TZANEEN – Residents of Tzaneen and surrounding areas are eagerly anticipating the Sphatlo Festival, taking place at Nkowankowa Stadium on October 2 and 3.

The event brings together township food culture, music, games and entrepreneurial skills under one roof.

What exactly is a sphatlo?

A “sphatlo”, known in some areas as a “kota,” and in KwaZulu-Natal as a “bunny chow”, is a sandwich made from hollowed-out bread filled with russian sausages, polony, cheese, atchar and other tasty fillings.

For many people in villages and townships across the country, it has become a quick, filling daily meal.

50 traders set to receive business training

Speaking to the Herald, organiser Tebogo Manganye said the festival has partnered with the Greater Tzaneen Municipality and has already identified 50 informal traders in Tzaneen.

These sellers will undergo training from business experts covering hygiene, marketing and general business skills ahead of the festival. Those who complete the training will receive a certificate formalising them as registered sellers.

R15 000 up for grabs for best sphatlo

During the festival, the sellers will compete for the title of best sphatlo, with the winner taking home R15 000, the runner-up R10 000 and the second runner-up R5 000.

All participating sellers will also receive three branded aprons, a branded table and a gazebo, which they can keep and use after the event.

Games, performers and ticket prices

Festival-goers can enjoy family-friendly games such as ludo and pool on the day.

Performers will include Bliss Bouy, Josh and Questo, Focalistic, Natiey Lepaka and Dolly Ditebo, among others.

Tickets are currently in phase 2, with kids paying R80, adults R120, VIP R400 and a family package for four costing R380. Visitors bringing their own cooler box or hubbly bubbly will pay an additional R50 for each item. Gates open from 09:00 to 21:00.

For more information, call 082 639 3837 or 061 516 2249.