1. What is the National Arts Festival?
Africa’s Biggest Cultural Event: The festival is the largest of its kind on the continent and one of the biggest globally.
A Celebration of Art: It showcases a mix of local and international talent across various art forms, from theatre and dance to music and visual arts.
A Town Transformed: During the festival, every available space in Makhanda becomes a venue, including school halls, churches, parks, and sports fields.
2. Key Highlights of the Festival
The festival offers something for everyone, making it a family-friendly destination. Here are its main attractions:
Performances
Over 500 shows spanning:
Theatre (drama, comedy)
Dance (ballet, interpretive dance)
Music (jazz, opera, folk)
Stand-up comedy
Cabaret and more
Street Theatre: Free outdoor performances bring art to life on the streets.
Identifying the must-see performances at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival (now known as the Makhanda National Arts Festival) can be challenging due to the vast array of shows available. However, here are some highlights and tips to help you navigate the festival:
Must-See Performances and Events
Sundowner Concerts: These free evening concerts at the 1820 Settlers Monument showcase a variety of performances from the Fringe programme, offering a great preview of upcoming shows.
Indigenous Art and Culture Performances: Shows like "Aalaapi" and the "Eastern Cape Ensemble" have been highly acclaimed for their powerful storytelling and cultural significance.
Standard Bank Young Artists: This prestigious award highlights some of South Africa's most talented artists across various disciplines.
Arena Programme: Features award-winning productions from previous years, including theatre, dance, and music performances.
Solo Theatre Productions: Intimate performances that often explore personal narratives and contemporary issues.
Think!Fest: Engaging lectures and discussions on current topics, offering a deeper understanding of society and the arts.
Tips for Choosing Performances
Check the Festival Programme: Look for the Main, Fringe, and Arena programmes to find shows that align with your interests.
Follow Social Media: Keep an eye on the festival's social media channels for updates on popular and critically acclaimed performances.
Attend Free Events: Take advantage of free street performances and exhibitions to discover new talent and art forms.
Book Tickets Early: Popular shows sell out quickly, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Additional Highlights
Craft Markets: Explore stalls selling handmade crafts, local food, and unique souvenirs.
The Long Table Restaurant: Enjoy hearty meals in a unique, candlelit setting.
Streets of Freedom Parade: A vibrant farewell event that wraps up the festival.
The festival's diverse offerings ensure there's something for everyone, making it a must-visit event for art enthusiasts and families alike.
Art Exhibitions
Galleries and pop-up spaces showcase paintings, sculptures, photography, and digital art.
Craft Markets
Thousands of stalls sell:
Handmade jewellery
Clothing and accessories
Décor items
Local food and beverages
Children’s Programmes
Activities for kids aged 4-13 include:
Music and dance workshops
Drama classes
Craft-making sessions
Think!Fest
A series of thought-provoking seminars and discussions on current issues.
3. Why Visit the Festival?
The festival is not just about art - it’s an experience that combines culture, history, and community spirit. Here’s why you should go:
Support Local Talent: Celebrate South African artists while enjoying international acts.
Unforgettable Atmosphere: The streets come alive with music, laughter, and creativity.
Family-Friendly Fun: With activities for all ages, it’s perfect for a family getaway.
Explore Makhanda: Discover historical landmarks like the 1820 Settlers Monument or visit nearby game reserves.
4. Tips for Planning Your Trip
To make your visit enjoyable, here are some practical tips:
Book Early
Accommodation fills up fast due to over 50,000 visitors flocking to Makhanda.
Reserve tickets for popular shows in advance to avoid disappointment.
Dress Warmly
Eastern Cape winters can be chilly - pack warm clothes and comfortable shoes.
The Grahamstown National Arts Festival is more than just an event - it’s a celebration of creativity that brings people together from all walks of life. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for a unique South African experience, this festival promises memories that will last a lifetime. Pack your bags, book your tickets early, and prepare to be inspired!
Questions after the interview:
At the end of an interview there is usually an opportunity where you can ask any questions you might have. This is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you are interested in the position as well as the company. It is a good idea to prepare a few questions before the interview – this can be done while you are doing research on the company.
Your questions should show the interviewer that you are a good candidate for the position. Try and avoid questions that are based on your personal needs and preferences, for instance:
- How much leave will I get in a year?
- Will I be considered for promotion in my first year?
- When will I get an increase?
- What time can I leave in the afternoon?
These questions are inappropriate at this stage and will probably raise concerns on the side of the interviewer. Should you be the successful candidate then all these questions will be answered in your letter of appointment so don’t waste this opportunity by asking these basic questions.
If the position is an entry level job or very junior then you are welcome to ask questions in line with the position, for instance:
- Why did the previous person leave the position?
- What would the successful person be tasked to do in a typical day?
- How does this position fit into the department and / or company?
- Could you explain the company structure to me?
- Is there any further education assistance or support?
If the position is more senior then you can prepare question around the following themes:
- current issues that will face the successful candidate;
- inter-personal challenges in the department;
- any process, technology or people challenges that needs to be attended to urgently;
- key result areas that need urgent attention in the first few months;
The above information should get you started. Prepare a few questions so that you can show your worth. Good luck with your interview!
