09/09/2026
9TH SOWETO KOTA FESTIVAL RESCHEDULED TO ANOTHER DATE , ORGANISERS PROMISE BIGGER EDITION YET
SOWETO –The 9th edition of the annual Soweto Kota Festival has been rescheduled to 12 and 13 September 2026 and will once again be hosted at the Elkah Cricket Oval in Rockville, Soweto.
Founder Sidwell Tshingilane confirmed the new dates yesterday at a media briefing, saying preparations are underway to take the festival to the next level ahead of its 10-year anniversary in 2027.
“This event will never happen without the support of our sponsors and my team who come together daily to make sure that we create an event that will leave great memories,” said Tshingilane.
A host of sponsors attended the briefing to outline their involvement, including Aromat, Renault, Super Store Dlamini – who will supply meat – GoTyme Bank, Standard Bank, PayShap, First Choice Cheese and Big Tree Beverages who will keep attendees hydrated.
Strategic media partners Sowetan, Soweto TV and Jozi FM were also in attendance. Organisers confirmed that Sasko, the main sponsor at the festival's inauguration, will return in 2027 for the 10-year celebration.
The event will be largely cashless through PayPal, with only 10% cash transactions allowed.
Now in its ninth year, the Soweto Kota Festival has become one of Soweto’s flagship events, consistently drawing over 15,000 people. Last year’s 8th edition drew over 16,000 attendees – 9,000 on Saturday and 7,000 on Sunday – with more than 50 kota vendors. The festival grew from around 15,000 visitors in 2019 to a record 18,000 in its fifth year.
Rooted in township culture, kota is believed to have originated in Soweto as a combination of mince, mashed potatoes and atchaar, now evolved with chips, cheese, polony and other meats.
“Kota is not just a cuisine but an opportunity for vendors to create employment and feed families,” Tshingilane said.
This year about 40 vendors are expected, with kotas selling from R60 each. There will also be drinks stalls and Ola for children and those with a sweet tooth.
Beyond food and music, the festival has become a driver of local economic development. About 200 unemployed youth are hired on the day, as part of efforts to curb unemployment and support families in Soweto.
What to expect in 2026
Two days of live performances from top local artists including Lamize Holworthy, Tracy, Mr X, Uncool and Jobe London.
“The Soweto Kota Festival is more than an event – it is a celebration of heritage, community, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Soweto. As we head into our 9th year, we’re excited to welcome media, partners, and fans back to experience what makes this festival so special,” Tshingilane said.
The 2026 edition is flavoured by Aromat, under the theme “Aromat & Eggs go together like the Soweto Kota Festival & the fah-fah that keeps bringing unbelievable flavour.”
