Pictured- Makhadzi is expected to dazzle fans at the main event
By Rorisang Rampheteng
The CUFA Festival will enter its third edition with an expanded programme of cultural, business and entertainment events under the theme “Keya Rona”, meaning “It is ours”.
The festival, which has grown from an idea into an established cultural event over the past three years, will feature activities ranging from heritage and music to business, gospel, comedy and fashion.
CUFA Festival Creative Director Palesa Moseme said the theme reflects the festival’s development and its focus on creating a platform for local creativity.
“Three years ago, CUFA was an idea, a conviction that when we create together, we build something bigger than ourselves. Today, that idea has a crowd, a home, a family. That family has a name, Keya Rona. It is ours,” Moseme said.
Festival Undergoes Major Upgrades
Moseme said organisers had spent the past 10 months improving the festival experience.
The upgrades include new sound and lighting systems, improved VIP and general facilities, enhanced hospitality spaces and the use of new technology.
“Every decision was measured against one question: What will it feel like for the person walking through the gates? CUFA, we built it for you,” she said.
The changes are intended to improve the experience for audiences while making performances more immersive.
Programme Combines Culture, Business and Entertainment
The festival programme began on 26 September with a heritage market at Old Grace, with organisers placing emphasis on acknowledging and celebrating cultural roots.
On Friday, 2 October, the programme continues at Muse Cafe with the Women-to-Women Economic Breakfast, which will focus on entrepreneurship, wealth, work-life balance and networking.
A youth-focused cultural programme featuring Amapiano and Afro music will follow on Saturday, 3 October.
Sunday, 4 October, will feature the Lesedi FM Gospel Experience, themed “Grace and Denim”, with an afternoon of praise and worship.
The CUFA Business Indaba will take place at Old Grains on Tuesday, 6 October, from 9am to 3pm. It will include panel discussions, networking, exhibitions and a pitch competition for emerging entrepreneurs.
A comedy show is scheduled for Wednesday, 7 October, followed by a women-focused fashion and entertainment programme on Friday, 9 October.
Rose Garden Event Expected to Draw Thousands
The festival’s major open-air event, the Global Stage, will be held at Rose Garden on Saturday, 10 October, with organisers expecting about 20,000 festival-goers.
The programme will conclude on Sunday, 11 October, with a soul and R&B event.
Moseme said the festival was also intended to contribute to Bloemfontein’s position as a meeting point for cultural and entertainment events and support local economic activity.
She said CUFA’s development had been shaped by lessons from its first two editions, with the third edition focused on using that experience to strengthen the festival.
“Culture belongs to the people who live it, create it, preserve it, tell it and give it new meaning,” Moseme said.
She urged audiences, artists and entrepreneurs to participate actively in the festival and make use of the platform created by CUFA.
“Culture is not something we only consume. We make it, we shape it and we carry it forward,” she said.
Makhadzi (pictured) is amongst a star studded line up billed for the main event,
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