Kota Festival expands to Pretoria after Joburg success with food and fun

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Music, food and fun lovers are in for a treat when the Kota Festival takes over the Pretoria National Botanical Garden on 31 October.

The event brings together some of South Africa’s leading musical talents alongside a celebration of kasi cuisine.

The Pretoria edition follows the festival’s recent success at Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec in Johannesburg, where Joburgers came out in their numbers to enjoy a feast of kotas, music and entertainment.

In Nasrec, the stage came alive with performances from heavyweights including Big Zulu, Makhadzi, Cassper Nyovest, Amanda Black, Young Stunna, Emtee, Mlindo, Zola 7, Elaine, Master KG, Aymos and iFani, among others.

Now in its ninth year, the festival promises a day packed with mouth-watering food, live performances and entertainment for all ages.

Since its launch in Johannesburg, the festival has expanded to 13 events across seven provinces and two neighbouring countries, growing into a platform that celebrates township food, culture and entrepreneurship.

At the heart of the festival is one of South Africa’s most-loved township meals: the kota. Also known as sphatlho or sphatlo and skhambane in parts of Sedibeng in the Vaal, the kota is a quarter loaf of bread generously packed with a variety of fillings.

Mouth-watering food at Kota Festival

Depending on the maker, a kota can be loaded with chips, russians, burger patties, lettuce, cheese, viennas, eggs, beans, atchaar, polony and sauces.

Some of the country’s top “Kotapreneurs” will put their own creative spin on the iconic meal, with about 40 vendors expected to showcase their different styles and flavours.

Innocent Mashinini, marketing and PR specialist for Kota Festival and Goldex Events, said festival-goers can expect the energy that has helped turn the event into a growing cultural and economic platform.

“The mission is to celebrate township entrepreneurship, empower local businesses, and create meaningful opportunities for communities,” said Mashinini.

The festival has previously attracted crowds of more than 15,000 people and has become a popular destination for families and food lovers.

With hip-hop, amapiano, Afro-pop and other home-grown sounds on the menu, the festival promises to keep revellers on their feet throughout the day.

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Beyond food and entertainment, the festival aims to grow the kota economy by creating opportunities for small businesses and township entrepreneurs through exposure, business workshops and mentorship.

The event also provides vendors with a platform to showcase their creativity while turning one of South Africa’s favourite township meals into viable businesses.

As thousands of revellers prepare to descend on Pretoria, the festival promises more than just a plate of kota: it will serve up a celebration of kasi culture, entrepreneurship and some of Mzansi’s biggest musical acts.

The festival is open to all ages, with tickets ranging from R300 to R800 for the VIP lounge, R200 for kids, and parking available for R50.