IN A historic first for airports across the country, King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) is hosting an Arts and Wine festival.
The event, which started on Saturday and ends on Sunday, aims to celebrate talent, culture and commerce.
Airports Company South Africa's (ACSA) intention in hosting the festival was to showcase local talent, highlight key business opportunities and promote the artistic heritage that defines the country’s dynamic creative and commercial industries.
Aptly themed Jet. Set. Trend, the set-up on the ground adjacent to the airport provided a platform for community engagement, commercial opportunity, and economic empowerment.
ACSA Regional General Manager Nkosinathi Myataza said by integrating local artists, innovative winemakers and entrepreneurs, they wanted to foster an environment where talent and business thrive together.
“We are excited to create a space where South African talent, particularly young artists and Black women winemakers, can flourish while engaging with commercial stakeholders. This festival is a celebration of artistry and innovation, and our commitment to inclusivity, economic upliftment, and business development is at its heart,” said Myataza.
He said the festival aligned with ACSA’s broader socio-economic objectives to position airports as vibrant hubs of commerce and culture.
By hosting this event at KSIA, ACSA is not only promoting local artistry but also strengthening ties with the KwaZulu-Natal business sector, particularly Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) through:
• Commercial Tender Opportunities: Businesses can engage directly with ACSA’s Commercial and Business Development Division on upcoming tenders in car rentals, advertising, cargo, warehousing, and retail.
• Infrastructure Upgrades and Development: Stakeholders will be informed about ACSA’s latest infrastructure projects and refurbishment plans that impact commercial and travel sectors.
• Networking with Key Industry Stakeholders: The festival provides a structured platform for engagement between business leaders, airlines, transport and aviation entities, and the KZN Business Chamber.
The ACSA Arts and Wine Festival features a range of interactive experiences including wine tastings and the art of winemaking, an art exhibition, business and industry masterclasses led by experts, and the opportunity for networking.
“This festival is not just about art and wine—it’s about economic opportunity, business engagement, and community upliftment. We aim to empower emerging entrepreneurs while positioning our airports as thriving centres of commerce and culture,” said Myataza.
The event ends at 10pm tonight and tickets are available at Webtickets.