Soweto Kota Festival returns to Rockville for ninth year
Thousands are expected at the ninth Soweto Kota Festival, featuring about 40 kota vendors, live performances, competitions and family entertainment.
The Soweto Kota Festival is set to return for its ninth edition, bringing together food lovers, music enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and families for a two-day celebration at the Elkah Cricket Oval in Rockville, Soweto, on September 5 and 6.
Hosted by SID Entertainment Pty Ltd, the festival has grown into one of Soweto’s biggest community events since its inception nine years ago, attracting thousands of visitors annually and showcasing the township’s unique food culture.
The event has previously drawn crowds of more than 15,000 people, with the festival becoming a popular attraction for kota lovers and families looking for entertainment, live performances and a taste of some of the best kota offerings.
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Although the festival mainly attracts young people, organisers said it continues to appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds, offering entertainment and activities for the entire family.
“The Soweto Kota Festival is more than an event it’s a celebration of heritage, community, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Soweto,” founder of the Soweto Kota Festival, Sidwell Tshingilane.
Tshingilane added that as the festival enters its ninth year, they are excited to welcome media, partners, and fans back to experience what makes the event so special.
One of the highlights of the festival remains the variety of kota creations on offer, with about 40 vendors expected to showcase their unique styles.
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Visitors will be able to enjoy kota meals from as little as R60, alongside drinks stalls and activities for children.
The festival has also attracted interest from sponsors, particularly those in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, as vendors continue to innovate and add new ingredients to the traditional kota, which includes chips, atchar and polony.
Beyond entertainment and food, the festival contributes to local economic development by creating opportunities for small businesses and unemployed youth. More than 40 young people from Soweto are expected to be employed on the day of the event as part of the initiative to support families and create temporary employment opportunities.
Last year’s eighth edition attracted more than 16,000 attendees, with 9,000 visitors attending on Saturday and 7,000 on Sunday.
The event featured more than 70 kota vendors and provided a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses.
Since its launch, the festival has grown from attracting approximately 15,000 visitors in 2019 to reaching a record 18,000 attendees during its fifth year, cementing its position as a key event on Soweto’s cultural calendar.
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The 2026 festival will feature live performances from local artists, the Best Kota Competition, brand activations, giveaways and interactive experiences from festival partners. The competition previously crowned 2 Selai as the winning kota vendor, followed by Zaza’s Eatery and Ko-Boiketlong Situations in second and third place respectively.
A media launch is scheduled to take place at Soweto Theatre, where the first Soweto Kota Festival was held nine years ago.
Partners will be unveiled at the launch, while members of the media will have an opportunity to engage with organisers and learn more about the upcoming festival.
