MPUMALANGA - 013 Summerblaze is set to celebrate its fifth anniversary on 28 November 2026 at Mbombela Stadium, with founder and CEO Zakhele Mbatsane promising a bigger celebration featuring some of South Africa's seasoned hitmakers while highlighting the festival's contribution to job creation, tourism and local business growth in Mpumalanga.
Speaking during the anniversary media launch, Mbatsane reflected on the festival's journey over the past five years, describing it as more than just a music event.
“Tonight, we are celebrating a movement,” he said, highlighting five years of music, culture, community development and economic opportunities.
Mbatsane said the festival has grown into an economic platform benefiting various sectors, including food vendors, taxi operators, accommodation establishments, security personnel and production teams.
“And from the build-up to the main event, we are creating more than a thousand employment opportunities,” he said.
He said the festival continues to prioritise Mpumalanga-based service providers, with more than R600,000 being invested in local talent, including over 60 artists and influencers.
The investment is aimed at ensuring that the economic benefits of the festival remain within the province, supporting local livelihoods and businesses.
As part of the fifth anniversary celebrations, activations planned between September and November will take place across Mpumalanga's three districts of Ehlanzeni, Nkangala and Gert Sibande.
Emerging event organisers will be given opportunities to coordinate the activations, while performers from surrounding municipalities and host communities will form part of the entertainment programme. Bushbuckridge has been identified as the location for the Ehlanzeni activation.
“We intend to appoint local artists from all the municipalities,” Mbatsane said, emphasising the festival's commitment to creating opportunities for artists across the province.
The anniversary programme will also include a dedicated tourism week aimed at showcasing Mpumalanga's attractions and tourism businesses, encouraging visitors to explore the province, book accommodation and support local businesses.
With the festival marking five years, Mbatsane said the organisers intend to go bigger by bringing together established artists who have consistently produced hit songs and delivered memorable performances over the years.
The announced lineup includes Sjava, Uncle Waffles, Sun-El Musician, Bensoul, Daliwonga, Feza, DJ Karri, Cassper Nyovest, Young Stunna and Tman Xpress.
The selection reflects the organisers' intention to deliver a major anniversary celebration featuring seasoned performers with proven track records in the music industry.
“The show this year is gonna be next level,” Mbatsane said.
He explained that the selection of artists was based on the quality of their music, stage presence and ability to deliver strong live performances.
The anniversary celebration is expected to feature approximately 22 national artists and more than 20 performers from Mpumalanga, bringing together established names and local talent on one platform.
Mbatsane also acknowledged the support of key stakeholders and sponsors, including the Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation, the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, SAB through Castle Lite, Coca-Cola and Vodacom.
He welcomed the City of Mbombela, which is hosting the festival, as a sponsor after the municipality committed to a three-year sponsorship agreement starting in 2026. He also welcomed the National Lotteries Commission as a sponsor of the fifth anniversary celebration.
