Held in celebration of Women’s Month, the event is a full day dedicated to women who love adventure, 4x4s, and the outdoors. Entry is free and open to all ladies — whether you own a 4×4 or just want to experience off-road culture.

The event aims to empower women in the off-road space by creating a safe, fun and supportive environment to learn, drive and connect.

Event highlights include:

• Guided Off-Road Trails: Trail drives for beginner, intermediate and advanced drivers with expert support on standby
• Expert Advice: Tips on driving, recovery, vehicle prep and safety from experienced female and male off-roaders.
• Camping: On site camping for those who want to spend evening.
• Fun Challenges

“Where the road ends, the story begins. This Women’s Month, we want the story to be about the ladies,”said radio personality and Face of the event, Nobuhle Ndlovu.
“This event is about showing that off-roading isn’t just for the guys. It’s about confidence, skill, and community. We’re calling on all ladies to come get dirty with us.”

The event is hosted by leading 4×4 community platforms at one of Mpumalanga’s top adventure destinations, Sudwala Funscapes, with media and imaging support from Vee 4×4.

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: Saturday, 22 August 2026
Venue: Sudwala Funscapes, Mpumalanga
Time: Gates open 08:00
FREE ENTRY

For more updates follow: @OffRoadChronicles @TeamKRAG @Vee4x4 ,@buhlesradiodj, @SudwalaFunscapes on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

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This marks a significant milestone in empowering emerging filmmakers, while fostering environmental awareness through storytelling. It was held at the Manyeleti Game Reserve and brought together 10 aspiring filmmakers who immersed themselves in nature, wildlife conservation, and community engagement.

Throughout the incubation, participants received practical training, mentorship from industry professionals, and the opportunity to translate their experiences into compelling visual stories.

Working in two production teams, the participants successfully wrote, filmed, and edited two short documentary films:
• Bush Bandits – Living with Monkeys and Baboons;
• The River’s Silent Cry.
Both films will make their official premiere during the Mpumalanga International Film Festival to be held on 8 August 2026 at the Kruger National Park, showcasing authentic stories Beyond filmmaking.

The programme created meaningful engagement between participants, the community members, and conservation stakeholders.
It also reached local youth through empowerment sessions led by the Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), providing valuable information on funding opportunities, entrepreneurship, and career pathways within the creative sector.

These engagements highlighted the importance of connecting communities, conservation, and the creative economy. Reflecting on the programme, MIFF Founder and CEO, Sifiso Nobela said the programme has reaffirmed what they have always believed, that young people are ready to tell impactful stories.

“They simply need access to opportunities, and MIFF remains committed to creating platforms that empower the next generation of filmmakers.”

As MIFF continues to champion the province’s creative economy, the success of the Biodiversity Storytelling Incubation Programme demonstrates the power of collaboration, storytelling, and skills development in shaping a new generation of filmmakers, while preserving the natural heritage of Mpumalanga.

The post MIFF Inaugural Biodiversity Storytelling Incubation Programme a success appeared first on MP Mirror Online.

As Gordon’s continues building momentum following the successful launch of the Gordon’s & BOS G&Tea Ready-to-Drink range in late 2025, the brand now heads to one of Johannesburg’s most anticipated music lifestyle experiences, Liquideep In The Park, where culture, music, and friendship naturally collide.

Taking place in Mbombela at the National Botanical Gardens, the event features a powerhouse line-up led by Liquideep alongside some of the country’s most exciting talent, creating the perfect soundtrack for consumers looking to unwind, connect, and enjoy the moment with a refreshing Gordon’s Ready-to-Drink in hand.

The partnership shines a spotlight on Gordon’s growing Ready-to-Drink portfolio, including Gordon’s Pink & Tonic, Gordon’s Gin & Tonic, and the Gordon’s & BOS G&Tea variants, all designed for consumers seeking flavourful, convenient and lighter social drinking experiences.

“At Gordon’s, we are constantly looking for authentic ways to connect with consumers in the spaces where culture is actively happening,” says Ifeoma Agu, Head of Culture, Influencer & Advocacy at Diageo South, West & Central Africa. “Liquideep In The Park represents exactly the kind of experience our consumers gravitate towards, a vibrant, social, music-led and rooted in genuine connection. Our Ready-to-Drink range was created for these kinds of moments: easy, refreshing experiences shared amongst friends.”

The collaboration reflects a broader shift in consumer behaviour, particularly among legal drinking age Millennials and Gen Z audiences, who are increasingly prioritising experiences rooted in community, music, and meaningful social interaction over excess.

Whether consumers are dancing front row during Liquideep’s set, reconnecting with friends on the lawns, or discovering new music throughout the day, Gordon’s Ready-to-Drink aims to elevate every social touchpoint with flavour-forward refreshment designed for modern lifestyles.

Since launching nationally, the Gordon’s Ready-to-Drink range has generated strong excitement among consumers looking for convenient, easy-to-enjoy alternatives that fit seamlessly into everyday social occasions, from festivals and lifestyle events to casual gatherings with friends.

As Gordon’s continues to evolve alongside culture and consumer behaviour, partnerships like In The Park reinforce the brand’s commitment to showing up where real connection happens most naturally: through music, friendship, and shared experiences.

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: Sunday 26 July

Venue: Nelspruit botanical gardens

Time: 12pm -7pm

Tickets are available through Howler : https://ckexperiences.howler.events/events/liquideep-in-the-park-nelspruit-3c88/tickets

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This has earned her the opportunity to represent South Africa at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in San Juan, Puerto Rico in November 2026. The 23-year-old received the crown from outgoing titleholder, Melissa Nayimuli after emerging victorious at the Barnyard Theatre in Pretoria on Saturday evening, July 18.

READ | Five minutes with Miss Mpumalanga 2025

The beauty queen claimed the title after making it through a competitive pageant process that consisted of 30 finalists down to nine before the grand finale. Thela’s national title is the latest milestone in a pageant journey that began at a young age. She made history as the inaugural Miss Teen Grand winner in 2021 before being crowned Miss Crowning Mpumalanga in 2024.

Reflecting on her journey in a social media post, she said her talent started with a childhood love of being in front of the camera. “What began as a passion, grew into a platform that built my confidence and taught me discipline, gave me a voice, and opened doors I never imagined,” she wrote.

Following her crowning, Thela thanked everyone who had supported her along the way saying, “To everyone who has believed in me, supported me, encouraged me, prayed for me, and stood by my side, thank you. I carry your love with me every step of this journey. I am who I am today because of God, my family, my friends, my supporters, and every person who reminded me to never stop believing.”

READ MORE | Meet Crowning Miss Mpumalanga’s Top 10 finalists

Beyond pageantry, Thela is a qualified flight attendant and model with a passion for community empowerment. She established the Mambane Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to tackling hunger, improving food security and uplifting disadvantaged communities. She now hopes to make South Africa proud when she takes to the Miss Universe stage later this year.

The post Mpumalanga’s Bajabulise Thela to fly SA’s flag at Miss Universe 2026 appeared first on MP Mirror Online.

The traditional ceremony was held over the weekend at the KaMawewe Royal Residence in Mgobodzi, bringing together the two royal families to mark a significant milestone in the couple’s journey toward customary marriage.

According to Zulu Traditional Prime Minister, Inkosi Phathisizwe Chiliza, the King’s delegation delivered about 70 cattle to conclude lobola negotiations that began during an earlier visit to the Mdluli family. Chiliza said the King attended personally to ensure all agreements were finalised.

“The king himself is here today to make sure everything that was agreed on is concluded, so that the Queen can officially be recognised as a Queen of the Zulu nation,” he said.

The successful conclusion of the lobola negotiations formally recognises Mdluli as the King’s fourth wife, nearly two years after she was first introduced to the nation.

King Misuzulu also confirmed on his official social media platforms that he had paid lobola for his new bride.
The customary marriage ceremony, expected to take place in due course, will mark the next stage of the royal marriage process and officially welcome Mdluli into the Zulu royal household.

The post “Halala!”: King Misuzulu seals union with 70 cows for his Mpumalanga queen appeared first on MP Mirror Online.

Directed by multi-award winning filmmaker and granddaughter to Sikhonkwane, Sihle Hlophe, “Dear Sikhonkwane” a 21-minute documentary showcases his journey in stages from childhood to his love for African literature. Born in Mbuzini, his career began as a teacher, became a leader and one of the first Black graduates in the former Eastern Transvaal.

He was later appointed as the first black School Inspector in the region, and eventually Director of Education in the former KaNgwane homeland. Despite having co-authored and edited more than 40 Siswati books, many believe he has not been given much recognition for his contribution in and dedication in language preservation.

VIDEO: A trailer of “Dear Sikhonkwane”

Engagements after the premiere included a panel discussion around the unsung hero’s work throughout his life. Sikhonkwane’s only surviving daughter, Lucia Dlamini, described her father as a community builder who loved and cared for everyone. She expressed gratitude to the team behind the project.

“This has made me to appreciate the Isiswati more and to want to know more about our father’s work as someone who believed in literature and education in general. We truly appreciate the hard work everyone put in,” she said.

Additionally, in his honour, the Mahlalela grandchildren have also established the S.S. Mahlalela Institute of Language and Culture.
“As his descendants, we realised we have big shoes to fill, but legacy is not something we admire but something that will continue,” one of his grandsons told guests in attendance.

The documentary recently also premiered at the Black Star Film Festival in Philadelphia and in other countries.

The post WATCH: Unsung hero’s story told appeared first on MP Mirror Online.

Born Bonolo Goodman Jr Mokwena invaded the music scene last year, but says he had always been making music from a young age. Mpumalanga Mirror had a chat with him:

Tell us more about yourself?

“I am from Mbombela and completed my matric at Lowveld High last year and I am currently pursuing my Business Administration degree.”

What drew you to music?

“Besides the fact that I am from a family with a musical background, I had a motive of bringing a different type of worship and praise to gospel music. Through gospel hip-hop, I was able to find expression. My first release was an EP titled “Untold stories” and my album, “Testimony” album released in July this year.”

What are your views on the music industry when it comes to gospel music or artists, particularly in the province?

“Familiarising yourself with people and networking is important for one’s growth and exposure. I personally think some of the producers in the province still need to blend in unique gospel sounds – which is what I am trying to do.”

What does winning the award mean to you?

“This simply means doors are opening, it has been a plan to not only to be able to stand among great artists. It is now time to take a stand and work towards becoming one of the renowned artists not only in Mpumalanga or South Africa.”

What are your future plans?

“My fans should look out for the album and many singles I will be dropping.”

What is your advice to other aspiring musicians?

“Do not compromise to shine, love God and stay true to yourself. Your background does not define your future, your purpose does.”

The post Five minutes with MGOMA hip-hop artist of the year winner appeared first on MP Mirror Online.

This year the province marked the 10th anniversary of the annual cultural festival, which showcases a rich heritage, music and culture. The festivities of the event started from 22 November to 7 December 2025 across the Nkangala, Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande Districts. They included the Kasi Xperience, the vibrant Carnival Xperience, the Choral Xperience, Soul Session, the 013 Summer Blaze, the Traditional and Marathon Xperience as well as the Mpumalanga Gospel Music Awards.

The activities attracted hundreds of patrons, including citizens from neighboring countries such as Mozambique and the Kingdom of eSwatini. According to MEC Mabuza the success of the event signifies Mpumalanga’s capability to host successful events.

READ | MPUCE song officially launched

“The success of the Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience is testament to a solid collaboration between the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation (DCSR) and various departments within the Provincial Government. It signifies our shared vision aimed at repositioning Mpumalanga as a premier cultural and tourism destination in the country,” MEC Mabuza said.

She says the success of the 2025 Cultural Experience has reaffirmed Mpumalanga’s reputation as the place of the rising sun and the heartbeat of cultural excellence in South Africa. She added that the activities have left a significant legacy economically.

“At the core of the Cultural Experience is a strategy to showcase Mpumalanga’s tourism attraction sites, for patrons to visit
beyond the festivities. This is essential for them to visit and spend money in our accommodation facilities, which in turn contributes towards the province’s economic growth trajectory, aimed at job creation and reducing poverty,” MEC Mabuza explained.

ALSO READ | Exclusive interview with DCSR on MPUCE

Mabuza further attributed the success of the cultural experience to the good conduct of the patrons throughout the cultural experience programme. She says the warmth reception of visitors and the world class event management is a legacy that will remain in their memories for them to come back in the future

The post MEC applauds participants for the success of MPUCE appeared first on MP Mirror Online.

The star has been nominated for Best Gospel Hip-Hop Artist of the Year at the 12th Mpumalanga Gospel Music Awards (MGOMA), and it’s no surprise, considering his latest achievements and growing influence in the industry. Speaking to Mpumalanga Mirror, the 31-year-old songwriter and Hip-Hop rapper says he is all about spreading love and inspiration.

He recalls growing up in the church, where his musical journey began, inspired by his older brothers who were already making music. He began honing his skills, practicing with church mates, and eventually dropped his first single, “Church Music,” in 2014. This marked a major milestone in his career, serving as the true launchpad for his music, especially in Mbombela.

Reflecting on his musical journey, he says: “2014 marked a major milestone in my career, serving as the true launchpad for my music, especially in the city of Mbombela. The song was inspired by my observations of hip hop lovers and their relationship with the church.

READ | Kabokweni hip-hop star set to shine with new EP

“I felt that many hip hop heads and rappers were hesitant to attend church or commit to their own spiritual growth. That perspective shaped the message of the track, and its success helped cement my position as a hip hop artist to watch.”
Since then, the artist has been making waves in the province’s Hip-Hop scene. His latest EP titled “HEALING” has been making waves in the province and country, which has landed him an international collaboration with New Jersey-based rapper TorchMics.

The rapper’s notable recent achievements also include winning the ‘Song of The Year’ Award at the Mpumalanga Sunshine Awards in 2016 and recently performing at the Sjava One Man Show in Mbombela Stadium. The artist shares that his music is all about spreading love and inspiration, and he’s using his platform to uplift and empower his community. His latest single, “MNGANI,” features Passion Master, and he’s currently working on a music video set to be released in December.

“I’m also working on a track with Ngwana On It titled: “Bande Lam,” planned for early 2026, and I’m developing a project called In Your Hands, set for release next year,” adds the star.

The rapper expresses his gratitude for the nomination, saying: “I’m truly honored by this nomination. Being recognised by one of the biggest awards platforms in Mpumalanga means so much to me. I’m praying for a win — it would be a significant step forward in my career.”

The awards ceremony is scheduled for December 7 at Mbombela’s Communio Church Auditorium. To support him, SMS “hip hop lovely day” to 34155. Each vote costs R2, and voting is unlimited. His music is available on all streaming platforms, and he can be followed on social media @Donpressure_worldwide and Pressure_sa.

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This year’s festival themed Sunrise To Sunset kicks off with the Kasi Xperience on Saturday, November 22 at the Sasol Community Recreation Center in Embalenhle.

Revellers will be spoilt for choice with a star- studded line-up featuring the country’s top DJs and artists such as the Godfather of South African house music, Oskido, award winning musician Sjava, Amapiano duo- Shakes and Les, as well as other local entertainers including DJ Mbhabha, Sandile Mkhalipi and many more.

One of the headliners to look out for on stage is Isaka hitmaker, Ciza whose real name is Nkululeko Nciza- son to Nhlanhla Mafu and Thembinkosi “TK” Nciza. Ciza made a name for himself after releasing his popular track that over four million plays on streaming platforms.

To make sure you don’t miss out on all the Kasi vibes, get your tickets through TicketPro for only R100.

Set to take place from November 22 to December 7, the festival’s 10 pillars will accommodate everyone promoting social cohesion and celebrating cultural diversity.

Other upcoming events include:

• Comedy Xperience
• Carnival Xperience
• Choral Xperience
• 013 Summer Blaze
• Soul Session
• Marathon Xperience
• Traditional Xperience l
• Mpumalanga Gospel Music Awards

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