Speaking at the City of Matlosana, the deputy director-general (DDG) for the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Sibusiso Tsanyane confirmed the Matlosana Hello Festival will receive support from the department on Thursday, 02 October 2025.
“The National Department of Sport Arts and Culture is pleased to confirm its support for the 2025 Matlosana HELLO FESTIVAL (#Hello Fest). It is for the first time the Department is supporting this relatively young festival.
“It is quite impressive to see a festival this young reaching over 20 000 audience within a space of just 2 years of its existence. This is exactly what the Department wants to see in terms of experience entrepreneurs like Showtime entertainment whereby the focus is clear when it comes to economic impact of the Cultural and Creative Industries,” said Tsanyane.
Tsanyane said employment opportunities remain a primary objective to achieve and projects like the Hello Fest create platforms for young creatives to access market opportunities in the sector.
The event also play a pivotal role in nation building and social cohesion as this is seen as family-oriented lifestyle event that gathers communities during the yearend and ushering us into the new year.
“We take this opportunity to thank the Hon MEC for nominating HELLO FEST as it charts a new path of the potential of the Northwest Province in terms of hosting the large-scale festival like this one. The location of this event has more potential to bring tourists from Botswana, and domestic tourists from theneighbouring Provinces like the Northern Cape and Gauteng.
“Like we do with the other Provincial Flagships projects, we will keep track on the performance of this project as it is a torchbearer for other provincial flagship projects across the country when it comes to audience participation.
“The National Department of Sport Arts and Culture remains committed to providing support to festivals like the HELLO FEST.”
Welcoming the return of the Matlosana Hello Festival, Executive Mayor of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Cllr Nikiwe Num said the festival positions Matlosana as a premier destination for lifestyle and cultural experiences in the province.
Num emphasised the importance of such events in growing the local economy.
“The Hello Festival is more than entertainment – it stimulates economic activity by attracting visitors, creating business opportunities for local vendors, and providing temporary jobs in the hospitality, tourism, and event management sectors. It also positions Matlosana as a premier destination for lifestyle and cultural experiences in the province,” said Num.
The local and district municipalities announced their intention to support for the festival taking place on 31 December 2025 and 01 January 2026 at Mshengu Fun City, Klerksdorp.
“The municipality remains committed to supporting initiatives that not only promote arts, music, and culture but also provide tangible socio-economic benefits for the people of Matlosana.
“As the community ushers in the new year, the festival will offer residents and visitors a safe, festive, and memorable celebration while boosting local tourism and showcasing the vibrancy of Matlosana,” said municipal spokesperson Kelebogile Moleko.
It is undoubtedly one of the largest lifestyle and entertainment events in the region, attracting thousands of revelers from across the province and beyond.
“This annual New Year’s celebration brings together top local artists, DJs, food stalls, and cultural showcases, creating a vibrant platform that celebrates both our cultural identity and creative industries.”
The festival will be a two day event, beginning with Lekompo v/s Amapiano on the 31st December, followed by the All White Jazz Festival on New year’s day 2026.
Artists who are expected performing are Selaelo Selota, Bongo Maffin, Trompies, Thebe Mafikizolo, Kabza De Small, Thope tse Khano, Bhudaza, Teboho Moloi, Boom Shaka, Mdu Masilela, Brothers of Peace, Nkosazana Daughter, Kharishma, Lady Du, Leemckrazy, Mawhoo, Shandesh, King Monada and many more.
