By Gift Sebiloane
KRUGERSDORP, 21 MARCH 2026 — On Human Rights Day, South Africa will witness the rise of a formidable cultural movement as the DIVAS INTERNATIONAL Music Festival takes over Coronation Park in Krugersdorp under the powerful theme “Voices That Heal.”
More than a concert, this state-backed festival is a direct cultural response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2025 declaration of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as a national disaster, positioning music as a national instrument for awareness, healing, advocacy and women-led economic empowerment.
Backed by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture through the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) programme — which has consistently driven heritage-focused creative development across the country, including landmark cultural showcases such as Mzansi Golden Economy bringing heritage to life at Soweto Afroflair Mzansi Fest — the festival is a strategic investment in South Africa’s female-powered creative economy.
“Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s declaration of GBVF as a national disaster, the DIVAS INTERNATIONAL Music Festival positions music as a national instrument for awareness, advocacy and women’s economic participation,” says Tank Koms, festival organiser. “Aligned with Human Rights Month, the festival moves beyond symbolism by activating creative platforms that deliver healing, empowerment and measurable social action.”
A Powerhouse Lineup for a Powerful Cause
The “Voices That Heal” stage brings together a rare, multi-generational lineup of South Africa’s most influential female artists — each serving as an ambassador for resilience, survival and cultural leadership.
Zee Nxumalo headlines the festival as a defining symbol of modern Amapiano success. Fresh off her evolution from viral star to live-band powerhouse, Nxumalo ended 2025 as South Africa’s most-streamed female artist. Her breakout hit Ngisakuthanda has surpassed 100 million streams, while her collaboration Rato Laka with Shebeshxt earned Thobela FM Song of the Year, placing her in the same elite Song of the Year conversation as top contenders like Ciza, as explored in Ciza vs Umafikizolo — a 2025 Song of the Year rivalry no one predicted.
Makhadzi, the BET Award-winning and platinum-selling powerhouse, delivers one of the festival’s most emotional moments. The performance marks one of her first major live appearances since she announced a short break following her tragic New Year’s Eve car accident. Her return stands as a testament to resilience and the indomitable spirit of South African artists.
Mafikizolo, Africa’s beloved duo, brings nearly three decades of timeless hits, creative longevity and pan-African excellence to the stage — a reminder of the genre-crossing influence that has shaped South Africa’s global music footprint, from early chart dominance to the streaming era highlighted in historic rankings like Spotify’s most-streamed artists in South Africa.
A Salute to Heritage and the Next Generation
DIVAS INTERNATIONAL deliberately bridges generations of African womanhood and artistry.
Legendary performer Abigail Kubeka brings a seven-decade career to the stage, while Zenzi Makeba Lee and the Makeba Band deliver a historic tribute to the late Dr Miriam “Mama Africa” Makeba, marking 17 years since her passing and 62 years since her iconic 1963 United Nations address against apartheid.
The next wave of women shaping contemporary soundscapes is represented by Lwah Ndlunkulu, Nkosazana Daughter — whose ethereal vocals earned her a Best Vocalist nomination at the SA Amapiano Awards — and rising soul talent Snenaah, reflecting the evolving power of amapiano music as a global cultural export.
From Stage to Sanctuary: Music with Measurable Impact
True to its mission, DIVAS INTERNATIONAL extends beyond performance into direct community intervention.
In a powerful act of solidarity, the festival will officially adopt the Miriam Makeba Centre for Girls in Midrand, a refuge for abused and destitute girls founded by Dr Makeba herself. A formal donation handover will take place during the event, ensuring tangible support for survivors while honouring Mama Africa’s lifelong activism.
“This is where the music meets the movement,” says Koms. “Every ticket sold and every voice raised translates into direct support for women and girls who need it most.”
Event Details
DIVAS INTERNATIONAL Music Festival
📍 Coronation Park, Krugersdorp
📅 Saturday, 21 March 2026 — Human Rights Day
⏰ Gates open: 12:00
🎟️ Tickets from R350 via Webtickets
👗 Dress Code: White with a Touch of Pink
ALSO READ:
Zee Nxumalo’s next chapter: From viral star to live-band powerhouse
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Meet Gift Sibiloane
Multi-talented MC, actor, proud author and contributor to NOWinSA.
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