GRAAFF-REINET- The historic town of Graaff-Reinet is set to host the Visionaries of Freedom Festival a celebration of creativity, legacy and local opportunity, from 05 – 07 June 2025. The festival is rooted in the centenary of liberation icon Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe and will feature a range of activities, including film screenings, storytelling, performance and public dialogue.
According to Festival Director Mariza Matshaya, “We cannot afford to wait for solutions to come from outside. We have to create opportunity from within and that means investing in young people’s skills in our stories and in the places we come from.”
The festival will include opening keynotes by Matshaya and Mayor Willem Saffers, film screenings, skills development workshops, panel discussions and live performances. The event aims to demonstrate the potential of the creative industries to support livelihoods, drive tourism and renew local economies.
The festival will culminate with a musical celebration and meditation titled ‘Our Fire Still Burns’ by iPhupho L’ka Biko. With its focus on creativity, legacy and local opportunity, the Visionaries of Freedom Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Dates: 05 – 07 June 2025
Venue: Rupert Theatre and various venues across Graaff-Reinet
Photograph: Supplied
