PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

16 September 2026

Ugu Maskandi Festival Returns for a Landmark 6th Edition on the KZN South Coast

Over 15,000 fans expected as the province’s leading Maskandi celebration returns on 26 September 2026

The KZN South Coast, Port Shepstone is set to come alive with the sound of Maskandi when the Ugu Maskandi Festival returns for its landmark 6th edition on 26 September 2026.

Organised by Ugu Broadcasting Services (UBS), the festival has grown from a 300-person community gathering in 2021 into one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most anticipated cultural events. The 2025 edition attracted more than 15,000 patrons, with audiences and artists travelling from across KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Gauteng.

This year’s festival promises another major celebration of Maskandi music, culture and local enterprise, with a strong focus on showcasing the talent and creativity of the Ugu District. A dedicated Vendor Exhibition Hub will provide local fashion designers, artisans, craft-makers and other entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase and sell their products to thousands of visitors.

Make the Festival a South Coast Getaway

The Ugu Maskandi Festival also presents an opportunity for visitors to experience more of what makes the KZN South Coast the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom.

Festival-goers travelling from other parts of KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Gauteng are encouraged to arrive a day or two earlier or extend their stay and explore the destination’s 58 beaches, coastal towns, nature-based attractions and rich cultural experiences.

From relaxing on the coastline and exploring beaches and river mouths to discovering the region’s hinterland, heritage, adventure and scenic attractions, visitors can turn their festival trip into a memorable South Coast getaway.

SCTIE CEO Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya said the festival demonstrates the powerful connection between culture, tourism and local economic development.

“The Ugu Maskandi Festival has grown into an important cultural and tourism attraction for the KZN South Coast. It brings thousands of visitors into our destination while creating opportunities for local businesses, artists, traders and accommodation establishments. We encourage visitors to come for the music, but stay longer to Rediscover the many experiences the KZN South Coast has to offer.”

With ticket prices starting from R150, the festival remains accessible to the communities and visitors it serves, while offering a high-energy programme featuring established Maskandi performers alongside emerging South Coast talent.

The festival’s growing appeal across provincial borders further strengthens its role as a tourism driver for the region, supporting accommodation establishments, restaurants, transport operators, retailers and local SMMEs.

Key Facts
– Event: 6th Annual Ugu Maskandi Festival
– Date: 26 September 2026
– Location: KZN South Coast, Ugu District, KwaZulu-Natal
– Organiser: Ugu Broadcasting Services (UBS)
– Established: 2021
– 2025 Attendance: Over 15,000 patrons
– Tickets: From R150  – tickets available on webticket and computicket
– Contact: Siyabonga Mkhungo, UBS – 073 957 9010

For more information and to plan your Heritage Month getaway, visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za.

 

Rediscover Unlimited Experiences on the KZN South Coast!

 

Follow the hashtags #RediscoverKZNSouthCoast #RediscoverExperiences #ExperienceTheSouthCoast #KZNSouthCoast #RediscoverAdventure #RediscoverHeritage

 

Keep updated on all on South Coast activities by visiting the KZN South Coast website; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.

 

 

/ENDS

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High resolution images: https://we.tl/t-MCsifquVAvEkPE0m

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About KZN South Coast
Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts several permanently managed Blue Flag beaches and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous birds and wildlife, and it holds the title of ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which has played host to several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, The Conservation Symposium, The Ocean Festival, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu International Film Festival, and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series, The Ugu Maskandi Festival, South Coast Marathon.

For more information please contact:
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)
Cell: 039 682 7944
Email:  vanessa@sctie.co.za