10 things to see and do at the Hazendal Festival
The Hazendal Festival is less than a week away, and it's shaping up to be an event you won’t want to miss.
This inaugural festival blends South African heritage with a global perspective, combining art, science, and culture in a way that sparks meaningful conversations about our shared future.
Taking place from October 4-6, 2024, at the Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, the event is expertly curated by Khanyisile Mbongwa, a visionary known for pushing creative boundaries.
The theme of this first edition is "Soil," exploring its significance as a source of life, a symbol of home, and a vessel for ancestral wisdom.
The festival promises an immersive experience, featuring thought-provoking talks, captivating art installations, live performances, workshops for kids, and, of course, wine tastings.
A key highlight is a symposium featuring top artists, scientists, and cultural leaders like Thania Petersen, Sethembile Msezane, and Athi-Patra Ruga.
Fashion lovers can enjoy a sustainability-focused runway show curated by Twyg, while food enthusiasts will love a culinary experience led by renowned chefs Vusi Ndlovu and Michelle Theron.
So, forget your typical weekend wine tasting—Hazendal is raising the bar with a festival that redefines entertainment for the entire family.
Mbongwa, known for her innovative approach to curation has created a program that examines soil as an archive of stories spanning the past, present, and future.
Guided by the Nguni proverb “Belele nje, Abathulunga” ("They may be asleep, but they are not quiet"), the festival invites guests to connect with the land and its rich history.
According to Mbongwa, the artists, scientists, spiritual healers, and cultural innovators she has invited will explore the fertility of soil through diverse practices.
Mbongwa says, “The commissioned works of the invited artists, scientists, spiritual healers, and cultural innovators interlock to understand the fertility of soil from the varying practitioners' points of view.
“These interventions are site-specific, engaging with the land and the soil from the practitioners' own work with spirituality.
“As such, we invite those who come to the festival to be a part of the space, pivoting between being members of the audience and witnesses of encounters.”
In short, expect three days of art, culture, and discovery, where local and global merge, and creativity takes centre stage.
1. Where the Art Is
Art takes centre stage at Hazendal, showcasing its power as a tool for research and reflection. Festival commissions include a sculpture by Thania Petersen and a live performance by Sethembile Msezane.
Sisonke Papu’s installation, ISIKHUMBUZO: Pillar of Remembrance, explores the relationship between humanity, nature, and the cosmos through indigenous African knowledge.
A gallery exhibition will also feature works by celebrated South African artists like Lady Skollie, Inga Somdyala, Warren Maroon, and Stephané E. Conradie.
2. Soil, Symposium, and Science
At the heart of the festival is a symposium exploring the bond between land, heritage, and responsibility.
Curated by Lungi Morrison, it will feature discussions between artists, academics, and scientists, deepening our understanding of how we can build a compassionate relationship with the environment.
Thought leaders like Professor Sechaba Bareetseng, Professor Simeon Materechera, and Faye Kabali-Kagwa will guide the conversation.
3. Storytelling through Dance
Renowned director and choreographer Luke de Kock brings the Camissa Heritage Tour to Hazendal, a performance that narrates the story of indigenous Cape communities and their colonial past. Luke will also host a Camissa Dance workshop during the symposium.
4. For the Little Ones
The festival isn’t just for adults. Visual artist Faatimah Mohamed-Luke has designed workshops for children, encouraging creativity and a connection with nature.
These workshops will take place at Wonderdal, Hazendal’s interactive edutainment centre, running alongside the main festival events.
5. Food and Wine
As one of Stellenbosch's oldest wine estates, Hazendal boasts a long history of crafting wines that express its unique terroir.
This festival will feature a dinner by chefs Vusi Ndlovu and Michelle Theron, along with wine and vodka tastings. Multidisciplinary artist Queezy Babaz will also host a tasting, blending art, fashion, and performance.
6. Hands-On Workshops
Tapiwa Guzha, founder of Cape Town’s Tapi Tapi ice cream shop, will host a workshop that uses food to spark conversations about Afro-identity and colonial legacies.
7. Film Screenings
If you're a fan of storytelling and stunning visuals, don't miss the film screenings. Highlights include Lerato Shadi’s Motlhaba Wa Re Ke Namile, which combines real and fictional elements to create a moving portrait of South Africa.
8. Special Edition Hazendal MCC Label
Art and wine lovers can look forward to the launch of a special edition Hazendal MCC label designed by Athi-Patra Ruga. Known for his work in costume, performance, video, and photography, Athi-Patra’s label is set to be a collector’s item.
9. Hazendal Picnic Baskets
Relax between events with a picnic on Hazendal’s shaded lawns. These baskets include artisan breads, salads, cheeses, and more, offering the perfect break amid the festival's lively atmosphere.
10. Into the Night
As evening falls, Hazendal will come alive with music, dancing, and shared experiences. DJs like Daddy, Gontse, and Ghost Bunny will play a mix of Afro and deep house, setting the tone for a night of celebration. Bespoke food and drinks will honour the festival’s theme of land and nourishment.