WATCH: Dolosfees 2026 celebrates ‘Lekker Mzansi!’ in possible final chapter
Dolosfees 2026 celebrated South African heritage, music and community at Alkantstrand, amid uncertainty over the festival’s future after 18 years.
The spirit of Heritage Day was alive and well at Dolosfees 2026 as festival-goers celebrated all things South African under this year’s ‘Lekker Mzansi!’ theme.
From heritage-inspired activities to proudly South African food, music and entertainment, the annual Dolosfees once again brought hundreds of people together for a weekend of family fun at Alkantstrand.
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Heritage Day festivities included a fun run, Miss Dolosfees pageant, cultural performances and food tastings, while families also enjoyed market stalls, children’s entertainment and a variety of activities throughout the weekend.
Crowds enjoyed performances by Prime Circle, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Fatman, Tino, Angus, the Saxby Twins, Local is Lekker and a host of regional artists, while favourites such as Zululand’s Got Talent added local flavour to the programme.
The final chapter?
But beyond the entertainment and festivities, this year’s Dolosfees carried added significance: it was likely the final chapter of a festival that has been part of Richards Bay’s cultural fabric for 18 years.
Organiser Elize Boshoff told the Zululand Observer that this year’s event would probably be the last, as the festival is no longer financially viable.
Despite the many loyal sponsors who have supported the festival over the years, their backing is still not enough to cover the substantial costs of staging an event of this magnitude.
Boshoff expressed her gratitude to the sponsors, volunteers, vendors, artists, service providers and festival-goers who helped make Dolosfees possible throughout its remarkable 18-year journey.
Over the years, Dolosfees has hosted huge names such as Theuns Jordaan, Bok van Blerk, Koos Kombuis, Karen Zoid, Snotkop, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Jo Black and Juanita du Plessis, to mention a few.
Far more than a music festival, the Dolosfees brought music, entertainment and community together at Alkantstrand – a tradition that may now be coming to an end.
Watch some of the superb entertainment here:
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