From Township Streets to City Beats: Makhanda Rising Stars
Tuesday, 18th March 2025
From the heart of Makhanda’s townships, a new wave of entrepreneurs and event organizers is reshaping the city’s future—one idea at a time. Township-raised changemakers like Khululekile Khanya Cekiso and Siyabulela “Ivy” Madyo are not just creating entertainment; they’re building bridges between culture, tourism, and economic growth.
Khanya, who grew up in Extension 6, is a shining example of homegrown talent fuelling transformation. Since stepping into the events industry in 2023, he’s been behind major crowd-pullers like the Makana Social Sunday Picnic and the Grahamstown Fan Park. “These events are more than just gatherings,” Khanya says. “They bring people into our town, into our neighbourhoods. Visitors spend money in local shops, fuel stations, and—if we do it right—our homestays.” His vision is clear: when township talent leads, the whole city benefits.
Ivy, also township-born and bred, has spent 15 years building platforms for local artists through events like the Makana Music Festival and Ikasi Experience Closing Festival. His festivals attract thousands, creating real opportunities for Makhanda’s SMMEs. “Our people cook, sell crafts, perform—and accommodation fills up,” Ivy explains. “This is how we create a circular economy.”
Both men believe homestays—often overlooked—hold untapped potential. By connecting these local lodgings with major events, they see a future where visitors experience the real Makhanda, right from the township doorstep. “Our roots are here,” Ivy says. “And we’re using what we know to put Makhanda on the map.”
Their township-raised perspective is transforming Makhanda from the inside out—showing that big ideas often come from humble beginnings.
