Kriel – The Springboks Rugby Field in Kriel came alive with music, laughter and the smell of sizzling boerewors on 25 October 2025. Families spread colourful blankets, unpacked picnic baskets, and greeted neighbours as the long-awaited Kriel Picnic Festival began, promising a day of food, music and community celebration.
From the moment I arrived, the energy was warm, genuine and familiar.
The aroma of vetkoek frying and sweet lemonade being poured mingled with the scent of the Highveld morning. Local vendors proudly displayed handmade crafts, beadwork and delicious traditional meals. I stopped to chat with one woman selling homemade ginger beer. She smiled and said, “This festival brings life back to our town.”
As the morning unfolded, the sounds of Highveld Harmony, our local jazz group, filled the air with smooth, soulful melodies. Children ran across the grass chasing bubbles, while older folks settled into their camp chairs, tapping their feet to the rhythm. The atmosphere was pure joy, the kind of joy that only comes when people gather to celebrate what they share: music, food and culture.
Later, the Sibongamandla High School Choir took to the stage, and their performance stopped everyone in their tracks. Their powerful rendition of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika echoed across the field, voices blending beautifully as the crowd stood, some even wiping away tears. At that moment, under the banner reading “Kriel United”, I felt a deep sense of pride in what this community represents: unity, resilience and hope.
Near the entrance, a white medical tent where paramedic Lerato Maseko and her team from the Mpumalanga Emergency Medical Services stood watch. Throughout the day, they moved quietly among the crowd, handing out sunscreen and water, always smiling.
When an elderly woman got a bit dizzy after dancing too long in the sun, Maseko was quick to assist. Within minutes, the gogo was laughing again, declaring, “I’m too young to stop dancing!” That moment summed up the spirit of the day: unstoppable joy.
As evening fell, the rugby field transformed into a glowing wonderland. Fairy lights twinkled above picnic blankets and the crowd shifted from laid-back to lively as a local DJ took over with upbeat amapiano tracks. Couples kicked off their shoes to dance barefoot on the cool grass, children waved glow sticks, and groups of friends swayed together beneath the stars.
Vendors counted their earnings with smiles, grateful for a day of good business. One of the organisers, Bongani Lubisi, told me: “This festival is more than entertainment. It’s about reminding people that Kriel has something beautiful to offer.”
By the time the final song played, no one seemed ready to leave. Neighbours hugged, friends made plans to meet again and someone shouted, “Same time next year!”
