SID Entertainment Pty Ltd is getting ready for its 9th edition of the yearly Soweto Kota Festival scheduled to take place on the 5th and 6th of September 2026 at the Elkah Cricket Oval, Rockville, Soweto.
With great sponsors getting on board the Soweto Kota Festival plans to take the event to the highest level as It gears up to prepare for next years’ 10 year celebration, which promises to be bigger and better.
Sidwell Tshingilane the Founder of the Festival says that he is grateful for all the support he is getting from both the sponsors and his team who come together daily to make sure that they create an event that will leave great memories for those who attend it
Yesterday at the Media briefing a number of sponsors including Aromat, Renault, Super Store Dlamini who will be supplying meat, GoTyme Bank, Standard Bank, Pay Shap, First Choice Cheese and others came together to speak to media about their involvement with the event and future plans. Sowetan, Soweto TV and Jozi fm as the strategic Media partners and Big Tree Beverages to keep everyone hydrated also attended to show support. Sasko who was the main sponsor at the inauguration will be joining back in 2027 for the 10th year celebration. Paypal will make sure that the event is cashless and only 10 percent will still be able to use cash.
Soweto Festival has been the centre and top of events held in Soweto since its inception 9 years ago, pulling approximately over 15 000 people and filling up the event without fail. “We grew up eating Kota at schools,” says Tshingilane. The cuisine s believed to have originated in Soweto with the traditional Mince, Mash potatoes and atchaar. The ingredients have now evolved to something even more exciting with additions of Chips, Cheese, Polony and other meats.
Kota is not just a cuisine but an opportunity for vendors to create employment and feed families. Tshingilane hires about 40 unemployed youth on the day and this helps curb the high numbers of unemployment in Soweto. Soweto Kota Festival is the showcase of how the cuisine has evolved, with more and more vendors coming up with different ways to create more and make it bigger and better.
As much as the target market is mainly the youth, the festival has been able to attract all age in all walks of life. There is fun for everyone guaranteed. The entertainment is also the best part of the event, as guests look out for the new line up of artists to enjoy live music in an environment where they are spoiled for choice in terms of their favourite Kota cuisine.
About 40 vendors are expected at the event, all displaying their Kota style and making it available from as little as R60 each. There will also be stalls for drinks and Ola will be keeping children and those with sweet tooth satisfied.
The festival employs over 40 unemployed youth around Soweto on the day and this is part of the initiative to feed families. The organisers are being driven in by Renault as one of the sponsors. Tshingilane says that he is grateful to those who are assisting and still assisting as this event will never happen without them.
The Soweto Kota Festival is an annual celebration of music, food, and culture that has grown into one of Soweto’s flagship community events. Last year’s 8th edition drew an over 16,000 turnout, with 9,000 attendees on the Saturday and 7,000 on the Sunday, alongside more than 70 kota vendors serving up the country’s favourite township sandwich. Since its founding, the festival has grown from roughly 15,000 visitors in 2019 to a record 18,000 in its fifth year, cementing its place as a cornerstone of Soweto’s cultural calendar. Beyond the food and entertainment, the festival plays a meaningful role in local economic development — generating revenue for small businesses, creating short-term jobs, and giving emerging entrepreneurs a national platform. Past sponsors and partners have highlighted the festival’s authenticity and its ability to connect brands directly with communities in a way few other platforms can match.
What to Expect in 2026
Live performances from top local artists include but not limited Lamize Holworthy, Tracy, Mr X, Uncool and Jobe London, across two days. “The Soweto Kota Festival is more than an event — it is a celebration of heritage, community, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Soweto,” says Tshingilane. “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.” — SID Entertainment Pty Ltd.
Media Accreditation & Enquiries Members of the media wishing to attend the festival, or requiring interviews, imagery, or further information, can contact:
