KWANDE FEST 2025: “Orange the New Economy” — KZN’s Creative Revival

A Festival That Redefines KZN’s Creative Future

The 2025 edition of KWANDE FEST, hosted at the Durban Exhibition Centre, marked a defining moment for KwaZulu-Natal’s creative economy. Under the theme “Orange the New Economy: Shaping the Future Through Creativity,” the festival brought together innovators, artists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in a week dedicated to turning imagination into impact.

Driven by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), KWANDE FEST reaffirmed its mission to position the creative sector as a strategic pillar of economic transformation. From film and design to tech and business, each conversation pushed the boundaries of what’s possible when creativity meets opportunity.

Panels That Sparked Conversation

Highlights included thought-provoking sessions such as “Innovation and Artificial Intelligence: Disruption and Opportunities within the Orange Economy” and “The Business of Film and Music Festivals: Significance of Festivals in Economic Growth and Job Creation.”

A Call to Build and Believe

In his keynote, MEC Rev. Musa Zondi challenged the creative community to embrace both art and enterprise:

“To all the creatives — master your craft, but also master the business of creativity. To industry leaders — invest in young talent, foster mentorship, and drive innovation.”

The festival showcased more than performances; it revealed a movement — one that is transforming KwaZulu-Natal into a global hub for creative industries, digital entrepreneurship, and youth innovation.