The Free State High Court has ruled that the Macufe contract, which was awarded by the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture, was lawful and no irregularities were found.

The Free State Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture and Recreation has welcomed the judgment handed down on Wednesday (3/4) as it has consistently claimed the initial ruling didn't take into account all of the documents of the department’s awarding of the tender.

“It is our understanding this ruling puts to rest the public speculations and assumptions regarding the future of this brand that is Macufe,” said the head of the department, Steve Tshabalala.

‘Macufe remains a flagship program’

“Macufe remains a flagship program of the Free State given its impact on the socio-economic and cultural landscape of the Free State.”

This judgment thus overrules the initial ruling of the previous judgment in October 2022, which issued an effect order that the tender awarded by the department was unlawful.

OFM News previously reported the matter was brought before the Free State High Court and Judge Phillip Loubser ruled that the tender process in awarding the tender to the company in question (C-Squared) was not fair, equitable, and competitive, contravening Section 217 of the Constitution.

“The department will in due course make pronouncements regarding the staging of this festival in line with Premier Mxolisi Dukwana’s State of the Province Address about the need to reimagine this brand,” said Tshabalala.

Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana declared in his second State of the Province Address the provincial government is anticipating the launch of a redesigned Macufe later this year.

He pledged to reinstate the festival to its former glory and emphasized the vital role of Macufe in fostering community cohesion, promoting tourism, and providing a platform for local talent to shine.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg