A flavour-packed cultural celebration: win tickets to the Soweto Kota Festival

Event management company Sid Entertainment is proud to announce the return of the Soweto Kota Festival .

Now in its ninth year, the event is taking place on September 5 and 6 at the Elkah Cricket Oval in Rockville, Soweto.

Pulling in over 15,000 people annually, the festival has become a firm favourite for kota lovers and families looking for a fun day out.

Whether you’re a devoted Kota fan or curious to try your first bite, the festival promises to be a lively celebration of good food, music and entertainment.

This year, Aromat joins the festival as an official flavour partner, bringing its longstanding role in South African kitchens directly into one of the country’s most authentic food and cultural celebrations.

As a household name synonymous with bold, familiar seasoning, Aromat’s involvement is a natural extension of kota culture itself, a dish built on layering flavour into an affordable, much-loved township staple.

“Kota represents everything Aromat stands for: bold flavour, community, and everyday South African pride,” says Dimpho Phoshoko, Aromat spokesperson.

“We’re excited to bring that same spirit of connection to Soweto Kota Festival fans this September, and to celebrate a dish that so many South Africans have grown up loving.”

Throughout the festival weekend, Aromat will host activations for attendees to enjoy, alongside sampling opportunities and interactive brand moments designed to celebrate the flavour-forward spirit of kota.

The partnership also reflects a broader commitment to supporting local food culture and the entrepreneurs who bring it to life, standing alongside the festival’s mission of giving small vendors and “kotapreneurs” a national platform to grow their businesses.

The Soweto Kota Festival is more than an event — it’s a celebration of heritage, community, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Soweto

As part of its broader community impact, the festival also provides jobs to more than 40 unemployed youth from around Soweto during the event, forming part of an initiative to support local families.

Sidwell Tshingilane, founder of Soweto Kota Festival , says he is grateful to those who have assisted and continue to assist, as the event would not be possible without their support.

“The Soweto Kota Festival is more than an event — it’s a celebration of heritage, community, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Soweto,” Tshingilane says.