NAF 2025: A Celebration of Identity, Resilience, and the Power of Art

Daily Maverick

5 days ago

As the curtain falls on the 2025 National Arts Festival (NAF), South Africa's creative heartbeat echoes across the country louder than ever before.
From 26 June to 6 July 2025 in Makhanda, the country's most iconic arts festival was a reminder that, even in challenging times, the arts remain important, not only as a form of expression but as a lens through which we define, examine, and reimagine ourselves.
Now in its 51st year, the festival has become more than just an annual fixture on the cultural calendar. It is a living, breathing monument to creativity, courage, and community.
Standard Bank has been a proud sponsor of the festival for more than 40 years.
This year's edition, featuring cutting-edge theatre, experimental visual art, bold dance, soul-stirring poetry, and genre-defying music, was a masterclass in resilience, proof that the creative economy is not only alive but evolving.
Sustaining such a powerful creative ecosystem, particularly in a country like South Africa, requires more than talent and vision; it demands a deeply rooted, strategic investment that is consistent and long-term.
Standard Bank Group Head of Sponsorship, Bonga Sebesho reflects on the longevity and legacy of the partnership with the NAF.
'We've been a part of this festival for over 40 years,' Sebesho shared during a special broadcast at the festival. 'It's one of the longest sponsorships in South Africa, and it speaks volumes about the trust, partnership, and belief we have in the arts.'
Standard Bank's sponsorship isn't just corporate social responsibility; it's a strategic pillar aimed at sustainability, growth, and economic impact.
'The creative economy is a crucial sector. It creates jobs, it uplifts youth, and it shapes how we think and engage with each other. Supporting the arts is not an optional nice-to-have; it's an economic imperative,' he said
This year's festival brought together over 2,500 artists across disciplines, from dance and theatre to visual arts and literature, along with production crews, vendors, and service providers, all contributing to the local and national economy. The ripple effect of this activity, especially in a small town like Makhanda, cannot be overstated.
'When we support the National Arts Festival, we're also supporting the small businesses, the guesthouses, the caterers, the artisans, and the community groups who keep this town running,' Sebesho added.
Topping the list of Standard Bank's celebrated cultural investments is the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards (SBYA).
This prestigious platform has launched the careers of some of South Africa's most celebrated artists, giving them space not only to present new work but also to refine their voices and connect with national and international audiences.
'We're proud to provide a platform where artists can test new work, take risks, and grow,' Sebesho said. 'And not just for national visibility, but for global recognition. We identify artists who are going to make it on the world stage.'
Many SBYA recipients, including Gregory Maqoma, Koleka Putuma, and the late Dada Masilo, have made their mark on international stages. The awards, which have now become a career-defining milestone for young creatives, are a symbol of the deep investment Standard Bank has made in artistic excellence.
Reflecting on how the bank measures return on such a long-term cultural investment, Sebesho said: 'Yes, there's brand sentiment and love, but beyond that, we look at real impact: how we support communities like Makhanda, how we grow with them, and how we uplift the arts sector meaningfully.'
It's not just about visibility during the festival, but about year-round involvement. From sponsoring recycling initiatives and youth workshops to co-supporting community-led road repairs and skills development programmes, the partnership between Standard Bank and the NAF is deeply embedded in the fabric of the town.
'Our involvement with Makhanda doesn't begin and end with the festival dates,' Sebesho emphasised. 'We are part of this community. Our contribution is year-long.'
Looking ahead, Standard Bank sees the arts not just as a space for entertainment, but as a vehicle for change.
'We want to continue creating platforms that matter. That means adapting, evolving, and staying relevant to new generations of talent,' Sebesho said.
That includes more emphasis on inclusivity, sustainability, and youth engagement, with plans to expand existing initiatives and explore new ones in partnership with festival leadership and local arts organisations.
This year, audiences were also introduced to newer festival offerings like the Igwijo youth competition, which invited under-21s to perform alongside legendary music group The Soil, bridging generations and spotlighting fresh voices. It's the kind of grassroots engagement that corporate partnerships can help amplify.
The arts spark dialogue, inspire empathy, and shape national identity. They provide jobs, inspire innovation, and empower young people to tell their stories. Without sustained support, many of these voices may go unheard.
Standard Bank's pop up restaurant in partnership with local eatery, Nic's Nest.
And it's through partnerships like the one with Standard Bank, built on vision, longevity, and belief, that the festival can continue to grow, expand access, and deepen its impact.
From bustling pop-up restaurants like 1862 at Nic's Nest, to sold-out runs at Fringe venues and jaw-dropping exhibitions at the Monument, the atmosphere in Makhanda was electric. But it was more than just excitement; it was purpose.
So, as we close the chapter on this year's festival, one truth remains clear: investing in the arts is investing in the soul of the nation. And in 2025, that soul was ablaze.