The City of uMhlathuze is turning up the heat this festive season with the uMhlathuze Sunset Festival, a three-day celebration designed to empower locals, boost township tourism, and shine a national spotlight on Northern KwaZulu-Natal’s creative heartbeat.
The festival officially launched at the City’s auditorium on Friday, where organisers unpacked the economic and social impact the event will bring, from job creation and entrepreneurship opportunities to platforms for home-grown artists.
“After being in the entertainment industry for years, I learned that local artists are not treated well, they’re overlooked or underpaid. We want to change that,” said Kwazi Zungu, one of the festival organisers. “This event reinvests in our communities by creating employment, encouraging entrepreneurship, developing skills and promoting local tourism and arts.”
According to the team behind uMhlathuze Sunset Events & Projects (Pty) Ltd, the festival is far more than a New Year’s Eve bash. It’s a movement to build the biggest arts and music property in Northern KZN, with a mission to inspire social cohesion, road safety and community pride.
“We’re levelling up the King Cetshwayo region through a series of festive experiences,” added Siyabonga Mazibuko. “The festival is about empowering people, promoting talent, and boosting the local economy.”
Security and safety are also front and centre. Head of safety Xolani Mbokazi and SAPS’ Colonel Mthimkhulu assured attendees that police visibility and crowd control measures will be intensified, ensuring a safe celebration for residents and visitors alike.
“We urge everyone not to drink and drive,” said Colonel Mthimkhulu. “Use shuttle services and designated drivers so that we can all welcome 2026 safely.”
Municipal representatives from the City of uMhlathuze, King Cetshwayo District Municipality, KZN Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), and EDTEA threw their weight behind the initiative, applauding it for returning the festive spotlight to local organisers and talent.
With over 50% of the line-up featuring local artists, the uMhlathuze Sunset Festival promises an unforgettable fusion of sound, culture and celebration. The line-up includes established national acts alongside rising stars from the City of uMhlathuze.
The experience will stretch across multiple days, featuring the uMhlathuze Sunset Fest Comedy Experience on 30 December, the New Year’s Eve Concert at Richards Bay Sports Complex on 31 December, a Beach Picnic on 1 January 2026, and a Jazz Session on 2 January.
As the sun sets on 2025, Richards Bay will come alive not just with music and laughter, but with opportunity, empowerment and community pride.
This is more than a festival. It’s a movement one that celebrates who we are as uMhlathuze, the city where the sun truly sets in style.
