MEC Matika to join Northern Cape artists at National Arts Festival

THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has announced that MEC Mangaliso Matika will be joining the province's performing artists at the prestigious National Arts Festival in Makhanda. 

The department said the move underscores its commitment to supporting the arts sector and promoting cultural development in the province.

The National Arts Festival is a premier platform for artistic excellence, showcasing diverse forms of expression across theatre, dance, music, and visual art. By attending the festival, MEC Matika aims to gain insight into the depth of talent within the Northern Cape and the wider national creative industry.

Empowering local artists

The department says its presence at the festival reflects its effort to engage directly with artists and creative practitioners, better understand their needs, and shape responsive policies. The initiative also highlights the importance of sustained investment in arts and culture as a catalyst for growth, driving tourism, stimulating local economies, and creating employment opportunities.

The department added that it recognises the power of drama and theatre in addressing critical issues such as gender-based violence, corruption, health, and social cohesion. By supporting initiatives that use performing arts for civic education and community dialogue, the department aims to promote awareness and encourage active citizenship.

It noted that Matika's visit to the Makhanda Festival signals the department's commitment to nurturing local talent, enhancing artist visibility, and celebrating creative voices from the Northern Cape on national stages. This engagement represents a step forward in building a more inclusive, well-resourced, and vibrant arts sector that reflects the province's rich cultural heritage.

The National Arts Festival takes place from June 26 to July 6, 2025, in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown). It showcases the collective heartbeat of South African creativity, with a focus on artistic excellence and cultural celebration.