Sponsors & Partners

KWANDE Festival is made possible through the support of institutions and partners who believe in the power of the creative economy. These partners play a vital role in shaping the programme, supporting creatives, and positioning KwaZulu-Natal as a vibrant hub for culture, storytelling, and artistic expression.

KUMISA

Entertainment Partner

As the official host city of the KWANDE Festival, eThekwini Municipality plays a pivotal role in bringing the festival to life in Durban. Their support reflects the city’s commitment to nurturing creative industries and positioning Durban as a leading cultural destination.

For the 2026 edition of KWANDE Festival, eThekwini Municipality will host the Jazz & Poetry Night, an evening dedicated to celebrating the powerful intersection of music, spoken word, and storytelling. This special programme highlights the rich artistic heritage of the city while providing a platform for creatives to connect with audiences in an intimate and inspiring setting.

Through this partnership, eThekwini Municipality continues to champion the growth of the creative sector and the cultural experiences that make Durban a dynamic city of creativity.

Tourism & Film KwaZulu-Natal

Film & Creative Industry Partner

Tourism & Film KwaZulu-Natal is a key partner in the 2026 KWANDE Festival programme, supporting the festival’s celebration of film and visual storytelling as an essential part of the Orange Economy.

As part of their partnership, Tourism & Film KwaZulu-Natal will host the KWANDE Movie Screen Night, showcasing powerful film work and celebrating the talent within the region’s film industry.

In addition, Tourism & Film KwaZulu-Natal will contribute industry professionals and speakers to the festival programme, providing valuable insights into the film sector, production landscape, and opportunities within the broader creative economy.

Their involvement strengthens KWANDE Festival’s mission to spotlight the role of film in shaping cultural narratives, driving tourism, and creating opportunities for local creatives.

KUMISA serves as the official Entertainment Partner of KWANDE Festival, leading the curation and booking of the festival’s artist line-up across all programme segments.

Through their expertise in talent management and entertainment programming, KUMISA ensures that the KWANDE stage showcases a dynamic mix of musicians, performers, and cultural storytellers who reflect the vibrancy and diversity of the creative industry.

Their role is instrumental in shaping the live experience of the festival, bringing together established and emerging talent to create memorable performances that celebrate the spirit of KWANDE and the richness of the Orange Economy.

eThekwini Municipality

Official Host City Partner