The Heritage Day plans you didn’t know you needed just dropped, and it is giving pure, unadulterated KwaZulu-Natal excellence.
The iconic Durban Botanic Gardens is about to host the ultimate seasonal closer for the Old Mutual Music at the Lake series on Thursday, 24 September 2026, and the lineup is a star-studded, chart-topping dream team that will have the streets talking for weeks.
In what is already being tipped as the picnic of the year, the legendary Sjava is set to headline the affair, and he isn’t pulling any punches. Rumour has it he is bringing a full six-piece band to ensure his raw, soulful storytelling hits exactly where it hurts in the best way possible.
Joining the Afro-pop heavyweight is the ethereal Simmy, whose vocals are guaranteed to clear up any bad vibes, alongside the powerhouse duo Q Twins, who always bring the matching energy and undeniable harmonies. To top it all off, the charismatic J Sbu is locked in to keep the crowd on their feet and the atmosphere electric from the moment the gates swing open at 13:00.
While the lineup screams exclusive VIP afterparty, the vibe is surprisingly down-to-earth and completely family-friendly. Organisers are practically begging fans to pack their finest spreads, with cooler boxes, picnic baskets, and camping chairs welcomed into the venue at absolutely no extra charge. For the parents looking to let loose without the stress, a fully supervised kids’ zone will be up and running to keep the little ones busy while the adults enjoy the music.
The best part of this long-weekend plot is that partying hard also means doing good. Every single cent raised from ticket sales goes directly into funding the Garden Window Project, a phenomenal community initiative focused on local people and plant development programs at the gardens.
Tickets are currently moving fast on Webtickets and at Pick n Pay outlets nationwide, ranging from an affordable entry-level price up to the main tier, meaning there is zero excuse to miss out on the final music-at-the-lake extravaganza of the 2026 season.