· Over 6,500 people will attend the Jozi Kota Festival on 4 October 2025 to enjoy creative takes on the famous township sandwich.
· The event supports township vendors, creates jobs and gives young entrepreneurs a chance to grow their businesses.
More than 6,500 people are expected at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg for the Jozi Kota Festival on 4 October.
The event will feature 50 vendors offering their own versions of the township favourite – a quarter loaf of bread stuffed with chips, meat and sauces.
Started in 2017, the festival helps grow the kota business, create jobs and support entrepreneurs from the townships.
Xolani Machele, the co-founder and chief executive, said they have employed 10 people full-time and hope to grow even more.
“For me as a black CEO, the most important thing is creating jobs. I come from a home where both my parents were unemployed. So making a difference like this brings me joy,” said Machele.
He said the team faced many problems during their last event in Eswatini.
“We were stuck for almost 10 hours with equipment. It was a bad experience, but Clover, one of our sponsors, stepped in and now handles all the logistics,” he said.
Although this year’s tickets are already sold out, the team plans to host an even bigger event next year with up to 15,000 people.
Companies including Albany, Thompsons Meats, Sunfoil and Oros are supporting the event to make sure vendors have quality ingredients to work with.
Besides food, fans can enjoy music and entertainment with a top line-up featuring Sjava, DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Big Zulu, Emtee and Somizi Mhlongo as host.
Pictured above: music fans and food lovers at a previous Kota Festival
Image source: Kota Festival
