Mbhashe Local Municipality will be hosting a series of events building up to Ilifa LoMbhashe Festival as part of Heritage and Tourism month commemoration. This vibrant event is a key component of the municipality’s strategic focus on using event tourism to stimulate economic growth and enhance its tourism profile. Guided by the reviewed Local Economic Development (LED) Strategy, the municipality recognizes event tourism as a critical enabler and a dynamic tool for integrated marketing and promotion of its tourism sector.
Annually, in South Africa, the month of September is earmarked to celebrate our rich heritage as we showcase our diverse cultures and heritage. This is a time where we will be encouraging the people of Mbhashe Local Municipality to learn about their heritage, culture, traditional wear and everything that defines our people.
The month of September also marks Tourism Month which is celebrated annually to promote domestic travel and to showcase the country’s diverse tourism offerings. Part of the heritage month planned activities are in line with ensuring the tourism sector benefits a lot from every one that will be flocking in Mbhashe Local Municipality.
Ilifa LoMbhashe Heritage Month consists of various signature events that have been conceptualised by Mbhashe Local Municipality and our partners to commemorate Heritage and Tourism Month by showcasing what the areas offers in terms of heritage, tourism and investment opportunities to both domestic and international tourists and investors. Ilifa LoMbhashe seeks to re-position the area as one of the key tourist destinations in the province, particularly within Wild Coast Tourism Route.
Moreover, the festival through its value-chain, seeks to stimulate a pro-poor and inclusive socio-economic growth by supporting SMMEs in various sectors of local economy.
The activities which will be held are as follows:
- EasternAmathole Agricultural Trade Fair – 05 September 2025 in Elliotdale
The municipality in a collaborative partnership with Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) will be hosting Eastern Amathole Agricultural & Food Trade Fair at the Indoor Sport Centre in Elliotdale. Primarily, the trade fair seeks to promote trade and market access for emerging farmers from the area of Mbhashe, wherein they will be linked with various market partners who will directly buy their produce and products. On the day of the event emerging farmers will have stalls to sell their produce and products directly to the members of the public, as part of promoting trade. Moreover, the trade fair is meant to build the local economy while identifying businesses for further support and sustainable job creation.
- IlifaLoMbhashe Cyclers Adventures – 13 September 2025 in Willowvale
This cyclers’ adventure will take riders on a thrilling journey from Nqadu Great Place to Lower Gwadu, navigating the meandering roads that wind through the scenic landscapes of the Mbhashe Local Municipality.
Cyclists of all levels are expected to flock to the area, eager to test their endurance and soak up the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The route, carefully curated to highlight the area’s natural beauty, will challenge riders with its rolling hills, scenic valleys, and winding roads.
- Inkciyoka Xhosa in Nqadu – 18-19 September 2025 @ Nqadu Great Place
The Inkciyo Eastern Cape and AmaXhosa kingdom annually celebrate heritage month where two organisations of young virgins showcase and do various activities. This programme is held with the aim of encouraging young girls to learn about the dangers of teenage pregnancy, underage sex and HIV/AIDS.
- Battleof Lurhwayizo Guided Tour – 19 September 2025 in Willowvalle
The Heritage tour comprises of a visit to one of the most significant heritage site and tourist attraction, which is the homestead of Jafta Family in the heart of community of Lurhwayizo, where the significant Battle of Lurhwayizo took place. The Battle of Lurhwayizo remains one of the most significant and yet undocumented liberation battles, fought by members of the Umkhonto WeSizwe against the brutal regime of Apartheid.
The Battle of Lurhwayizo Development Initiative is a Non-Profit Company (NPC) which drives development in the area through various community development initiatives under economic sectors such as Oceans / Blue Economy, Agriculture, Eco-Tourism and Nature Conservation. Battle of Lurhwayizo Development Initiative (BOLD) as supported by the Municipality remains a great model for bottom-up community development initiative that is wholly driven by the community working with various partners from government, private sector and civil society organisations
- FunWalk & Hike – 20 September 2025 in Dutywa
A scenic fun walk and hike through the beautiful landscapes of the Mbhashe River region. The route will commence and conclude at Mbhashe River, conveniently located near the bridge on the N2.
The hike will take hikers through diverse terrains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, they have the opportunity to explore the nearby Nywara Administrative Area, located approximately 10 km from the starting point. One will also pass through the Candu Administrative Area, which is about 5 km from the route. This is an experience to enjoy a fun and refreshing hike through the stunning Mbhashe River, taking in the sights and sounds of nature.
- IlifaLoMbhashe Music Festival & Flea Market – 20 September 2025 in Dutywa
This is the main event of Ilifa LoMbhashe Festival which comprise of elements of a music festival and a flea market. The music festival will have a variety of artists acclaimed nationally, regionally and locally. The music festival seeks to celebrate talent from the area whilst it also creates a platform for growth to local artists. Flea Market serves as a platform for local SMMEs to sell and showcase their products and services to event attendees. More importantly, this is a catering-free event and therefore everyone attending will buy from local SMMEs that will be selling at the flea market.
- ArborDay – 23 September 2025 in Dutywa
The day will bring together members of Ward 2 in Dutywa to celebrate Arbor Day, promote environmental awareness, and contribute to a greener and more sustainable community. Some of the activities for the day include tree planting, a clean-up campaign and environmental awareness session.
