BY EPN REPORTER
MBABANE- The countdown has officially begun for one of Mpumalanga’s fastest-growing cultural celebrations, the Phakama Mpumalanga Festival, with organisers announcing that tickets for this year’s event are now available.
The festival will take place on 31 October and 1 November 2026 at the scenic Ngwenya Estate in White River, Mpumalanga, promising festival-goers two unforgettable days packed with music, fashion, art, food, culture and camping under the stars.
Phase 1 tickets officially went on sale on 22 May 2026 and are available through Computicket and Howler and Moja Tickets. Ticket prices have been set at E200 for a General Day Pass, E350 for a General Weekend Pass, E500 for a VIP Day Pass and E700 for a VIP Weekend Pass.
Beyond the entertainment, organisers are also celebrating another major milestone after the festival received a nomination in the Best Event category at the Best of Mbombela Awards. Mpumalanga commercial radio station Rise FM, is their official media partner.
According to organisers, the festival was founded to showcase emerging and established talent, support local entrepreneurs and artisans, promote cultural exchange and heritage, boost tourism and economic activity in Mpumalanga, and provide a platform for music, fashion, visual arts and the broader creative industries.
The brainchild of Advocate Twain Ngwenya, the festival was launched with the vision of creating a world-class cultural showcase for Mpumalanga. Ngwenya has consistently championed the development of local artists and creatives while positioning the province as a destination for arts, culture and tourism.
The inaugural Phakama Mpumalanga Festival was held on 28 and 29 October 2023 at Ngwenya Estate in White River, near Mbombela. Organisers described the event as a first-of-its-kind annual celebration for the province.
Since then, the festival has continued to grow in stature and attendance.
The 2024 edition expanded its music, fashion and arts programme, while the 2025 edition attracted a strong line-up of performers including Phumla Music, Mbuso Khoza, Mörda, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Oscar Mbo, Jabulile Majola and Shakes & Les.
The 2024 festival also featured notable acts such as Mandisi Dyantyis, Sun-El Musician, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Bholoja and GranMah, further cementing the event’s reputation as a premier cultural gathering.
Often described as Mpumalanga’s answer to major lifestyle festivals, Phakama has earned recognition for blending entertainment with art, fashion, culture, entrepreneurship and community development rather than focusing solely on music.
Reflecting on the festival’s growth, Ngwenya noted in a 2025 interview that the event was entering its third year, highlighting the remarkable journey since its inception in 2023.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 edition, organisers are promising another immersive experience that celebrates creativity, culture and community spirit while providing a stage for local talent to shine alongside established names.
With ticket sales now underway and a prestigious award nomination already under its belt, the Phakama Mpumalanga Festival appears poised for yet another landmark chapter in its growing story.
(Courtesy Pics)
