By Gcina Ntsaluba
The 51st edition of the National Arts Festival officially opened on a chilly Thursday night in Makhanda to mark more than half a century of celebrating South African arts and culture. But the opening ceremony was marked also by solemn remembrance as speakers paid tribute to the 101 victims of recent flooding in the Mthatha area.
Eastern Cape MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Sibulele Ngongo delivered the keynote address, speaking of the bittersweet nature of the occasion. “I stand before you tonight on behalf of the Eastern Cape Government, on this cold night under the beautiful skies at this august official opening with both a heavy heart and overwhelming joy all at the same time,” Ngongo said.
The MEC also mourned the recent passing of legendary trumpeter Fezile “Feya” Faku, describing the province as feeling “robbed, speechless and alone” at the loss of the New Brighton-born musician.
Despite the somber acknowledgments, Ngongo expressed enthusiasm for the festival’s milestone achievement. “Today marks the first day of the National Arts Festival 2025. It’s the 51st annual Festival and by anyone’s standards this is a good milestone,” she said.
This year’s festival promises to showcase immense talent across more than 2 400 performances spanning theatre, dance, comedy, jazz, classical music, film, and other genres. The MEC noted that the festival demonstrates “there is something for everybody”.
The Executive Mayor of Makana Municipality Yandiswa Vara also welcomed attendees, emphasising the festival’s evolution since its inception in 1974. Originally called the Five Roses National Arts Festival, then the Standard Bank National Arts Festival, it became simply the National Arts Festival in 2002.
“The National Arts Festival has evolved to be one of the biggest arts festivals in the Southern Africa, if not in the world. This historic and august celebration of the arts has over the years made South Africa a home to one of the yearly international events of the world,” said Vara.
Ngongo positioned the Eastern Cape as the creative heart of the nation, declaring: “I call the Eastern Cape the creative home of South Africa, I use this name without any fear, we are a hub of culture, creativity and heritage.”
