What’s on where across South Africa this March
LIFESTYLE
HUAWEI KDAY
2 March | Cape Town | kfm.co.za/kday
Cape Town radio station KFM presents a massive end-of-season summer party at Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville. The on-stage line-up consists of South African acts new and old, from Kurt Darren to Lady Zamar, The Kiffness, Majozi, and Doctor Victor and the Rasta Rebels.
JOHANNESBURG AFRO-LATIN FESTIVAL
14-17 March | Johannesburg | afrolatinfestival.co.za
If your New Year’s resolutions included “Learn to dance”, you’re in luck. This festival includes music and dance education workshops and seminars, with training aimed at both dancers and musicians, along with a range of parties and get-togethers. (Good news on the training front is that they also have a crash-course option for absolute beginners!)
KNYSNA LITERARY FESTIVAL
8-10 March | Knysna | knysnaliteraryfestival.co.za
Now in its 10th year, the #KnysnaLitFest The #KnysnaLitFest does two things, and it does them very well: it introduces visitors to South Africa’s lesser-known literary talents, while also allowing established authors to connect directly with their readers. Held in various venues on trendy Thesen Island, the festival includes a wide range of interviews, discussions, book signings, etc.
ARTS
CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
29-30 March | Cape Town | capetownjazzfest.com
Africa’s biggest jazz festival – and Sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest music event – returns to the CTICC for its 20th year, with a star-studded line-up of local and international artists. Two nights, five stages, 40 artists and over 37 000 fans will see and hear the likes of Chaka Khan, Don Laka, Vusi Mahlasela, the Soweto Gospel Choir and more.
ED SHEERAN
23, 24 March | Johannesburg | 27, 28 March | Cape Town | bigconcerts.co.za
The multi-award-winning singer-songwriter brings his ÷ Tour to South Africa, with shows at FNB Stadium and Cape Town Stadium. Even with extra dates added at both venues, it’s still a sell-out… so you may battle to find tickets. And even if you don’t make it to the show, you’ll still be humming “Galway Girl” all month long.
JOHANNESBURG INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL
14-17 March | Johannesburg | jicf.co.za
Conrad Koch, John Vlismas, Loyiso Gola, Schalk Bezuidenhout… The JICF boasts a formidable line-up of comedy talent (and those are just a few of the head-liners). Most of the action is based around Braamfontein’s theatre venues, so set the long weekend aside, and prepare to have your ribs rearranged by over 40 local, continental and international funny folk.
JUDAS PRIEST
20 March | Cape Town | 22 March | Johannesburg | bigconcerts.co.za
Heavy metal veterans Judas Priest perform in South Africa for the very first time, as their Firepower Tour rolls into town. Their tunes may not be to everybody’s taste, but that’s the whole point. Their full-throttle attitude and genre-defining sounds make these shows a must-see for hard rock fans.
KKNK
21-27 March | Oudtshoorn | kknk.co.za
The Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (though nobody actually calls it that; KKNK is much more lekker) presents its 25th edition, as the quiet town of Oudtshoorn bursts into life for one rowdy week. It’s all but impossible to sum up the full programme here: all you need to know is that you’ll experience all aspects of Afrikaans culture, from music to theatre productions to anything in between.
ROCK ON THE LAWNS
16 March | Johannesburg | 21 March | Cape Town | ampevents.co.za
Indie rock icons The Cure headline this two-legged music festival, with other acts including local rockers Fokofpolisiekar, Karen Zoid, Zebra & Giraffe, Ard Matthews and more. The first leg will happen on Saturday on the lawns at Joburg’s Carnival City, followed by Cape Town’s Kenilworth Racecourse on the Thursday public holiday.
SPORTS
CAPE TOWN CYCLE TOUR
10 March | Cape Town | capetowncycletour.com
The biggest timed bicycle race in the world (formerly, and still popularly, known as “The Argus”) now serves as the culmination of a week-long festival of fitness and cycling. There’s the MJTB Challenge on 2 March, the Junior Tour on 3 March, the Expo from 7 to 9 March, and then the big event on 10 March. It’s as popular among riders as it is among spectators, who line the streets of the South Peninsula to lend their support.
PROTEAS VS SRI LANKA
All Month | Various Venues | cricket.co.za
South Africa’s men’s international cricket team follow their Test match series against the touring Sri Lankans with a five-match One Day International series and a big-hitting three-match T20 series. The ODIs are in Joburg (3 March), Centurion (6), Durban (10), Port Elizabeth (13) and Cape Town (16); while the big bangs of the shorter games happen in Cape Town (19), Centurion (22) and Joburg (24).
BUSINESS SUMMITS
AFRICA TECH WEEK
4-6 March | Cape Town | africatechweek.co.za
Century City hosts this popular conference and exhibition, which focuses on digital transformation. Over 2 000 businesses and decision makers are represented, with 350-plus delegates hearing from a roster of scheduled speakers including industry leaders like Salim Ismail, Arthur Goldstuck, Phathizwe Malinga and more.
MINING TECH AFRICA
7-8 March | Johannesburg | miningtechafrica.com
With the global mining industry in a state of massive disruption, this conference couldn’t come at a better time. Join more than 200 delegates from more than 15 countries as the continent’s – and the world’s – top mining technology firms unveil their latest innovations. There’ll be plenty of talk about digital mining, with high-level discussions around its implications.
EXPOS
CAPE TOWN MOTOR SHOW
2-3 March | Cape Town | capetownmotorshow.co.za
Here’s one for the gearheads. GrandWest hosts a busy and exciting motor show, featuring cars, bikes and trucks, with drifting, 4×4 tracks and sound-offs all weekend long. There’ll be food and family entertainment as well, including music from rockabilly act Dusty Rebels and the Bombshells.
HOBBY-X JOHANNESBURG
7-10 March | Johannesburg | hobby-x.co.za
Aimed at both traders and consumers, the ever-popular Hobby-X provides a showcase for ideas, equipment, supplies and materials for every hobby you could possibly imagine. If you’re into crafts, scrapbooking, jewellery making, model cars, trains or planes, photography, woodworking, 3D printing or anything in between, pop across to Northgate’s Ticketpro Dome and have a look.
ROBERTSON WEDDING FAIR
16-17 March | Robertson | robertsonweddingfair.co.za
The Western Cape’s Route 62 has some beautiful options for wedding venues – and, as this annual fair demonstrates, there’s plenty of local talent to help make your big day as special as you’ve always dreamed it would be. Exhibitors include photographers, beauty specialists, dressmakers, and more. Be sure to collect all the necessary business cards and contacts as you browse the selection.
THE WEDDING EXPO
30-31 March | Johannesburg | wedding-expo.co.za
The 40th edition of South Africa’s popular The Wedding Expo, held at Hyde Park Corner, has a celebratory theme to it. Expect 40 unique table designs, 40 cakes, 40 dresses… You get the picture. Get inspired with ideas for stationery, flowers, gowns, etc, and be sure to stop (but not for too long) at the cake testing station.