The inaugural Hazendal Festival will take place on the weekend of 4 - 6 October and will be dedicated to the life-fostering organic material – soil.
To guide this journey Hazendal has invited well-known curator and visionary Khanyisile Mbongwa to be the head curator. Working with soil as an archive that holds shared stories of the past, present, and future, the Soil Edition will be guided by the Nguni proverb “Belele nje, Abathulunga”. In English it translates to, “They may be asleep, but they are not quiet.”
Khanyisile 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.”
The festival’s line-up includes a sculpture commission, live interventions, art installations, film screenings, wine tasting, a symposium, family friendly activities and much more.
Here are ten events taking place at the Hazendal Festival | Soil Edition, that will get you tasting, grooving and most importantly ruminating.
1. Where the ART is
At the heart of the Hazendal Festival is creativity, illustrating how important art is as a means of research and questioning. Festival specific commissions include a sculptural piece from Cape Town artist Thania Petersen and a live intervention from Sethembile Msezane. Multidimensional creative Sisonke Papu’s ‘ISIKHUMBUZ: Pillar of Remembrance’ is an installation designed to explore and honour the complex relationship between humanity, nature, and the cosmos, through the lens of indigenous African knowledge and spirituality. At the heart of the installation is a tall, carved wooden pillar placed within an installation of coloured river sand.
This project underscores the importance of indigenous knowledge preservation and transmission, offering a space for contemplation, healing and the renewal of cultural heritage. The festival will also host a gallery exhibition with works by celebrated South African artists including Lady Skollie, Inga Somdyala, Warren Maroon and Stephané E. Conradie.
2. Soil, Symposium and Science
Learning and discussion is at the centre of the symposium. The three-day event will explore Hazendal Wine Estate’s belief that land is our responsibility to work on and with, and a place to explore the bond between land, heritage, and our shared responsibility. Facilitated by art advisor and curator Lungi Morrison, the symposium will facilitate public conversations between invited artists and leading academics and scientists. This thoughtful discussion will deepen our understanding of how our connection to the land can inspire both emotional and intellectual growth. It will also delve into how we can foster a more compassionate relationship with the environment and drive meaningful change.
Thought leaders who will be participating are Professor Sechaba Bareetseng who works in the scientific research and development industry with a focus on Biotechnology, and Simeon Materechera, a professor of Soil Science and Director of the Indigenous Knowledge Systems at the North-West University. On the cultural side is arts coordinator, cultural curator, and writer Faye Kabali-Kagwa. Other contributors are Dr Christian Lueme, Prof. Kensese Mossanda, Dr Uhuru Phalafala, Li’Tsoanelo Zwane and Ukhona Ntsali Mlandu.
3. Storytelling through dance
Renowned South African director, choreographer and performing artist Luke de Kock brings the Camissa Heritage Tour to the Hazendal Festival. This production with a cast of 16 performers, will move through the site, narrating the story of indigenous Cape communities and our colonial past. Through this artistic and educative project, the performance will bring into focus the narratives of the Indigenous People of South Africa. Luke will also facilitate a short Camissa Dance workshop during the symposium.
4. For the littlest members of the family
The festival isn’t just for the grown-ups. Visual artists and designer Faatimah Mohamed-Luke has crafted a series of workshops for children that foster creativity, play and a deeper connection to the environment. While the adults engage in cultural conversations, the little ones can enjoy their own curated experience. From playful moments to hands-on crafting, each activity is designed to inspire curiosity and fun. The dedicated sessions will take place at Hazendal’s interactive children’s edutainment centre Wonderdal and will run alongside the Symposium, leaving our youngest guests to enjoy their own immersive journey through the Hazendal Festival | Soil Edition. The children’s programme will run from 10am – 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, in parallel with the rest of the festival’s day-time programme.
5. Food and Wine
As one of the oldest wine estates in Stellenbosch, Hazendal boasts a long tradition of crafting wines that truly express the coastal terroir of this unique corner of winelands. More recently the estate has turned to distilling vodka from the grapes. Unsurprisingly then, culinary delights and delicious drinks will be at the forefront of the fantastic weekend fest. These include a home-grown dinner created by the fine dining Zulu chef Vusi Ndlovu (together with Hazendal’s Head Chef Michelle Theron).
Vusi made a name for himself working at notable restaurants in South Africa and Europe and is one of the founding members of the African Culinary Library, a resource dedicated to preserving and promoting African culture and cuisine. Also, on offer and to get you in the spirit and tapping your toes, is a wine and vodka tasting and intervention with multidisciplinary artist Queezy Babaz. Queezy bridges the intersections of fine art, fashion, and performance, creating immersive worlds through videography, drag performances and DJ sets.
6. Hands-on workshops
Get ready for discovery and play with practical workshops that give attendees the opportunity to learn by doing. One such event will be hosted by Tapiwa Guzha, the founder of Cape Town’s Tapi Tapi ice cream shop. Using food, Tapiwa aims to reach people and get them listening and debating subjects such as the past, Afro-identities and colonial legacies.
7. Film Screenings
If compelling storytelling, an original concept, and eye-catching visuals are your bag, then the line-up of short film screenings throughout the weekend should be on your agenda. They include Lerato Shadi’s Motlhaba Wa Re Ke Namile, which takes the viewer on a journey through a semi-fictitious town that combines aspects of Nieu-Bethesda, with a wider, timeless representation of South Africa. Lebohang used the practice of cut-paper photo-collage, which is then animated in three dimensions to create an almost magical moving piece.
8. A special edition Hazendal MCC Label
For the wine and art aficionados, the launch of the special edition Hazendal MCC (Méthode Cap Classique) label designed by artist Athi-Patra Ruga is a hot happening. Umtata born Athi-Patra’s work spans the mediums of costume, performance, video, and photography. His colourful, dreamlike imagery of myths and alternative identities can be found in collections worldwide including the Smithsonian Museum of African Art and the Foundation Louis Vuitton collection. We can’t wait to see how he elevates a wine label to a work of art.
9. Hazendal picnic baskets
Unwind and savour the Hazendal experience between thought-provoking discussions with a delicious picnic. Enjoy a basket on shaded lawns surrounded by outdoor sculptures and entertained by live music. Hazendal picnic baskets come filled with delicacies including artisan breads, herb butters, fresh salads and a tasty selection of cold meats, cheeses, and snacks. Bookings are essential and full prepayment is required to confirm your booking.
10. Into the night
As evening falls and the stars shine bright, the Hazendal Estate will come alive with a celebration of land, heritage, and shared experiences. Live music sets the tone for an evening of dance, featuring performers Majozi and Zolani Mahola and the Feminine Force. The night will continue with DJs Daddy, Gontse, and Ghost Bunny, who will spin a mix of genres from Afro to deep house. Bespoke food and drinks pairings will reflect the rich flavours of the environment and the bounty of the soil – with each dish thoughtfully crafted to honour the connection between nature and nourishment. This is the perfect opportunity to embrace the warmth of community and the vibrant energy of the festival, creating moments that will linger long after the night ends.
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