Picture: Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival
By OBAKENG MAJE
13 October 2026 – Get your festive season plans ready as the iconic Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival is back to reclaim its spot as North West’s ultimate December celebration. The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR), alongside Big Daddy247 Events, officially kicked-off the countdown during a star-studded launch in Hartbeespoort Dam.
The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Wessels Morweng said from 3 until 6 December 202, the City of Goodwill as Mahikeng is affectionately known, will transform into a vibrant centre of music, culture and economic opportunity. Morweng said revellers will be drawn to the Mmabatho Convention Centre and Mmabatho Stadium.
“More than just a world-class weekend party, the festival serves as a primary financial driver for local tourism, hospitality and creative industries. Impressive figures from recent Parks Board research, highlighting a massive R25 million in overall revenue in 2025, including R19 million directly boosting local SMMEs and R8.9 million generated for accommodation and hospitality.
“So, we call on local businesses and creatives to unite. The power of community-led growth and collective participation will be essential in helping to take Mahikeng back to its old self. It will also ensure that local talent shines, emerging artists across all four districts of the North West will get their chance to take the mic during provincial build-up activations leading up to the main event,” he said.
He further said this year’s stellar line-up brings together local powerhouses, national icons and international stars across three action-packed days. Morweng added that on 3 December 2026, revellers’ spirit will be elevated with Lebo Sekgobela, Dumi Mkokstad, Simon Makgatholela, Ndumiso Mabena, and Kgethang Konese at Mmabatho Convention Centre.
“On 4 December 2026, the heat will be turned up with Amapiano giants, Scorpion Kings, Kabza De Small and DJ
Maphorisa, A-Reece, Zee Nxumalo, Royal Musiq, Shakes and Les, Juss Gigi, and Benzoo at Mmabatho Stadium. On 6 December 2026, revellers will be given a chance to unwind with
legendary sounds from Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Ringo Madlingozi, Mafikizolo, Vusi Nova, Sun-El Musician, and Simmy, alongside international stars Jimmy Dludlu (Mozambique), Sannere (Lesotho), and Ezra Neethings (Botswana) at Mmabatho Stadium.
“Big Daddy247 Events is inviting local vendors, SMMEs, and job seekers to be part of making 2026 Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival 2026 a success. Opportunities are available for catering,
mobile sanitation, 3km barricade fencing, emergency medical services, hostesses, cleaners, and local traders,” he said.
Morweng said interested businesses can submit their profiles by visiting the event team at the Mmabatho Stadium Tennis Court offices, emailing info@bigdaddy247events.co.za or reaching out via WhatsApp at 063 523 9158.
Meanwhile, tickets are on sale now via Computicket starting from R200, with special Black Friday discounted packages dropping soon for a limited time.
