The controversial 2025 Milkwood Cultural Festival is back in the news after the AfriForum Overstrand branch lodged a criminal complaint with the Hermanus police regarding the festival. The Hermanus police confirmed that the case was registered on 22 July.
An amount of R250 000 was allocated by the council for this purpose and, according to available information, was paid out and the festival never took place. AfriForum is of the opinion that the available information raises serious questions regarding the utilisation and ultimate destination of the public funds.
“We considered the matter and consolidated the available information before the complaint was lodged. We are of the opinion that sufficient grounds exist to have the possibility of criminal offenses by the police investigated,” says Fanie Coetzee, chairperson of the AfriForum Overstrand branch.
The 2025 Milkwood Cultural Festival in Zwelihle was canceled at the last minute after being scheduled for 3-5 October 2025. The event faced cancellation when setup crews were told the soccer field venue was double-booked.
The Overstrand Community Action Network (OCAN) demanded clarity on where the public funds went. They launched a public campaign demanding to know if the R250 000 paid to the Phawulethu Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) was ever refunded to taxpayers. Residents also argued that it was highly improper for repeated large allocations to be given to an unproven, poorly managed event like Milkwood, while major, economically vital local festivals like FynArts and Kalfiefees received much smaller municipal support.
Public criticism
Heavy public criticism also emerged over the event’s links to the Land Party. The inaugural 2024 festival was allegedly created through a mutual agreement between former the Overstrand Mayor Annelie Rabie and Gcobani Ndzongana of the Land Party. Rumours also did the round that because the municipality could not legally give public funds directly to a political party, a roundabout financial structure was used. The municipality approved funds from the Mayor’s Special Fund and transferred them to an intermediary non-profit organisation, the Phawulethu NPO, which then worked alongside Land Party organisers.
According to Ndzongana they never directly handled or received the R250 000 municipal grant. The money went entirely to the registered NPO managing the event. They also noted that no refunds were due back to the municipality because the contracted artists, service providers, and flight bookings had already been paid out and secured prior to the sudden municipal cancellation.
Only R250 000 approved
The Overstrand Mayor, Archie Klaas, had previously admitted that Phawulethu, had submitted an application to the council for R500 000 to host the festival, but that only R250 000 was approved and paid. However, in a media statement, Phawulethu denied any involvement in the organising, administration, funding, and payments regarding the festival.
“We are of the opinion that a growing impression has arisen that the matter should simply be allowed to quietly blow over. This is unacceptable when public funds are involved. Municipal funds should be managed with accountability, transparency, and proper financial control,” says Coetzee.
AfriForum emphasises that the laying of a criminal complaint does not mean that any person or entity has already been convicted of an offense. It is now the responsibility of the police to investigate the matter independently.
“AfriForum’s stance is simple: local authorities must accept responsibility for the way public funds are spent. It is taxpayers’ money. When reasonable grounds exist to suspect that irregularities or possible criminal offenses have occurred, residents cannot be expected to remain silent and simply accept that the matter will be forgotten,” says Coetzee.
