Dladla Mshunqisi tops list as eThekwini splashes R10m on city events

Gqom musician-turned-events organiser Dladla Mshunqisi has emerged as the biggest beneficiary of the R10 million eThekwini Municipality has allocated to upcoming events across the city.

Mshunqisi’s annual Usuku Lomshunqo festival, set for KwaMashu on November 29, has been awarded R1.5 million in municipal funding.

He said while organisers aim for independence, government support remains essential.Other events on the list include the Coastal Lounge Rural Tourism Extravaganza on September 28–29, which will receive R500 000, and Sisters with Soul, a women-only show at Munies Hockey Club on October 4, which gets R700 000.

The Gagasi FM Beach Fest has been allocated R500 000, the uMlazi Jazz Festival gets R200 000, while Durban Underground, hosted by DJ Sox, will receive R1 million. Afrotainment boss DJ Tira has secured R850 000 for Fact Durban Rocks.

Although Mshunqisi has yet to receive written confirmation, he welcomed the news, saying securing sponsorship has been a struggle, even at national level.

“I am praying it’s true. Everything is costly when organising an event. People think it’s just musicians, but there’s the stage, sound, lighting and permits. Last year, stage, lighting and sound alone cost around R700 000. Sponsorship makes things easier,” he said.

He stressed the importance of reinvesting and planning for sustainability but insisted that large-scale festivals cannot thrive without outside support.

“With big events, you need sponsorship. People expect the experience to improve every year,” he added.

This year marks the eighth edition of Usuku loMshunqo. While the venue has not yet been finalised, Mshunqisi said the Princess Magogo Stadium would be ideal. 

“Our event welcomes Spring and visitors to Durban. It’s about unity. We employ many people from the townships, not only KwaMashu but also Ntuzuma, Inanda and others,” he said.