{"id":31839,"date":"2025-10-08T15:20:32","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T13:20:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=31839"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:46:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T07:46:45","slug":"fakugesi-2025-powers-up-johannesburg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/fakugesi-2025-powers-up-johannesburg\/","title":{"rendered":"Fak\u2019ugesi 2025 Powers Up Johannesburg\u2019s Digital Future | 7\u201312 October 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Johannesburg\u2019s creative pulse is set to surge once again. The Fak\u2019ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival returns to Braamfontein.  From 7\u201312 October 2025, it willl bring together Africa\u2019s leading artists, technologists, and innovators under the dynamic theme \u201cPower Surge.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since its inception in 2014, Fak\u2019ugesi has become a cornerstone of the continent\u2019s digital and creative industries. It has consistently positioned Johannesburg as a hub where technology, art, and culture converge. This year, organisers say the festival will \u201cgenerate and amplify creativity from Braamfontein to the world&#8221;.  It will also celebrate the fusion of innovation, African intelligence, and storytelling that continues to define the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/traffic-alert-travis-scott-road-closures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Traffic Alert: Travis Scott Fans Set for Major Road Closures at FNB Stadium | 11 October 2025<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-festival-that-connects-the-city\">A Festival That Connects the City<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fak\u2019ugesi 2025 introduces a new circuit-style format that links three major festival hubs . It does so through free shuttles, creating a seamless creative journey through Braamfontein\u2019s innovation district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>AfriVerse @ Wits Anglo American Digital Dome<\/strong>: Immersive 360\u00b0 dome experiences bring Afrofuturism to life, turning Johannesburg\u2019s planetarium into a digital canvas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Proto-Surge @ Origins Centre<\/strong>: A curated experience exploring Africa\u2019s earliest innovators and the creative roots of technology.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Future Focus @ Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct<\/strong> :The festival headquarters and home to Fak\u2019ugesiPRO, live showcases, and interactive labs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This interconnected format offers a full-day experience where visitors can explore creativity from different perspectives, from ancient innovation to futuristic technology. Families are encouraged to attend, with shuttles operating throughout the route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-fak-ugesi-matters-to-gauteng-s-creative-economy\">Why Fak\u2019ugesi Matters to Gauteng\u2019s Creative Economy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gauteng\u2019s creative-technology ecosystem is expanding rapidly, employing animators, coders, musicians, designers, and game developers who now operate across Africa and beyond. Fak\u2019ugesi brings these industries together in one week, creating vital intersections between investors, start-ups, students, and policy-makers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The festival plays a crucial role in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Market access<\/strong>: Connecting creators with buyers, investors, and opportunities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Skills development<\/strong>: Offering masterclasses and mentorship from leading experts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cultural empowerment<\/strong> :Showcasing African innovation through African stories, using digital tools that shape global narratives.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>For educators and parents, it also provides a clear view of the creative economy\u2019s potential. Students can see how technology, design, and art translate into real career opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-surge-experience-your-festival-route\">The Surge Experience: Your Festival Route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Visitors can book curated <strong>Surge Experience tours<\/strong>, which link all three main hubs into two- or three-stop packages. These tours offer a convenient way to explore the highlights from immersive dome films at Wits to interactive exhibitions at Origins Centre and live tech showcases at Tshimologong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you have an afternoon or a full day, the Surge Experience ensures you see the festival\u2019s best work without missing a beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-afriverse-and-immersive-africa-collaboration-across-continents\">AfriVerse and Immersive Africa: Collaboration Across Continents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the headline experiences for 2025 is <strong>AfriVerse<\/strong>, part of <strong>Immersive Africa<\/strong>, a <strong>Spaces of Culture \u2013 EUNIC Global Project<\/strong> connecting African and European creatives through digital storytelling. Hosted at the Wits Digital Dome, this collaboration features climate-focused XR and immersive artworks designed to promote sustainability and intercultural dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By launching AfriVerse at Fak\u2019ugesi 2025, the organisers are expanding the role of Johannesburg as a bridge for global creative partnerships reinforcing Africa\u2019s position as a driving force in digital innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fak-ugesipro-industry-at-work\">Fak\u2019ugesiPRO: Industry at Work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>New to the 2025 programme, <strong>Fak\u2019ugesiPRO<\/strong> is a dedicated platform for professionals shaping Africa\u2019s creative economy. Over two intensive days, industry leaders and innovators will explore the intersections of <strong>AI, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Highlights include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>AI masterclasses and workshops<\/strong> led by international expert <strong>Pierre Saal<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strategic sessions hosted by <strong>Afrique Cr\u00e9ative<\/strong>, <strong>Africalia<\/strong>, and the <strong>French Development Agency (AFD)<\/strong>, focusing on investment in African creative industries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pitch sessions, showcases, and interactive networking experiences<\/strong> aimed at turning creative ideas into tangible business growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Fak\u2019ugesiPRO emphasises practical outcomes,  connecting talent with investors, refining business models, and mapping new expansion opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-afrique-creative-bootcamp-entrepreneurs-in-focus\">Afrique Cr\u00e9ative Bootcamp: Entrepreneurs in Focus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Now in its third edition, the <strong>Afrique Cr\u00e9ative Bootcamp<\/strong> will bring <strong>15 cultural entrepreneurs<\/strong> to Johannesburg for an intensive week of development and collaboration. Facilitated by Africalia and powered by AFD, the bootcamp forms part of Fak\u2019ugesiPRO, allowing participants to refine strategies, strengthen partnerships, and pitch projects to potential funders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Johannesburg, hosting the bootcamp underlines the city\u2019s role as a continental innovation hub where African ideas grow into global ventures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-public-programme-and-family-day\">Public Programme and Family Day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Alongside the professional programme, Fak\u2019ugesi maintains a strong community focus. The festival\u2019s <strong>public events<\/strong> include animation screenings, gaming challenges, live digital art, and XR installations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A highlight this year is Family Day, offering hands-on workshops and fun digital experiences, including coding sessions, creative tech play zones, and digital karaoke. The initiative aims to make technology accessible to families and introduce young audiences to careers in digital creativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-plan-your-visit\">Plan Your Visit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dates:<\/strong> 7\u201312 October 2025 (main public days: 10\u201312 October)<br><strong>Venues:<\/strong> Tshimologong Precinct, Wits Digital Dome, Origins Centre<br><strong>Location:<\/strong> Braamfontein, Johannesburg<br><strong>Tickets:<\/strong> Available via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fakugesi.co.za\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.fakugesi.co.za<\/a> (securely powered by Quicket)<br><strong>Access:<\/strong> Combination of free and paid events; shuttles provided for Surge Experience tours<br><strong>Audience:<\/strong> General public, students, families, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-make-the-most-of-fak-ugesi\">How to Make the Most of Fak\u2019ugesi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For parents and teachers:<\/strong><br>Book Family Day or an AfriVerse dome show, then visit Tshimologong to meet creators and explore new learning pathways for students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For students and emerging creatives:<\/strong><br>Prioritise workshops, masterclasses, and screenings. Bring a simple portfolio or demo reel \u2014 the best connections often start with a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For start-ups and studios:<\/strong><br>Attend Fak\u2019ugesiPRO sessions and engage directly with funding partners and collaborators. Come prepared with a clear pitch and goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For policy-makers and institutions:<\/strong><br>Join discussions in Immersive Africa and Afrique Cr\u00e9ative to explore how partnerships can expand Africa\u2019s digital economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-festival-that-sparks-collaboration\">A Festival That Sparks Collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Fak\u2019ugesi\u2019s tagline, <strong>\u201cPlug in and Power Up,\u201d<\/strong> sums up the week perfectly. The festival isn\u2019t just a showcase,  it\u2019s a working ecosystem where ideas turn into prototypes, networks turn into projects, and creativity becomes economic power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-call-to-action-plug-in-participate-and-power-up\">A Call to Action: Plug In, Participate, and Power Up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t just read about Fak\u2019ugesi, be part of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Plan your route:<\/strong> Choose a Surge Experience or build your own schedule across the three hubs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bring someone along:<\/strong> Invite a student, colleague, or friend who hasn\u2019t experienced digital art before.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Participate actively:<\/strong> Share feedback, ask questions, and connect with makers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Support the movement:<\/strong> Share your experience on social media to help grow the community.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Fak\u2019ugesi 2025 promises a week where imagination meets innovation and African creativity sets the global standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Book your tickets at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fakugesi.co.za\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.fakugesi.co.za<\/a><\/strong> and experience the Power Surge that keeps Johannesburg at the forefront of digital culture.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Johannesburg\u2019s creative pulse is set to surge once again. The Fak\u2019ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival returns to Braamfontein from 7\u201312 October 2025, bringing together Africa\u2019s leading artists, technologists, and innovators under the dynamic theme \u201cPower Surge.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":31849,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Johannesburg\u2019s creative pulse is set to surge once again. The Fak\u2019ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival returns to Braamfontein from 7\u201312 October 2025, bringing together Africa\u2019s leading artists, technologists, and innovators under the dynamic theme \u201cPower Surge.\u201d","footnotes":""},"categories":[54],"tags":[977,11273,11293],"class_list":{"0":"post-31839","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-events","8":"tag-gauteng-events","9":"tag-gig-guide","10":"tag-upcoming-events"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31839","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31839"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31839\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31850,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31839\/revisions\/31850"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31849"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31839"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31839"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31839"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}