The inaugural KwaZulu-Natal
International Arts Festival (KZNIAF), will bring a vibrant
multidisciplinary celebration of arts, culture and heritage to eFolweni,
KwaXimba and Durban from October 30 to November 1, 2026.
In partnership with Stained Glass TV and funded by the National Arts Council (NAC) through PESP7, Supported by Inanda Fm, the Festival aims to strengthen KwaZulu-Natal’s creative economy by connecting artists with audiences, creating performance opportunities and celebrating the province’s diverse cultural identity.
Under the spirit of uMqhele, the Festival will showcase the depth of local creativity through community-based Fringe activities followed by a major launch at the Durban University of Technology (DUT).
October 30: Fringe
Programme Opens at eFolweni
The Festival opens on Friday, October 30, at eFolweni Red
Cross Community Hall, where audiences can enjoy a multidisciplinary programme
featuring music, visual art exhibitions, theatre and a dance challenge.
The day’s activities will be led and hosted by the eGagasini
Trio, with a special performance by the Folweni Gospel Choir. The programme
celebrates community talent and brings artistic expression directly to local
audiences.
Entrance: R50, with tickets available through Webtickets and
at the gate.
October 31: KwaXimba Celebrates Theatre, Dance, Music and Heritage
On Saturday, October 31, the Festival moves to Isithumba
Adventures in KwaXimba, within the scenic Valley of a Thousand Hills, bringing
together established and emerging artists in a celebration of performance,
storytelling and visual arts.
The theatrical programme opens with Yemuke Nezibopho, a Zulu
drama written and directed by Silindile Maphumulo. Audiences will also
experience Pantsula dance choreographed by Lungisa Zondi, known as TjoviTjo on
uZalo, bringing township dance culture into a rural setting.
The programme continues with WOMANDLA, an Afro-contemporary
and narrative dance production choreographed by Lindokuhle Ziqubu, written and
stage-managed by Andiswa Mbanjwa. The work explores the expressive power of
dance and storytelling.
Music lovers can look forward to performances by Mr
5-Minutes and Sandile Gwala, alongside local artists. Poetry and spoken-word
performances will feature Azibuyele Emasisweni, Kelello Mokhele, and Chris Fallen
with his son.
Visual arts will be represented by Wushwini Arts Gallery,
Isizotha Arts and Design, and Mlamuli Shozi’s Pencil Arts, showcasing creative
talent rooted in KwaZulu-Natal communities.
Special guest artist Zawadi Yamungu will join a conversation
exploring cultural music, authenticity and the importance of preserving
cultural identity within the music industry.
The programme also includes a free workshop on mastering the
business of the arts, supporting the Festival’s commitment to helping artists
understand the commercial and professional dimensions of their practice.
Entrance: R50, with tickets available through Webtickets and
at the gate.
November 1: Main Festival Launch at DUT
The Festival reaches its highlight on Sunday, November 1, at
the DUT Courtyard Theatre and Outdoor Spaces in Durban, from 10h00 to 18h30.
The launch will offer audiences a red-carpet experience,
food-selling stands, art exhibitions, live drawing, cultural brand displays,
creative talks, networking and live performances.
The Jazzy Groove Session, curated by Ncebakazi Zima, will
bring a music-focused experience to the programme. Creative talks will feature
Dr Mandisi Sindo, a theatre innovator from Cape Town, and Mxolisi Masilela the
Great, founder of TX Theatre from Johannesburg.
Representing poetry, Ghubela will contribute to the
festival’s literary and spoken-word offering, while Saliwa will showcase
Maskandi music through a contemporary cultural lens. Cameron Govender of
ParamAthman Dance Theatre will explore multiculturalism through dance.
The programme will also feature members and representatives
of Stained Glass TV, highlighting the relationship between television,
performance and the wider creative industries.
Comedy theatre will take centre stage through Sabelo Jili’s
one-man show, USIPHEPHO, adding a
distinctive theatrical experience to the launch.
The day will be guided by programme directors Lungile
“Coach” Nkombela and Okuhle Msithwa, whose sign-language contribution supports
a more inclusive festival environment.
Entrance: R150, with tickets available through Webtickets
and at the gate.
Building a Creative
Future for KwaZulu-Natal
Beyond the three-day celebration, KZNIAF seeks to establish
a long-term platform that progressively reaches all 11 districts of
KwaZulu-Natal. Its vision is to bring quality artistic work into rural and
community spaces, develop marginalised and emerging talent, and connect artists
with professional stages, audiences and industry opportunities.
By bringing together community performers, established practitioners, cultural organisations, government stakeholders and audiences, the Festival aims to demonstrate that KwaZulu-Natal’s landscapes and communities can become stages for stories that travel across the world.
For ticket bookings: Webtickets or purchase at the gate.
Festival enquiries: Sibusiso Sithole Founder and Festival
Director KwaZulu-Natal International Arts Festival (KZNIAF) Tel: 078 671 1649
Email: kzn.info@gmail.com
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