A flavourful celebration at the Soweto Kota Festival

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

The streets of Soweto were once again brought to life by the eighth annual Blue Ribbon Soweto Kota Festival held on 6 and 7 September this year at the Dobsonville rugby grounds in Johannesburg. Potatoes SA participated for the second consecutive year, one of several key partners supporting one of Mzansi’s most beloved celebrations of food and culture.

The Soweto Kota Festival is an annual celebration of the kota. The festival is a vibrant blend of creativity, community, music, and food, offering more than just a culinary experience – it serves as a platform for local kota vendors to showcase their creations alongside live music performances, family and kids’ entertainment zones, and dynamic cultural displays. This year’s event was even bigger than the previous one, attracting over 18 000 people and featuring more than 80 kota vendors.

For the love of potatoes

By participating in events such as the Soweto Kota Festival, Potatoes SA strengthens its connection with the community while celebrating the essential ingredient that makes a kota so special: the humble potato. The organisation continues to encourage consumers to eat one more potato a week, helping to boost consumption.

During the festival’s media launch in August, hosted at the Soweto Theatre, Potatoes SA connected with kota vendors to learn more about their businesses and expectations regarding the event, and to offer a few promotional materials. Potatoes SA partnered with Grow Fresh Produce Agents, who supplied vendors with three pallets of potatoes – approximately three bags per vendor – helping to reduce production costs. Joining Potatoes SA were other household brands such as Capitec, Nola Mayonnaise, Thompsons Meats, Aromat, and more. In most cases, the products were used to make kotas on the day.

During the festival, Potatoes SA hosted an interactive stand that engaged attendees of all ages through fun, potato-themed games. Winners walked away with branded prizes such as the popular Potato Nation bucket hat and daily-wear potato socks – keeping the brand top of mind.

The versatility of potatoes was a central theme throughout the event, with vendors showcasing a range of creative kotas using different potato preparations and recipes – from slap chips for the traditional kota to mashed potatoes for a mince kota. Other brands also highlighted potatoes in their own product demos, stating how essential and adaptable the humble potato truly is.

By being part of the Soweto Kota Festival, Potatoes SA not only supports township entrepreneurs who contribute to the local economy but is deepening its connection with the consumer, reflecting its value of grassroots connection and mutual upliftment. – Sheila Makgato, Potatoes SA

For more information, email the author at sheila@potatoes.co.za or visit www.potatoes.co.za.