Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, Western Cape is set to host a unique blend of culture, agriculture, and art with the launch of its inaugural Hazendal Festival from Friday, 4 to Sunday, 6 October 2024.
Curated by the internationally renowned Khanyisile Mbongwa, this year’s theme, the “Soil edition,” delves into the vital relationship between land, life, and culture.
As an intersection of art, science, and community, the event seeks to stir thought-provoking conversations among farmers, artists, scientists, and cultural innovators, with a special focus on soil as the cornerstone of life and history.
At its core, the festival is inspired by the Nguni proverb “Belele nje, Abathulunga,” meaning “They may be asleep but they are not quiet,” symbolising how soil holds the untold stories of the past, present, and future.
As Mbongwa explains, soil isn’t just a physical entity but a living archive, embodying both grief and hope. “This edition of the festival reflects on the fertility of the soil from various perspectives, encouraging visitors to consider its deeper role in sustaining life,” she says.
A creative exploration of soil
The three-day festival promises an immersive experience, featuring art installations, performances, and discussions that invite participants to explore soil’s many facets. Artists and cultural figures will engage the land directly through their work, offering a rare opportunity to witness how soil can inspire creativity across different mediums.
Thania Petersen’s sculptural piece and Sethembile Msezane’s live performance are just a few of the highlights, drawing on the spirit and essence of the land. Sisonke Papu’s installation will add yet another dimension, engaging with soil as a record of history and memory, while Queezy Babaz’s wine-tasting experience will explore the relationship between soil and the art of winemaking.
To further celebrate the connection between agriculture and culture, Hazendal will present a special edition of its MCC label, designed by renowned artist Athi-Patra Ruga. This exclusive wine release, crafted from the farm’s fertile soil, underscores the estate’s commitment to sustainable farming and creative expression.
Engaging all the senses
The Hazendal Festival is about more than intellectual and artistic engagement; it offers a feast for the senses, with food and drink playing a central role.
Vusi Ndlovu, the acclaimed Zulu chef known for his focus on African fine dining, will collaborate with Hazendal’s head chef Michelle Theron to create a culinary experience that mirrors the festival’s theme of soil and fertility. The dishes will highlight the connection between land, ingredients, and cultural heritage, offering guests a taste of the soil’s richness.
Music and sound also feature prominently, with Chimurenga leading a sonic exploration of land and heritage, while filmmakers Lerato Shadi and Santiago Mostyn will present short films that echo the themes of soil and time.
From fashion shows presented by sustainability think tank Twyg to Luke de Kock’s live dance performances, the festival promises to engage visitors on every level.
A space for reflection and conversation
The festival also provides a space for deep reflection through its two-day symposium, hosted by Lungi Morrison. Leading academics, including Prof. Mark Swilling and Dr Uhuru Phalafala, will discuss soil’s environmental and cultural significance, with a particular focus on how it shapes our understanding of time and life.
For families, Hazendal’s Wonderdal space will offer a dedicated children’s programme curated by Faatimah Mohamed-Luke, running parallel to the main events. The programme includes interactive workshops that allow kids to engage with the natural world, creating an inclusive environment for all ages.
Maxim Voloshin, managing director of Hazendal Wine Estate, speaks to the festival’s broader significance: “For Hazendal, the notion of land is about responsibility – to work with and on the land for a shared hopeful future. If soil is seen through the lens of fertility, actions of hope are the fertilisers of repair.”
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