7th annual kota festival thrills fans

The seventh Soweto Kota Festival (SKF) brought excitement to local businesses and attendees at Fun Valley Pleasure Resort, Olifantsvlei, on September 13.

Solly Mako, founder of Makolicious, a business operating at Fun Valley, praised the festival’s impact. “There’s no doubt the Kota festival is big; people are still flocking in, and business is good.”

Mako’s Makolicious offered various kota options, including meaty kotas with steak, chicken, and ribs, as well as a healthier spinach kota.

ALSO READ:  It’s all systems go for this year’s Soweto Kota Festival

“What makes our Kota unique is the ingredients I use,” Mako explained. “My kotas have vegetables, the bread is toasted, they’re meaty, and the presentation sums it all.”

Mako commended the award-winning festival organisers for keeping the event active and securing a larger venue.
First-time participant Zandi Themba from Rockville took home the R25 000 cash prize with her unique kota offering.

“It was an emotional moment for many reasons,” Themba said. “When I shared my business idea, many people didn’t believe in me, and I lacked financial backing to start.”

Themba credited her passion for cooking and dedication to making food with love as key factors in her win.

“I think I won because my kota was very unique. I made beef curry, and the judges felt the love in my food.”

ALSO READ: Curro Academy Protea Glen hosts a thrilling soccer festival

Themba emphasised the importance of self-belief and taking risks, saying, “If you believe in yourself, anything is possible. The most important thing is to start.”

Chef Thabo Phake, head judge of the SKF, described the experience as exhilarating. “Tasting 60 kotas and choosing a winner in two days was thrilling.”

Phake highlighted the diversity of kota offerings, from strawberries to seafood, and praised the winners for celebrating the kasi economy.

“For example, the winner served a beautiful lamb curry, nostalgic and simple.

“The second-place winner represented a classic kasi kota with chips, Russian, and archer, while the third-place winner had a creative burger patty with cheese inside.”

Phake noted that all three winners effectively balanced their ingredients with Blue Ribbon bread.

He expressed his appreciation for the festival’s focus on the kasi economy, drawing from his experiences growing up in Vosloorus township.

“I love how people celebrate the kasi economy; it’s close to my heart.”