Now in its ninth year, the Umtiza Arts Festival has continued to attract strong support as it nears its conclusion in the Buffalo City Metro.
With events spanning theatre, visual art, music and film, the festival has reaffirmed its role as a major cultural fixture in the Eastern Cape.
Sport, recreation, arts and culture MEC Sibulele Ngongo described Umtiza as “the jewel in the crown of the Eastern Cape’s cultural calendar”.
She noted the festival’s broader relevance beyond artistic celebration.
“Through storytelling, performance, music, visual arts and more, we speak to the heart of our society, addressing not only economic concerns but also the deep social emotional needs of our communities,” Ngongo said.
Among the festival’s standout contributors is actor and creative producer Sonwa Sakuba, who oversaw multiple productions in 2025.
Though known primarily for his stage work, Sakuba has expanded into producing, directing and choreographing.
“My first love is performing, but producing, directing and choreographing have come as a result of having to teach people how to do what I can do,” he said.
Reflecting on the challenges of working in the arts, he offered advice for emerging artists.
“I see in young people that they tend to burn bridges, they think they know better and they then find themselves in situations where they have to go back and relook at their decisions.”
One of Sakuba’s most anticipated works at the festival was Buzani Kubawo, a drama addressing forced marriage and domestic violence.
The play explores a traditional Xhosa practice in which parents choose a bride for their son, leading to tragic consequences.
“You will find that 90% of that show is about issues which are happening today,” Sakuba said.
“There is domestic violence, men killing women and children, these are things which are happening right now.
“Some of the questions we should always be asking ourselves are — what is the cause of this? Why do people take such drastic actions? What leads people to commit murder?
“These are the things that Gugulethu goes through in the play.”
Buzani Kubawo is scheduled to return to the stage at the Guild Theatre on June 16.
Sakuba also produced Woza Albert and Uxwilo: The Rapture as part of the 2025 festival programme.
“Woza Albert is an iconic SA theatrical piece, and it is also the dramatic arts study setwork, so it is always good to have students see what they are studying,” he said.
Sakuba has worked with Umtiza for five years and sits on the festival committee.
He noted the enthusiastic response from the 2025 audiences.
“My biggest surprise was that people really came out in numbers to watch the theatre shows. People still watch and love theatre.
“The people in this province really love isiXhosa and Xhosa shows, it was an eye opener,” he said.
Festival events have taken place across venues including the Guild Theatre, East London Museum, Ann Bryant Art Gallery, Amathole Museum, Alexander Playhouse, Legends Showcase, Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve, House 87, Jazz & Pizza Thursdays, and Ekoneni Lounge.
The Umtiza Arts Festival runs until June 5.
Daily Dispatch
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