South Africa’s cultural landscape is buzzing with renewed energy in 2025, as the centenary of the Afrikaans language is celebrated through both vibrant festivals and groundbreaking television. The Lekker Kuier Fees, held from August 29 to 31 at the Springs Country Club, stood as a jubilant tribute to 100 years of Afrikaans. Meanwhile, Netflix’s new Afrikaans-language drama, Tuiskoms, has captured the hearts of viewers nationwide since its release on February 28, 2025, shining a fresh spotlight on the language and its storytellers.
The Lekker Kuier Fees was more than just a festival; it was a three-day immersion into Afrikaans heritage. According to reporting by Caxton Local Media, the event combined everything from local Afrikaans and country music to traditional food and bustling market stalls. The festival’s musical lineup featured beloved acts such as Hennie de Bruyn en die Kitaarkêrels, Sone Joubert, and Duane Louw, drawing crowds eager to celebrate the language's rich legacy. Stalls offered everything from artisanal crafts to classic South African fare, making the festival a true feast for the senses. Attendees could be seen swaying to music, laughing with friends, and savoring dishes that have been passed down through generations.
“It’s incredible to see so many people come together to celebrate Afrikaans,” remarked one festival-goer, echoing a sentiment felt throughout the Springs Country Club. The event, with its blend of music, food, and culture, was a fitting tribute to a language that has shaped South Africa’s identity for a century.
This cultural celebration coincided with a surge in Afrikaans representation on global streaming platforms. Tuiskoms, which translates to "Homecoming," debuted as the second original Afrikaans-language series on Netflix, following the success of Ludik. Created and written by Louis Pretorius, Albert Snyman, Rosalind Butler, and Sandra Vaughn, and directed by Nina Swart, the seven-episode romantic drama is set in the picturesque town of Wilderness along the Western Cape’s Garden Route.
The series centers on Fleur, portrayed by veteran actress Amalia Uys. Fleur is a widowed chef who, after losing her restaurant and home, returns to her hometown with her daughter to rebuild her life. The emotional journey is set against the breathtaking backdrop of Wilderness, with key filming locations including Beside Still Waters, Victoria Bay, and Kaaimans Pass Bridge. The show’s on-location shooting brings an authentic sense of place, immersing viewers in the lush beauty of South Africa’s coast.
Amalia Uys, who celebrated her 40th birthday in October 2024, brings depth and nuance to Fleur’s character. Uys is no stranger to South African television, having previously starred in popular series such as 7de Laan and Binnelanders. Her portrayal of Fleur—a woman navigating grief, motherhood, and the challenge of starting over—has resonated with audiences. As Briefly News reports, Uys’ performance is one of her most significant to date.
The show’s ensemble cast is equally impressive. Armand Aucamp plays Werner, a bachelor florist who offers Fleur a chance at a new beginning as the manager of his flower shop. Jane de Wet, a rising star with credits in The Girl from St. Agnes and White Lies, takes on the role of Kelly, Fleur’s daughter, adding another layer of complexity to the family dynamic. Joshua Daniel Eady, Edwin van der Walt, Christia Visser, Liza Scholtz, Hendrik Nieuwoudt, Cantona James, and Marvin-Lee Beukes round out a cast that brings the small town of Wilderness to vivid life.
One of the most poignant aspects of Tuiskoms is the presence of Michelle Botes, who played Abigail, Fleur’s mother. Botes, a household name in South African television thanks to roles in Isindigo and Legacy, passed away on December 21, 2024, at the age of 63 after a two-year battle with multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer. Her performance in Tuiskoms was her final screen appearance, lending the series an emotional weight that has not gone unnoticed by fans and critics alike. According to Briefly News, Botes’ portrayal of Abigail—a writer and matriarch—was both moving and memorable, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned nearly five decades.
Behind the scenes, the creative team of Pretorius, Snyman, Butler, and Vaughn crafted a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Director Nina Swart’s vision brings out the subtleties of family, loss, and renewal, while the show’s cinematography captures the dramatic coastline and tranquil forests of the Garden Route. All seven episodes of the first season are available to stream on Netflix, and as of September 2025, there is no official word on whether the series will continue or remain a limited run.
The impact of Tuiskoms extends beyond entertainment. Its success underscores a growing appetite for Afrikaans-language content, both in South Africa and internationally. With its authentic storytelling and strong performances, the show has helped to elevate the profile of Afrikaans on a global stage. It follows in the footsteps of Ludik, Netflix’s first Afrikaans original, and paves the way for more diverse voices and stories from the region.
As the centenary celebrations of Afrikaans continue, the convergence of cultural festivals like the Lekker Kuier Fees and the international success of series like Tuiskoms highlight a language that is as dynamic as it is enduring. From the lively rhythms of country music in Springs to the quiet drama unfolding in Wilderness, Afrikaans is being honored not just as a language, but as a living, evolving expression of South African identity.
For now, fans can revisit the heartfelt episodes of Tuiskoms on Netflix and look forward to future festivals where Afrikaans culture takes center stage, ensuring that the next hundred years will be just as vibrant as the last.
