Drostdy Hotel has been announced as the official venue sponsor for the opening night of the Visionaries of Freedom Festival, taking place on 5 June 2025 in Graaff-Reinet. “This partnership highlights the hotel’s long-standing commitment to supporting the arts, heritage, and community engagement”. Says Tebello Polisane-Casper, General Manager of Drostdy Hotel.
The gala evening will welcome 140 invited guests for a reception with welcome drinks and canapés, set in the hotel’s historic lounges and landscaped gardens. The event will mark the start of the three-day festival and showcase a programme of artistic performances and cultural exhibitions that reflect the spirit of freedom and resilience.
Organised by the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Trust, the Visionaries of Freedom Festival runs from 5 to 7 June 2025 and celebrates South Africa’s liberation history. It features live music and dance, art installations, panel discussions, and screenings of documentary films exploring themes of justice, legacy, and identity.
A standout moment at last year’s festival was the screening of Cocoon of Pain, part of the Truth Be Told series honouring the legacy of Professor Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe. Born in Graaff-Reinet in 1924, Sobukwe was a leading anti-apartheid figure and the founder of the Pan Africanist Congress, making the town a powerful setting for this annual event.
Opening night highlights at Drostdy Hotel
- A VIP welcome reception for 140 guests, hosted in the hotel’s heritage lounges and gardens
- Live performances from musicians, dancers, and spoken word artists
- Screenings of liberation-themed documentaries and short films
- Visual art exhibitions showcasing local talent and themes of freedom and identity
Drostdy Hotel is also home to the Imibala Art Gallery, which offers a platform for both emerging and established artists whose work speaks to themes of cultural memory and social consciousness.