After nine years, the GoWest Culture Fest is returning to the West Rand, with organisers promising a bigger event.

The festival, which was established in 2012, is returning as part of the West Rand’s Heritage Month celebrations, following calls from community members for the event to make a comeback.

Lwazi Ngema, the festival’s branding and marketing representative and spokesperson, said GoWest Culture Fest was created as a platform for the diverse communities of the West Rand to celebrate and showcase their cultures.

“GoWest Culture Fest is a platform designed in the West Rand for the diverse community to showcase their diverse culture through music, good food, dance and a whole lived experience of young talent sharing such a big stage with renowned artists,” said Ngema.

Festival background

Ngema said the festival’s previous run came to an end after changes in municipal administration led to various programmes being reviewed.

“It is rather unfortunate it has taken as long as it did, but more than anything we are most delighted that the people of the West have been asking for the longest time to have their GoWest Culture Fest back,” he said.

According to Ngema, this festival has always been about the community and the decision to bring back the festival came after requests from communities in areas including Mogale City, Merafong, Randfontein, and Roodepoort.

The festival also previously had an impact beyond entertainment, with local businesses benefiting from increased activity around the event.

Businesses including lodges, food outlets, retail stores, petrol stations, local vendors and food stalls had previously reported increased sales during the festival period.

“We promise our GoWesters that this comeback will be an experience to remember,” he said.

Heritage Day line-up

The celebrations start on Heritage Day, September 24, with a cultural parade leading to a field where attendees can access braai facilities and ready-to-braai stands.

Running from 10:00 to 18:00, the programme features DJs playing amapiano and old-school music.

Main event at Coronation Park

The main event takes place on Saturday, September 26, at Coronation Park. The line-up features artists like Big Zulu, Kwesta, Nhlanhla from Mafikizolo, Rethabile Khumalo, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Musa, Mdu Masilela, and Trompies, along with local performers including DJ Dipepa and DJ Sims Noreng.

Ngema said local vendors will also have the opportunity to showcase and sell food, cultural products, arts, and crafts.

The family-focused event will feature security personnel throughout the venue, and organisers confirmed that Coronation Park has sufficient parking facilities.

For those who remember the festival from its previous run, Ngema believes its return represents the continuation of an event that became part of the West Rand community.