DADtv | AfrikaBurn 2025 Review: A Festival of Radical Expression — But Whose Culture Is It Now?

By Mum-z Posted on May 5, 2025

Each year, the Tankwa Karoo desert in South Africa transforms into an otherworldly playground of fire, art, dust, and radical self-expression. AfrikaBurn 2025 was no exception — breathtaking structures were built and burned, wild costumes paraded through the sand, and strangers became temporary kin in a fleeting utopia.

But this year, one statistic caught the eye and stirred deeper reflection:👉 49% of all attendees were foreigners — mostly from overseas.

While AfrikaBurn has always welcomed a global crowd, this dramatic shift has raised important questions about accessibility, ownership, and the future of the Burn in South Africa.

A Festival for the Privileged?

Let’s be honest: AfrikaBurn isn’t cheap.

From the ticket itself, to transport, gear, water, food, and setup, the cost of attending can quickly climb into the tens of thousands of rands. What was once a DIY, home-grown gathering has evolved into an expensive logistical mission — one that fewer South Africans can afford.

Meanwhile, international Burners, many from affluent cities in Europe, North America, and Australia, are able to absorb these costs with relative ease. Camps arrive pre-packed with gear, imported art pieces, and well-funded infrastructure. And while their participation adds flair and diversity, it also amplifies an uncomfortable imbalance.

When Inclusion Becomes Exclusion

AfrikaBurn’s principles include radical inclusion, communal effort, and decommodification. But when the barrier to entry is largely financial, that inclusion becomes performative.

South Africans — particularly from historically marginalized communities — are finding it harder to participate. Not because they lack creativity or commitment, but because the rising costs of involvement are simply out of reach.

And with nearly half the attendees now foreign, local contributions risk being overshadowed. The festival begins to feel less like a shared creative experiment and more like a curated spectacle for international visitors.

Where’s the South African Soul?

The Burn has always had a raw, gritty authenticity — shaped by local ingenuity, cultural mashups, and spontaneous acts of communal magic.

In 2025, many long-time attendees noted a shift:

• Artworks felt more "international gallery" than Karoo-cooked chaos.

• Camps were larger, glossier — and often disconnected from the South African experience.

• Local languages, stories, and voices seemed quieter.

It’s not that foreigners don't bring value — they absolutely do. But when the power to shape the Burn lies mostly with those who can afford to build it, the balance starts to tip.

Reclaiming the Dust: What Can Be Done?

If AfrikaBurn is to remain rooted in its South African identity, some tough conversations — and bold actions — are needed. Here are a few ideas being discussed in the community:

• 🎟️ Subsidized tickets for local artists and low-income South Africans.

• 🚛 Sponsored transport for those traveling from far or rural areas.

• 🎨 Increased local art grants to support home-grown installations.

• 🛠️ Encouragement of regional and cultural theme camps that tell South African stories.

Because if we don’t actively protect local involvement, we risk turning AfrikaBurn into a luxury vacation for the global elite — a far cry from its radical, rebellious roots.

Final Thoughts

AfrikaBurn 2025 was, in many ways, still magical. But magic should be for everyone.

As we look toward the next Burn, let’s ask ourselves:Whose stories are being told? Whose voices are being heard?And most importantly — who gets to Burn?

Let’s keep the dust sacred, the flames meaningful, and the Burn South African at heart.

💬 Got thoughts or stories from AfrikaBurn 2025? Share them in the comments below.

📸 Don’t forget to tag your pics with #KeepItLocal #AfrikaBurn2025