The organiser of the cancelled Peddie Likhaya event, Lukhanyo Maphempeni, has issued a public apology to the people of Peddie, saying the event fell through hours before it was due to start on 3 October 2026.
In an open letter dated 9 October, Maphempeni said he was born in Peddie and wanted to give local artists a platform and bring the community together.
He said he began planning about two months before the event, paid for posters from his own pocket, and travelled to Peddie about 10 days beforehand to push ticket sales.
He also said he approached Ngqushwa Municipality, local shops, doctors and other potential sponsors.
According to Maphempeni, a company later came on board and signed an agreement to fund key parts of the event, including transport, sound and stage, artists, venue and accommodation.
He said he gave the company the artists’ banking details and was shown proof of some payments.
He said he asked for confirmation of the remaining arrangements at about 15:00 on 2 October and was told it would follow within hours.
At about 07:00 on the day of the event, he said, the company told him it was withdrawing because of financial problems.Maphempeni said he went to the venue and tried with local artists to salvage the event, but essential items such as sound and tents were unavailable.
He acknowledged that some people have called him a scammer and said he understands their anger and accepts that people hold him responsible.
“I never intended to scam or deceive anyone,” he said.
He said 9 VIP and 6 General tickets were sold and will be refunded before 15 October 2026.
He also apologised to artists, supporters, forums, police and businesses involved.
