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Mbhashe Local Municipality made a bold showing at the Berlin November Horse Racing festival, joining thousands of spectators at the Ntabozuko racecourse on 29 November 2025. Fans cheered crowd favourites such as Asinamali, Disaster, Kuzakuxoxwa, and Lavutha Ibhayi as the Eastern Cape’s biggest cultural horse-racing event took centre stage.
What Happened?
2025 theme — riot colours — brought bright outfits, striking decor, and a festival atmosphere that filled the venue from early morning.
The annual event is known for blending Amahashi EsiXhosa traditions with top Thoroughbred racing, creating a showcase of heritage and competitive sport.
Races included the high-speed 800m, 1000m, 1200m, and 1400m categories.
All roads led to the province’s famous Wafa-Wafa final, one of the most anticipated races on the calendar.
More than 50 horses competed across divisions, drawing loud support for both seasoned champions and rising stars.
Community Energy & Cultural Pride
The Berlin November meeting once again proved why it remains one of the Eastern Cape’s most important cultural gatherings.
Visitors traveled from across South Africa and neighbouring countries to enjoy:
- music and live entertainment
- traditional arts and crafts
- fashion and expressive cultural designs
- family activities and community stalls
The event blended heritage, sport, and celebration, turning Ntabozuko into a vibrant hub of colour, rhythm, and unity.
Why It Matters?
The Berlin November festival promotes:
- rural economic activity
- cultural preservation of Amahashe esiXhosa traditions
- tourism growth in Mbhashe and surrounding communities
It remains a platform where local pride meets national attention.
