Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport celebrates the economic power of the arts at the 29th KKNK

Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, attended the 29th Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK) in Oudtshoorn this week, where he experienced first-hand the extraordinary cultural vibrancy and economic impact of this landmark festival. The KKNK runs until 6 April.

Beyond the cultural celebration, the KKNK stands out as one of the Western Cape’s strongest engines for economic activity.

According to data compiled by Rhodes University and North-West University, the 2024 edition of the KKNK generated an estimated R72–R89 million in direct economic impact for Oudtshoorn alone – and up to R178 million across the Western Cape. These figures reflect not only ticket sales but also the extensive secondary spending on accommodation, restaurants, stores, and tourism activities.

“The KKNK is much more than a festival – it’s a powerful driver of job creation, business growth, and regional development,” Minister Mackenzie said. “It is a model for how investing in the arts fuels economic inclusion and opportunity.”

From 2024’s data, some 200 temporary jobs were created during the festival, alongside 288 stallholder opportunities, and employment for 470 musicians, 280 actors, 65 street artists, and 40 technical staff. These numbers highlight the scale and reach of the festival in supporting creative livelihoods.

General attendance in 2024 was estimated at over 86,000, not including those who enjoyed the wealth of free public entertainment, a clear signal of the festival’s growing reach since the pandemic.

“As we look ahead to the KKNK’s 30th anniversary next year, we celebrate a festival that continues to transform lives, build careers, and uplift towns like Oudtshoorn,” the Minister concluded.

The Minister’s visit included engagements with artists, festivalgoers, corporate sponsors, the KKNK’s management, and a special appearance at the official opening concert. There, he shared a message on the unifying power of the arts, “Art brings people together across languages, backgrounds and beliefs – and that is exactly what’s happening here in the heart of the Klein Karoo.”

Over the course of the festival, the Minister enjoyed the region’s warm hospitality, including its famous roosterkoek, attended performances by local talent, and joined the immersive Karoo Kaarte-staptoer – part of a multi-award-winning community storytelling initiative that showcases the voices and histories of Oudtshoorn’s people. 

Media Enquiries
Naudé van der Merwe
Spokesperson to Minister Ricardo Mackenzie
Cell: 083 507 8703