Leave No Trace: Rooted Fest 2026 Merges Live Culture and Conscious Living at Suikerbosrand

Spring in Gauteng is about to get a whole lot greener. On Saturday, 26 September, the scenic hills of Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve will set the stage for Rooted Fest 2026, an outdoor gathering designed to prove that massive celebrations and environmental preservation can thrive hand in hand. Organized under the guiding principle “Leave No Trace,” the event invites audiences to enjoy world-class entertainment without disturbing the natural surroundings that host it.

Presented in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Environment and supported by Kaya FM and TRACE Ngoma, the festival bridges music, food, fashion, and mindful living into a single daytime experience running from 10:00 to 18:00.

Makhadzi Leads the Stage at Rooted Fest 2026

To kick off the debut lineup, organizers announced that award-winning African superstar Makhadzi will headline the main stage. Renowned across the continent for her explosive stage presence, high-octane choreography, and chart-topping hits, she brings irresistible energy to the nature reserve. Organizers will drop the rest of the artist roster on Friday, 4 September, teasing an eclectic mix spanning South Africa’s diverse music scene.

The World’s Biggest Amapiano Festival is Coming Home

Beyond the live performances, the festival features curated spaces across the reserve. Attendees can sample a food program designed by Chef Mahlomola Thamae and Chef Anton Vermeulen, sip custom drinks at an interactive bar by Matte and Soda, and check out stalls dedicated to eco-friendly living, creative crafts, and family activities.

Festival spokesperson Ayandamantombazanekayise Mhlongo shared the broader philosophy driving the gathering:

“Rooted is about home, celebrating where we come from while being intentional about what we leave behind. We wanted to create an experience where incredible South African music, food, culture and creativity could exist alongside nature and environmental consciousness.”

Redefining Outdoor Gatherings Through Sustainability

Rooted Fest is built to show respect for Gauteng’s provincial assets. Working alongside environmental teams, the organizers are rolling out eco-conscious infrastructure, strict waste sorting, and sustainable vendor guidelines.

Corporate Communications spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Environment, Mr. Andrew Mathabathe, highlighted the initiative’s core mission:

“Rooted Fest presents an exciting opportunity to connect people with Gauteng’s natural environment in a way that is engaging, relevant and responsible. Through the ‘Leave No Trace’ theme, we want to demonstrate that major cultural experiences can take place in our natural spaces while still prioritising their protection.”

Mhlongo echoed this focus, pointing out that responsible fun is the way forward:

“Leave No Trace is more than our theme. It is the commitment behind how we want to build Rooted. We want people to come, celebrate, dance, eat, discover and experience Suikerbosrand, and leave it as beautiful as they found it.”

Are you planning to make the trip out to Suikerbosrand this spring? Head over to the official Rooted Fest Website for ticket drops and event info, stream Makhadzi’s catalog on Spotify to get in the groove, and keep checking The Yanos Plug for the full lineup announcement on 4 September!