By Nkhantsani Mthombeni
• The best sphatlo makers compete for prizes of R15,000, R10,000 and R5,000 to help grow their businesses.
• The initiative has expanded from Pretoria to Limpopo, where 50 informal traders in Tzaneen will receive business training.
For many South Africans, a sphatlo is more than just a quick meal.
It is breakfast before work.
Lunch after school.
A township favourite that fills hungry stomachs every day.
Now it is also changing lives.
A group of friends from Pretoria have turned their love for the famous township sandwich into a festival that is helping informal traders become business owners.
Known in some places as a kota or even a bunny chow, the sphatlo is made from a quarter loaf of bread packed with chips, polony, cheese, eggs, atchar, Russians and other tasty fillings.
But behind every sphatlo is a trader trying to earn a living.
Festival organiser Tebogo Manganye said they realised that while sphatlos are sold in almost every township and village, many sellers never receive formal business training.
“We decided to bring informal sellers together with people who can teach them about hygiene, marketing and food presentation,” he said.
Professional chefs also share practical cooking skills to help traders improve the quality of their products.
At the end of the training, every participant receives a certificate.
Manganye said the certificate gives traders confidence and helps move them from informal trading towards running a more professional business.
The festival also rewards excellence.
Sphatlo makers compete for the title of best sphatlo, with the winner taking home R15,000.
Second place receives R10,000 while third place wins R5,000.
Manganye said the event is about much more than food.
It is an economic empowerment programme designed to strengthen township businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, create jobs and build sustainable supplier networks.
“With the current economy, people need business skills to remain relevant to their customers. We are not only hosting a festival. We are changing lives and empowering people,” he said.
The festival began in Pretoria last year and has already attracted thousands of visitors.
This year, successful events were held at Moretele Park and Atteridgeville.
The organisers are now taking the concept beyond Gauteng.
Their next stop is Tzaneen in Limpopo, where 50 informal traders have already been selected for training ahead of the October event.
The festival is designed as a family day out.
Visitors enjoy live music, food competitions and games such as pool and Ludo.
Manganye said the games help bring families together while creating a fun atmosphere.
“The idea is to promote family unity while supporting township businesses. We want people to enjoy themselves while contributing to the local economy,” he said.
For the organisers, every sphatlo sold is more than just another meal.
It is another step towards helping township entrepreneurs build stronger businesses and brighter futures.
Pictured above: One of the award winning sphatlos on display at the festival.
Image source: Supplied.
