Ubuntu Festival

Join us on a journey of connection and understanding at the Ubuntu Festival 2024! From March 21 to March 24, Cape Town will be alive with conversations, art, and ideas celebrating the enduring spirit of Ubuntu. Experience four days of profound discussions and immersive experiences, guided by the principle of "Umntu, ngumntu, ngabantu" (I am because we are). Dive deep into indigenous wisdom, exploring our interconnectedness with each other, nature, and beyond. Let's build bridges of learning and compassion together. Don't miss this opportunity to nurture relationships, celebrate diversity, and embrace the principles of Ubuntu. Check out our program highlights and join us in shaping a brighter future! #UbuntuFestival2024

The Ubuntu Festival 2024 is more than an event - it is a catalyst for fostering unity, celebrating diversity, and embodying the principles of Ubuntu. For more information on the program please see the highlights below and click on the links for each day to see a detailed description of what is happening.

Event Highlights:

• Day 1 - Ubuntu as Joy and Justice: The festival starts with a Benefit Concert in support of local NGOs such as Justice Desk Africa A Human Rights NPO, allowing participants to contribute to the community while embracing unity through music. The day features performances by renowned artists such as Tumi Pheko, Pato Banton, Craig Lucas, and Mthandazo, among others.

• Day 2 - Ubuntu as Compassionate Action (Storytelling): This day is dedicated to engaging discussions, enlightening keynote speakers around the power of storytelling. There will also be a screening of the award-nominated documentary "The Spirit of Ubuntu," showcasing stories that embody compassionate action. 

• Day 3 - Ubuntu as Community: Through workshops and dialogues, participants are invited to delve into reflections on identity, community, and being. The day includes the Cape Town Launch of the latest exhibition by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, “Mandela is Dead” , and a panel discussion with Dr. Richard Rose, Kneo Mokgopa and Dr. Wanelisa Xaba, moderated by Phumza Qwaqwa.

• Day 4 - Ubuntu as Healing: This day will start off with a guided walk at Princess Vlei, connecting with the indigenous knowledge of the land, followed by workshops that explore the theme of healing.The festival ends with a keynote discussion titled ‘Ubuntu as Rupture and Repair: Personal Stories and Global Healing’ Moderated by Asanda Ngoasheng in conversation with Dr Mamphela Ramphele, Dr Zolelwa Sifumba, Mr Mangeliso Ntekiso and Mrs Felicity Harrison. The conversation will be followed by an Interfaith Iftar - Celebration Social Dinner, underscoring the festival's commitment to healing and unity.

Tickets are on sale now!

Join the Movement:

The Ubuntu Festival 2024 calls upon everyone to be part of a global movement towards a more interconnected and compassionate world. Engage with us on social media using the hashtag #ubuntufestival2024 and follow our journey on Instagram @ubuntufestival_2024 and Facebook @ubuntufestival_2024.

About the Organizers:

ChangeWays Centre for Collaborative Justice is at the forefront of redefining the practice of justice through transformative dialogue, education, and research. Our commitment to fostering just and peaceful institutions aims to empower communities as custodians of justice and agents of communal transformation.

Event Partners and Sponsors:

Fiscal Sponsors: Charter for Compassion | United Religions Initiative Southern Africa

Partner Organisations: Nelson Mandela Foundation | Ubuntu Family Network | Justice Desk Africa | African Climate Alliance | Turquoise Harmony Institute | Cape Town Interfaith Initiative | ACWAY 

Venue Partners: Leah and Desmond Tutu Foundation | Ubuntu Novalis