2025 Drakensberg Extravaganza: Music Festival Takes Centre Stage

The much-awaited annual Drakensberg Extravaganza & Heritage Experience festival has been reduced to a singular music event for its 2025 edition.

Scheduled for December 6, the festival's setting will be the picturesque Woodstock Dam, with a follow-up free picnic on December 7 aimed at encouraging safe enjoyment.

For over a decade, the Drakensberg Extravaganza featured a vibrant lineup of events spanning 11 days, including the popular Drakensberg Marathon, Drakensberg Music Experience, Fishing and Jazz Experience, and several Empowerment Summits.

However, organisers have the challenge of securing adequate sponsorship in tough economic times, which forced them to scale back on the extravaganza.

“We had to make the tough decision to cancel the other activities due to the unwillingness of sponsors to invest in rural sporting and tourism events,” said Sipho Ndaba, a representative from Drakensberg Production.

“Without sponsorship, it is extremely difficult to sustain annual events of this magnitude.”

Ndaba noted that proposals for funding had mostly received silence, underscoring the challenges faced by rural events in attracting urban-centric investment.

Despite the setback, Ndaba remains hopeful about the future of the Extravaganza.

“We will save from any other income to ensure the full event returns, including all its activities in 2026,” he stated.

He lamented the ongoing trend where investors focus predominantly on urban areas at the expense of rural development.

In a heartfelt message to the community, Ndaba expressed regret for the disappointment caused by the cancellations, particularly for the athletes who look forward to competitions like the Drakensberg Marathon.

“The marathon is one of the best-paying races on the calendar, aimed at uplifting athletes and attracting elite participants.

"Without funding, we cannot risk hosting a sub-standard race that might jeopardise their safety and livelihoods.”

For music lovers, the event promises an entertaining day, featuring top South African artists like Mawhoo and Nkosazana Daughter, alongside Goldmax, Nkeshemba,and Nobuhle. More artists are set to be announced, planting excitement in the hearts of festival-goers.

Tickets are currently available through Ticketpro and Spar outlets.

DAILY NEWS