Community groups, schools, and organisations have an opportunity to experience one of the city’s biggest music events after Survé Philanthropies announced the opening of applications for subsidised tickets to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
The initiative aims to make the festival more accessible to communities that might not otherwise be able to attend, including youth and senior groups, schools, community centres, and places of worship.
Now in its 23rd year, the festival has grown into Africa’s largest jazz event and takes place annually at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
It attracts thousands of music lovers each year while showcasing a blend of local and international performers.
Organisers say the subsidised ticket programme forms part of a broader effort to strengthen community engagement and ensure that more residents can experience the festival’s music and cultural offerings.
The initiative is supported by Survé Philanthropies, with the Survé Family Office contributing an additional R100 million towards the festival.
The funding supports accessibility initiatives such as the subsidised ticket programme and helps keep the event inclusive.
In addition to the main performances, audiences can also attend the annual free concert at Greenmarket Square on Wednesday, March 25.
This year’s line-up includes Sheila E and The E-Train, alongside South African performers Zoë Modiga and Zolani Mahola.
The event offers music fans an early taste of the festival and an opportunity for artists and audiences to connect ahead of the main event.
The 2026 festival programme will feature a range of internationally acclaimed and local musicians, including Jacob Collier, Abdullah Ibrahim, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, Yellowjackets, Nduduzo Makhathini, and Yussef Dayes with The Yussef Dayes Experience.
Beyond performances, the festival continues to focus on developing emerging artists through workshops and masterclasses designed to share industry knowledge and create opportunities for young musicians.
Saarah Survé, chair of Survé Philanthropies, said the initiative aims to broaden access to the arts.
“Everyone should have an opportunity to experience the magic of jazz. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to accessibility, community, and the transformative power of music,” she said.
If you are interested in attending, apply for subsidised tickets online through the festival’s application form here:https://form.jotform.com/260681884558068
Full details about the 2026 festival are available on the official festival website at https://www.capetownjazzfest.com/
For more on Survé Philanthropies and its work, visit https://survephilanthropies.org/ and follow Survé Philanthropies on social media@survephilanthropies.
