A team of Free State-based creatives has returned from an unforgettable journey to Rio de Janeiro, where they proudly represented South Africa at the Brazil International Arts and Health Festival.
For Phillimon Mehlape and Jane Mpholo-Mehlape, the opportunity marked both a personal and professional milestone. They expressed their gratitude to the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, whose Mzansi Golden Economy International Touring Ventures funded the project.
Their participation also made history, as this was the very first time South Africans were part of the festival. The centerpiece of the trip was Jane Mpholo-Mehlape’s award-winning solo performance, Fragmented. Beyond her role as a performer, Jane also shared her knowledge as a workshop facilitator and panelist, joining changemakers from across the world in meaningful dialogue.
“It has been incredible to see how universal the narrative of Fragmented is and how my artistic approaches resonate with people from all walks of life,” Jane reflected.
“There was deep respect in how we do what we do, and the festival became a space where we all learned from one another.”
The week-long festival, held from 21 to 27 September 2025, brought together arts and health professionals from South Africa, Nigeria, Brazil, Peru, Nepal, the United Kingdom, the United States, Ghana, India, and Ethiopia. The programme was filled with workshops, discussions,
theatre productions, and film screenings, all dedicated to the power of art in healing.
The South African delegation included codirector and project manager Phillimon Mehlape, stage manager Pulane Moleko, and head of technical, Khauhelo Maikhi. Together, they ensured the production was delivered with excellence.
The team also returned home with fresh insights into the global cultural landscape. Witnessing the realities of life in Brazil, from the vast inequality to the surprising sense of social freedom, gave them a renewed appreciation of home.
“What stood out for us is how blessed we are to be South Africans. Connections were made, and every contribution we brought
was received with warmth. People think highly of us as South Africans, and we cannot wait to
receive the same honor in our own country.”
The experience affirmed the value of telling South African stories on global stages. For Jane Mpholo, it was not just about performance but about representing the country with pride, creating bridges across cultures, and showing how art continues to heal, inspire, and unite
people across the world.
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