Kota Festival brings a celebration of local food and music

The Soweto Kota Festival recently launched the return of its much anticipated annual weekend festival to welcome spring next month, September 2 & 3 to mark its sixth anniversary.

The festival, set to return to its resident home in Soweto’s Elkah Cricket Oval stadium, Rockville has become the biggest festivals in Soweto, doubling major economic boosters for the township.

The two-day event will provide a hive of festivities featuring a variety of the township staple from some of Gauteng’s favourite kota outlets- showcasing and celebrating the number one Kasi comfort food with a twist.

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“We are excited to be here again, six years of this massive event. The response from the public has remained overwhelming.

“The fact that we have gotten requests from other townships – even as far as Botswana speaks to the success of the event every year.

“We have managed to build a very strong brand that has also seen a number of corporate sponsors who continue to jump on board to make the vision come to life,” said an elated Sidwell Tshingilane, organiser and founder of the event.

The lifestyle event, which has been adopted into parts of the summer calendar across the province is considered the biggest festival in Soweto and is one of the major economic boosters for the township.

“This year we have new Kota vendors. We always try to diversify and bring in some new flavours. We also have new sponsors like Thompson meats and we are excited that this year for the first time, we have halal products. We always try to improve the standard of Kotas on the day,” Tshingilane added.

The festival known for its ability to bring families together, through music, food and entertainment will feature an awesome jam packed line up which will celebrate the GenZ on day one with Sir Trill set to perform live on stage.

Day two of the event will offer audiences a soulful RNB Sunday with gospel artist, Thina Zungu performing live on stage.

According to the organiser, the kiddies section will also be expanded and embrace the digital era.

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Speaking on behalf of new sponsor, Thompson Meats, Samukeliso Sibiya said they are promising consumers and vendors to deliver on that quality and goodness of their products.

The Durban-based company announced its partnership with the festival as an exciting move for the company, which has been in business since 1960.

Khosi Zikalala, Soweto Tourism Association alluded the event as a “great initiative” towards township development and the promotion of food and local culture.

“We pledge our support to this great and exciting initiative. The Kota Festival is one of our well established calendar events that promotes domestic tourism and creates local job opportunities.

“We will be promoting the event through our networks and assist packaging of the event to attract visitors and destination Soweto.

“Our accommodation and tour operators are ready to service and support this historic event that contributes to local economic development.”