Pic (From left) MEC For Culture , Sports and Recreation in Mpumalanga , Leah Mabuza, City Of Mbombela MMC for Culture Sports &Recreation Khanyi Mhlanga and Chief Director for Cultural Affairs Sanjay Singh during the launch
Beyond the glitter of pageantry, the resonance of music, and the vibrant spectacle of carnival floats, the launch of the 11th annual Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience carried a deeply human pulse.
Held in The City Of Mbombela, the media launch unveiled more than a festival lineup. The launch highlighted a decade-long story of community resilience, economic empowerment, and a collective stand against social ills.
Running under the theme “Thee Golden Hour: Reawakening the Xperience,” the festival marks eleven years of consistency and cultural pride. Yet, as dignitaries, royalty, and beauty queens gathered, the narrative quickly moved beyond entertainment to reflect the true heart of the province: its people, their struggles, and their shared identity.
A Stand Against Violence and a Call for Unity
The event served as a reminder that culture does not exist in a vacuum. Delivering her keynote address, the MEC for DCSR (Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation), Leah Mabuza, grounded the celebrations in empathy and solidarity.
She called for a moment of silence for victims of GBVF (Gender-Based Violence and Femicide) paying tribute to women like Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo from DR JS Moroka Local Municipality, who was amongst more than 9 women brutally murdered in Gauteng Province recently.
MEC Mabuza also condemned recent local violence, including the attack on the homestead of Mpumalanga Chairperson of the House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena, reinforcing that the festival’s ultimate message is one of unity and protection over the vulnerable.
“The Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience is more than a festival, it is a celebration of who we are, where we come from, the cultural heritage that connects us as a people beyond provincial and national boundaries, “said MEC Mabuza.
“Our differences are not weaknesses; our strength is found in our diversity. Through this cultural festival, Mpumalanga is declaring proudly that our culture matters, our artists matter, our heritage matters, and our people matter,” Mabuza added.
She said the festival acts as a bridge for young, emerging creatives such as home-grown talent Phumla Music and Mlingani Soulchild, providing them with a stage to turn their passion into viable careers.
“Reimagining heritage is one of the key drivers of economic growth and job creation. We also recognise that Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience is not only about entertainment; it is an important contribution to the tourism value chain and development of the SMME (Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises) sectors in our province,” Mabuza said.
Honouring the Unsung Heroes and Nurturing Host Cities
The human impact of the festival is felt equally on the ground by local municipalities and the administrative teams working behind the scenes.
Welcoming guests to the launch, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Culture, Sport and Recreation in the City of Mbombela, Khanyisa Mhlanga, offered an emotional acknowledgment of the administrative dedication that keeps the festival alive year after year.
“I’ve been riding this wave with you guys for the past five years. I see what the Department has given birth to. I want to thank each and every one of you for the opportunities you have given us.Thank you for the investment and the lessons you have given the City of Mbombela. Continue loving and supporting the City. Continue to represent the City everywhere we go,” expressed Mhlanga.
Key Highlights of the 2026 Festival Schedule
The multi-week lineup spans across various local municipalities, combining celebration with community engagement:
Date: 11th to the 13th Nov(Creative Music Workshop in Mbombela)
Date: 26 Nov(Comedy Xperience in Mbombela)
Date: 28 Nov(Carnival Xperience in Mbombela featuring cultural groups from Mozambique & Eswatini)
• 28th Nov(Choral Music Xperience at Ella de Bruyn Hall in Msukaligwa Local Municipality-Gert Sibande District)
• 28 Nov(013 Summer Blaze in Mbombela which will draw people from various provinces including Limpopo, KZN, Gauteng, Northwest)
Date: 29th Nov( Soul Session Xperience will feature an international artist. It will be held at a new venue around Mbombela since the Lowveld National Botanical Gardens is too small to accommodate the revellers).
Date: 5th Dec(Traditional Xperience to be held in the Nkomazi Local Municipality at the Mkhatshwa Nxumalo Royal residence)
• Date: 5th Dec(Sport & Recreation Xperience at Gamorwe Stadium in the Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality, whereby a walk against GBVF will be dedicated to the memory of the late Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselagkgomo, as well as other victims of the scourge)
Date: 6th Dec(Mpumalanga Gospel Awards to be held at Communio Church Auditorium in the City of Mbombela)
Beyond the social impact, the festival is widely regarded as a critical economic engine for local transport operators, informal vendors, accommodation providers, and hospitality businesses across the province.
MMC Mhlanga noted that the MTPA(Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency) will release a comprehensive post-event report detailing the full financial impact on the local economy.
MEC Mabuza acknowledged the contribution of the media houses who have played a significant role not only on covering the event, but also engaging the DCSR on the demands of the market, helping to reawaken the Xperience.
As the province prepares for the two-week showcase from late November through early December, the 11th Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience stands out not just as a festival, but as a movement, one that honours the past, empowers the youth, supports local livelihoods, and brings communities together under a shared banner of hope.
