Mzansi says Ngeke! to Corruption with A Historic First Edition Festival featuring Zoë Modiga and BCUC

On Saturday 6 December 2025, the Ngeke! Festival took over Constitution Hill in Johannesburg for its first-ever edition, celebrating Mzansi’s resilience in tackling one of the most important issues of our time — the fight against corruption.

The evening featured powerful performances by the amazing homegrown talents, the likes of Zoë Modiga, BCUC, Onset, Xtreem Makhayeni and DJ Nodiggity. Hosted by youth leader and influencer LERAI, the festival aimed to inspire attendees to take action against corruption, no matter how big or small, valuing that systemic change starts within each and every one of us. The evening also featured speeches from Y20 ambassadors and renowned activist Kumi Naidoo, who took the stage to crowd to engage and mobilise attendees, highlighting the power of artivism in shaping a fairer, more accountable South Africa and drawing on the spirit and legacy of the late Ricky Rick.

The festival, a part of the global Fair Play anti-corruption youth movement, featured Onset Music Group (OMG), an a cappella quintet from Thembisa and Xtreem Makhayeni, a talented MC from Orange River, as winners of this year’s Fair Play South Africa competition. Both delivered moving performances that inspired the crowd with impactful messages, beats and songs. In the lead up to the festival, these Fair Play artists participated in two days of workshops and trainings where they explored ways on how to use their music as a tool to raise awareness and drive social change, empowering them to perform with greater purpose and inspire their communities through their art.

The Ngeke! Pledge

All festival attendees were invited to commit to the cause by signing the Ngeke! Pledge, making three promises:

• Ngeke ngithule (I won’t keep quiet) – When I see corruption happening, I'm gonna call it out. I refuse to be part of the silence.
• Ngeke ngikwenze (I won’t do it) – No tjotjo, no cold drinks, no abusing power to get ahead.
• Ngeke ngiye ngedwa (I won’t go at it alone) – I’ll stand shoulder to shoulder with my fellow South Africans, because together we can flip the script and build a Mzansi that works for all.

Attendees were also asked “What’s one thing you would change to combat corruption in South Africa?” Their responses were inspiring and heartfelt, reflecting the energy and determination of a generation ready to speak out and take action:

"Digitalisation of governance and administration and its introduction within local municipalities throughout the country."

"Early child education about what is corruption and consequences thereof in detail. Not to impose fear but more understanding and discerning when one gets to make decisions."

"As someone who feels like the justice system constantly fails the people I would encourage the use of body cameras and dashboard cameras for our SAPS and traffic officials. If we can make this change on the ground it will have a domino effect on the people at the top as well."

"Beef up whistle blower protection and implement Zondo Commission recommendations to set the tone!"

"Start small. Corruption is a big problem because we let small incidents in the workplace slide. Stationery, kitchen supplies, petty cash, office equipment, forging documents, which then lead to bigger, more visible crimes. Bring back shame."

"I would suggest capacity building for authorities who are responsible for implementing laws. In doing so, they will clearly understand their mandates and how to use their power. I would also introduce incentives for people who report corruption so that they can be encouraged to report corruption."

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who brought the first-ever Ngeke! Festival to life including Enhancing Accountability, the European Union, JM International, Corruption Watch, SIU, GGA, Transparency International, the IACC and the Y20 Ambassadors. From our partners and organisers to the performers, volunteers, and every single attendee — thank you for showing up, speaking up, and standing up for a more transparent and just South Africa.

Your energy, your voices, and your commitment turned Constitution Hill into a space of unity, courage, and celebration. Together, we proved that music and community can spark real change. This festival was more than a concert — it was the start of a movement. And thanks to all who attended, it will continue to grow and let all South Africans know that they can make a difference.

Say it with music. Say Ngeke!

📸 @memela_seized_themoment