The celebrated South African songstress has officially withdrawn from the Mangaung African Cultural Festival, adding to a growing list of high-profile exits and controversies surrounding this year’s event.
By Bulelwa Hoala

Award-winning South African singer Thandiswa Mazwai has officially withdrawn from the 2026 Mangaung African Cultural Festival (Macufe), confirming that she will no longer perform at the event in Bloemfontein, Free State.
Mazwai was scheduled to perform on Saturday, 12 September 2026, as part of the festival’s main event at the Rose Garden.
Official statement from Thandiswa Mazwai
Mazwai announced her decision through a brief statement posted across her official social media channels on Tuesday.
“Please note that THANDISWA will not be appearing at the MACUFE festival on 12 September,” the statement read.
“Thank you to everyone who was looking forward to seeing us there.”
While Mazwai did not disclose a specific reason for her withdrawal, her exit marks another change to the festival’s star-studded programme.
Salif Keita’s exit over xenophobia
Mazwai’s withdrawal follows the recent exit of internationally acclaimed Malian singer-songwriter Salif Keita, who pulled out of Macufe and cancelled his upcoming South African performances, citing concerns over xenophobic violence.
In a statement released on Wednesday, 26 August, Keita said he could not ignore reports of violence against African migrants.
“When I see migrants attacked, I do not see ‘politics’. I see people looking for work, safety and dignity,” Keita stated. “This does not match the South Africa I know — the South Africa that stood with Mali and the South Africa that Nelson Mandela built.”
Macufe 2026 facing a cloud of controversy
According to Bloemfontein community newspaper Bloemfontein Courant, Macufe 2026 has come under public and administrative scrutiny over its planning, budget and overall management.
In a recent report, the publication highlighted administrative changes, including the alleged removal of Takalani Ramabulana from his post as director of supply chain management within the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
What’s next for Macufe 2026
The 10-day cultural festival is currently underway across various venues in Bloemfontein, with the main event set to take place on 12 September.
The official lineup still includes high-profile artists such as Lira, Zonke, Sannere, Nathi, Ntando and the Jaziel Brothers.
The Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation has also announced the addition of Vusi Nova and Shandesh to the lineup.
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