EVATON.- The build-up to the anxiously awaited Emfuleni Local Municipality’s (ELM) Vaal River Carnival (VRC) 2025 officially began last week with an exciting community activation at Evaton Mall.

The event featured popular actors from the Showmax Original drama series Outlaws, Katleho Mabote and Ikobeng ‘Ikob’s’ Moatlhodi, who thrilled fans with live performances and interactive engagement.

The activation drew vibrant participation from the community, setting the tone for the electrifying full return of the VRC starting on September 6.

Outlaws tells the compelling story of two families at war – the Zulu, cattle-farming Biyela clan, and the Basotho, cattle-raiding Ts’eole family – set in the lush yet lawless borderlands between Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal.

Created by Phathu Makwarela and Gwydion Beynon of Tshedza Pictures, the series is celebrated as South Africa’s first contemporary Western and is currently available for streaming.

The ELM said that it is honoured to have partnered with different stakeholders in this successful activation. It served not only as a celebration of local talent but also as a platform to energise communities ahead of the 22nd offering of the Vaal River Carnival – an annual tourism, arts, and culture showcase that celebrates diversity, promotes creativity, and brings the Vaal to life.