LIMPOPO – The countdown is on as South Africa’s biggest celebration of township food, entrepreneurship, and culture makes its debut in Limpopo.

On August 1, the Limpopo Kota Festival will take over the Polokwane Cricket Club, for the first time, bringing a full day of food, business, and community spirit. The gates will open at 10:00.

What exactly is a kota?

A ‘kota’ is an iconic South African street food sandwich which consists of a hollowed-out quarter loaf of bread stuffed with a variety of ingredients, typically including ‘slap’ chips (thick, soft-fried fries), processed meats, cheese, egg, and spicy mango atchaar and other delicious ingredients of the buyer’s choice.

Limpopo joins the national tour

Innocent Mashinini, marketing and PR specialist for Kota Festival and Goldex Events, said that as one of the newest provinces added to the Kota Festival national tour, Limpopo will experience the energy that has made the event one of the country’s fastest-growing cultural and economic platforms.

“The festival travels South Africa with a mission to celebrate township entrepreneurship, empower local businesses, and create meaningful opportunities for communities.”

He added that for Limpopo, this will be more than a festival.

“It is a movement that celebrates local talent, supports entrepreneurs, and puts the spotlight on the province’s business and creative communities,” Mashinini said.

What to expect

Festival-goers can look forward to a full day of food experiences, activations, networking, and family-friendly entertainment.

“Whether you’re a food lover, entrepreneur, student, learner, small business owner, or just after a day out with family, the event promises something for everyone,” he said.

Highlights include:

• Kota vendors showcasing signature creations from across the province.
• Interactive experiences and giveaways from festival partners.
• Local business support with opportunities to discover and buy from entrepreneurs.
• Business networking and entrepreneurial development opportunities.
• Community experiences and activities for all ages.
• A platform celebrating township innovation, creativity, and economic participation.

Creating opportunities beyond the day itself

Beyond the excitement, Mashinini added the Kota Festival aims to create real impact.

“The event is expected to generate opportunities for local vendors, suppliers, service providers, creatives, content creators, event staff, and small businesses throughout the value chain.”

With youth unemployment still one of South Africa’s biggest challenges, he added the festival looks to inspire entrepreneurship, open access to economic opportunities, and showcase township businesses as drivers of growth and job creation.

Bringing thousands of consumers and businesses together, stimulates local economic activity and gives emerging entrepreneurs a platform to grow their brands.

Sponsors and support

The Limpopo Kota Festival is freshly powered by Albany and supported by Capitec and Nyama Choma. Albany continues to back the growth of township food businesses and the entrepreneurs behind them. Capitec’s partnership reflects its commitment to financial inclusion and accessible banking solutions for growing businesses.

Nyama Choma brings its passion for authentic flavour and food innovation to celebrate creativity in South Africa’s food industry.

Together, the partners aim to deliver value to communities by supporting entrepreneurs, stimulating local economies, and creating opportunities that extend beyond festival day.

Ticket information

Tickets are available through official Kota Festival platforms. Organisers encourage early booking to avoid disappointment. Kota Festival is South Africa’s premier township food and culture platform dedicated to celebrating, empowering, and growing the ‘kota’ economy.

Contact Yolanda Kubheka (marketing and PR specialist for Goldex Events) under Kota Festival: 064 695 2598 or email: yolanda@goldexevents.com, alternatively, visit their website: www.kotafestival.com.