The MEC for culture, sport and recreation in Mpumalanga, Leah Mabuza, has applauded participants whose contribution made the 2025 Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience (MPUCE) a success. She said the activities have had a significant economic impact.

“At the core of the Cultural Xperience is a strategy to showcase Mpumalanga’s tourism attractions, for patrons to visit beyond the festivities. This is essential for them to visit and spend money in our accommodation facilities, which in turn contributes towards the province’s economic growth trajectory, aimed at job creation and reducing poverty,” Mabuza explained.

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This year marked the 10th anniversary of the annual cultural event, which showcases a rich heritage. The festivities, which started on November 22 and ended on December 7, took place across the Nkangala, Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande districts.

They included the Kasi Xperience, the vibrant Carnival Xperience, the Choral Xperience, the Soul Session Xperience, the 013 Summer Blaze, the Traditional Xperience and the Marathon Xperience. It was all concluded glamorously with the Mpumalanga Gospel Music Awards.

The festival attracted thousands of attendees from across Southern Africa. According to Mabuza, it highlighted the province’s capability to host successful events.

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“The success is a testament to solid collaboration between the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation and various departments within the provincial government. It signifies our shared vision, aimed at repositioning Mpumalanga as a premier cultural and tourism destination in the country,” she said.

She added that the success of the 2025 MPUCE has reaffirmed Mpumalanga’s reputation as the place of the rising sun and the heartbeat of cultural excellence in South Africa.