The National Arts Festival (NAF) is preparing to open its doors on 25 June 2026, with organisers anticipating not only a celebration of South African creativity but also a significant economic injection into Makhanda and the wider Eastern Cape.
Running until 5 July, the festival is one of South Africa’s premier cultural events and is expected to attract thousands of visitors, creating business opportunities for local accommodation establishments, restaurants, transport operators, informal traders and a range of service providers.
The event is a long-standing economic driver for the region, generating substantial local employment across the hospitality, technical services and cultural sectors while providing a global platform for South African artists.
This year’s programme reflects the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices, bringing together established names and emerging talent from across the country.
The music line-up includes acclaimed performers Thandiswa Mazwai, Msaki, Concord Nkabinde, the Soweto String Quartet, Standard Bank Young Artists Ndumiso Manana (Music) and Gabi Motuba (Jazz), gospel star Betusile Mcinga, the Eastern Cape’s popular Bala Family, and rising artists Nomfundo Moh and Nontokozo Mkhize.
