Soweto Kota Festival Set to Celebrate 9th Edition as Organisers Build Towards Landmark 10-Year Anniversary
The Soweto Kota Festival is set to return for its ninth edition on 5 and 6 September 2026 at the Elkah Cricket Oval in Rockville, Soweto, promising another weekend of food, music, culture and community celebration.
Organised by SID Entertainment Pty Ltd, the annual festival has become one of Soweto’s biggest lifestyle and cultural events, attracting thousands of people each year while providing a platform for local food vendors, entertainers and emerging entrepreneurs. With a growing list of sponsors and strategic partners coming on board, organisers say this year’s festival is also an important stepping stone towards the event’s 10-year anniversary celebration in 2027, which is expected to be bigger and more ambitious.
Founder Sidwell Tshingilane said he remained grateful to the sponsors, partners and his team for their continued commitment to the festival.
“We are grateful for all the support we are getting from our sponsors and our team. Everyone comes together every day to make sure we create an event that will leave great memories for everyone who attends,” Tshingilane said.
At a media briefing held ahead of the festival, several sponsors and partners outlined their involvement, including Aromat, Renault, Super Store Dlamini, GoTyme Bank, Standard Bank, PayShap and First Choice Cheese.
Sowetan, Soweto TV and Jozi FM are supporting the festival as strategic media partners, while Big Tree Beverages will help keep festival-goers refreshed. Renault is also supporting the organisers with transport.
Sasko, which was the main sponsor when the festival was launched, is expected to return for the 10th anniversary celebration in 2027. The organisers are also moving towards a largely cashless festival, with PayPal supporting the initiative. Only a limited portion of transactions is expected to be made using cash.
The festival’s enduring appeal is rooted in one of Soweto’s most recognisable culinary creations — the kota. “We grew up eating kota at schools,” Tshingilane said.
Traditionally associated with ingredients such as mince, mashed potatoes and atchar, the kota has evolved over the years, with vendors adding chips, cheese, polony and a variety of meats to create their own unique combinations.
The festival has consequently become more than a food event. It provides an opportunity for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their products, generate income and reach thousands of potential customers. This year, about 40 kota vendors are expected to participate, with kota meals available from around R60. There will also be beverage stalls, while Ola will cater for children and festival-goers with a sweet tooth.
The organisers also place strong emphasis on employment creation. Tshingilane said more than 40 unemployed young people from Soweto are employed during the festival, providing temporary income while supporting families in the community.
“The kota is not just food. It is an opportunity for vendors to create employment and feed their families,” he said. Since its inception, the Soweto Kota Festival has grown significantly. The festival attracted approximately 15,000 visitors in its early years, reaching a record 18,000 attendees during its fifth year.
Last year’s eighth edition attracted more than 16,000 people, with approximately 9,000 attending on Saturday and another 7,000 on Sunday. More than 70 kota vendors participated in the previous edition. Although the youth remain an important target market, the festival has developed into a family-friendly event that attracts people of different ages and backgrounds. Music and entertainment remain central to the experience, with festival-goers able to enjoy live performances while sampling a wide variety of kota creations.
For Tshingilane, the festival’s success is ultimately a reflection of the community, partners and businesses that continue to invest in it. He said the event would not be possible without the sponsors and supporters who have helped it grow over the years.
As the ninth edition approaches, the organisers are not only preparing for another major weekend in Soweto but are laying the groundwork for a milestone 10th anniversary in 2027.
The Soweto Kota Festival has established itself as a celebration of food, music and township culture — while creating economic opportunities and giving local entrepreneurs a platform to grow.
With its ninth edition expected to draw thousands of visitors, organisers are hoping to once again prove that the humble kota can bring an entire community together.