to experience world-class productions,” he said.
The festival also plays a key role in boosting the local economy, with organisers aiming to track an increase in visitors travelling to the city specifically for Umtiza. As the festival gains national recognition, it continues to attract artists eager to perform on its stages.
However, organising a large-scale event of this nature does not come without challenges. Mnqandi noted that funding remains a hurdle, particularly in scaling the festival’s full potential. Ensuring public safety and managing risks are also top priorities for organisers.
“Putting together a festival of this size requires careful planning and constant risk management. While we’ve made great progress, there is still room for growth, especially in securing resources to expand our team and operations,” he said.
Despite these challenges, the festival’s success over the past decade stands as a testament to the support it has received from the community and stakeholders.
Mnqandi expressed gratitude to festivalgoers and partners who have helped build Umtiza into a recognised cultural fixture.
“We thank everyone who has supported the festival over the years. Your belief in this vision has proven that Umtiza works and belongs on South Africa’s cultural calendar,” he said.
As the 10-day celebration approaches, attendees are encouraged to plan ahead and fully immerse themselves in the experience.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone again, to celebrate, connect and make the most of everything Umtiza has to offer.”
With its powerful message of resilience and its ever-expanding programme, the Umtiza Festival continues to grow as a beacon of creativity and community spirit in the Eastern Cape.
