The Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience (MPUCE) is back by popular demand and this year is celebrating a decade of top entertainment.

The MEC for culture, sport and recreation, Leah Mabuza, officially opened the 2025 MPUCE during a media launch at Ndalo Lodge in Mbombela today, October 7. The ‘Sunrise to Sunset’ theme reflects the enterprise’s successful ten-year journey and its vision for many more events in the future.

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Mabuza said this year’s celebration is not just another series of cultural and entertainment events, but a unique tribute to a decade-long effort – a testament to the long-term vision of the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation (DCSR) to develop the arts and creative industry in Mpumalanga. “It is also an opportunity to showcase our province’s ability to host successful events while creating opportunities for our artists. It highlights the richness of Mpumalanga’s diverse cultural heritage. Since its inception in 2015, the Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience has grown into one of the province’s signature events. Over the past ten years, it has become a unifying platform where culture, music, comedy, tradition, and sport come together to tell the story of who we are as a people,” she said.

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As part of celebrating this milestone, the DCSR has produced a documentary chronicling the journey of the MPUCE over the past 10 years.

“It pays tribute to everyone who has contributed to making the festival the success it is today. The documentary will be available on the DCSR’s YouTube channel, DCSRTV, from October 31. The Music Creatives Workshop has also created and released a song titled ‘Phuma Langa’, which is available on all major digital streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, Deezer, and others. It is already blazing across the country’s airwaves, and I have no doubt it will top the summer charts. I would like to thank everyone who participated in the making of the song,” she said.

This year’s events will include:
• Kasi Xperience in Embalenhle;
• Comedy Xperience in Mbombela;
• Carnival Xperience at the Promenade Centre, also in Mbombela;
• Choral Xperience Elukwatini in the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality;
• The 013 Summer Blaze at Mbombela Stadium;
• Soul Session Xperience in the Lowveld National Botanical Garden, Mbombela;
• Marathon Xperience at Kameelrivier B Stadium, Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality;
• Traditional Xperience at Ndundza Somphalali Traditional Authority; and
• Mpumalanga’s Gospel Music Awards at the Communio Church Auditorium, Mbombela.

“I call on the people of Mpumalanga, visitors from across South Africa, and international tourists to join us in celebrating this milestone and promoting our province. Let us support our artists and entrepreneurs, and continue showing the warmth and hospitality that have become synonymous with Mpumalanga,” Mabuza concluded.