We chat to Sidwell Malixole Tshingilane, founder of the Soweto Kota Festival, about what to expect at the event.
1. I am excited to host the first kota festival. As a Soweto-born young man, I’ve always wanted to showcase township food trends to a wider market. Kotas have evolved over the years, and this festival will allow township chefs to show off their diverse creations. I’m grateful that the community is supportive and has offered to help.
2. I had to overcome a few challenges at the beginning. Funding the festival was a major setback, so I decided to look for sponsors to help me. I managed to secure sponsorship from a bakery as the main ingredient in making a kota is bread. I also didn’t have a budget for marketing. But, I use social media platforms to market the festival. Through these platforms, people from across the country are aware of the festival.
3. The festival is not just about kotas. It also aims to improve the township economy by creating jobs and boosting tourism. Other activities will include a beer garden, kiddies entertainment area, cooking demonstrations and live performances. This is a family friendly festival that I hope people will attend and enjoy.
The festival will take place on 16 and 17 September at the Soweto Theatre’s outdoor facility. Tickets are available at webtickets or at the gate.