By: Refilwe Mochoari 

Today marks the final day of the weeklong Mangaung African Cultural Festival (MACUFE), which is currently taking place in Bloemfontein under the theme “Back to Our African Heart and Soul.”

After a two-year hiatus, Macufe has returned with a vibrant and refreshing approach, featuring 90% local Free State artists and service providers, significantly boosting the local economy.

The festival concludes today with a spectacular gospel event headlined by the Soweto Gospel Choir, Teboho Moruti, Jabu Hlongwane, Ayanda Ntanzi, and many others.

The festival officially launched on 1 August at the Wesleyan Church in Waaihoek.

 According to the MEC for Sport, Arts, and Culture, Zanele Sifuba, Macufe's return was a commitment made by Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae during her State of the Province address.

Sifuba emphasised that the main goal of reviving Macufe was to create a more inclusive and beneficial environment for all. This year’s vision focused on empowerment, heritage, and unity.

The main festival took place yesterday at the Mangaung Rose Garden, showcasing artists such as Semito, Press, Sannere, and the Afro-pop group Kaya. The week-long program included a variety of events, such as theatre plays, film screenings, an Amapiano and hip-hop festival, a jazz festival, and a gospel show.

Festival-goers attended in large numbers and expressed their love of Macufe.

Journal News interviewed some attendees at the main festival yesterday, and they shared their eagerness for next year’s event.

Pheladi Mangope, who travelled from Gauteng, described Macufe as a movement.

She said, “I have been attending Macufe every year, and the two-year gap was painful for me.

“ Today, I am very excited to be back at the festival. I really missed it, and I will be back again next year.”

Another attendee, Lerato Mokotjo from Bloemfontein, mentioned her appreciation for the spaciousness of the Rose Garden.

“I have enough space to move around. It’s not too crowded, and I really love that I can enjoy the show without bumping into people,” she said.