MEDIA RELEASE: CREATIVE WORKS OF MORE THAN 200 EASTERN CAPE CREATIVES DAZZLE AT 51ST NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL

July 1, 2025 

The creative works of 211 creative enterprises from the Eastern Cape are on stunning display at the 51^stNational Arts Festival’s (NAF) Village Green in Makhanda.

Officially opened on Saturday, Village Green features nine craft stands from the Eastern Cape which include a main stand, as well as eight stands for each of the province’s six districts and two metros. On display are captivating visual displays, artworks, clothing, beadwork, ceramics, woodwork, grass works, knitwear and leather works.

The provincial stand has something for everyone – thought-provoking, whimsical, subtle, bold, minimalist, vintage, fragile, meticulously crafted, striking, and the unconventional! The provincial collective craft stands are organised and funded by the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC), Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and the Culture Council (ECPACC). 

“These partners fund the stands for the crafters, transport, accommodation, meals and stipends for the full duration of their 13-day stay in Makhanda, so they can focus on their core business - selling imaginative craft works and visual displays which capture the creative spirit of the Eastern Cape. The stands are manned by 26 stall managers who are ready to take you through these emotive visual artworks which express a unique vision, ideas and feelings. 

“Their participation is meant to promote quality crafts from the Eastern Cape from a diverse range of disciplines. We went out on a call looking for works by artists who work and live in the Eastern Cape and who have made a significant contribution to the art of the region. The NAF is an important market access platform for our creatives to put their work out in the market and to generate the orders and sales to sustain their businesses. It also presents an opportunity for crafters to attract buyers from across the globe,” says ECDC creative industry assistant Masimzukise Jack.

Jack says for this year’s provincial stand, the selectors reviewed submissions for participation at this year’s Fest, and selected hand-made craftworks that are well-executed and exude quality.

Asithandile Zixesha, 33, from Qonce in the Buffalo City Metro, whose creative philosophy draws inspiration from the sustainability practices which inform his minimalistic clothing designs and timeless pieces, is participating in his first NAF as part of the provincial collective stand. In many ways, his participation, represents the aspirations of many young Eastern Cape fashion designers seeking a breakthrough in a competitive fashion industry.

His brand, Birth Maark, infuses Afrocentric designs with modern high-end clothing. His initial vision was to develop fashion pieces inspired by the impactful works of black royal females which later extended to making fashion for women making an impact in their communities. This has evolved to producing timeless pieces which respond to market demand. 

“The market demands elegant luxurious fashion, and I have had to evolve in that direction. I am focussed on producing customised, impactful and imaginative designs versus mass produced garments,” says Zixesha.

Currently registered for a Master’s degree at the university of South Africa in fashion design, Zixesha says his pieces have a sustainability focus and is already engaged in similar projects. His display piece at the Buffalo City Metro stand which forms part of the Eastern Cape collective craft stand, is his cocktail shift dress which comes in sleeveless and short sleeve form. The dress retails at R600.

“The festival presents a great opportunity for my brand, to understand what is in demand, network with industry colleagues, and to generate sales and orders.

The appetite for my work has been encouraging so far. I have high hopes that I will sell all my stock by the end of the festival,” adds Zixesha.

Gqeberha’s Layola Ndzambo, 32, whose participating at the NAF for the third time, produces fibre crafts - boho inspired home décor, plush toys, and personal accessories using fibre techniques such as crochet, macrame and basket coiling.

“Being part of the provincial collective craft stand provides critical exposure for my business, allowing my creative works to reach a wider market. It is also an opportunity to network, and possibly form partnerships and collaborations with relevant people,” says Ndzambo.

From Komani in the Chris Hani District Municipality, Aviwe Duba, 40, who does beads and traditional wear, is participating for the second time at fest this year. She says the festival is great marketing platform for her business.

“The NAF is an opportunity to showcase my work and to attract new customers. We are not only showcasing, but we are also network and learning from our peers. We come across people from various backgrounds here, some of whom present opportunities to take our products to global markets,” Duba explains.