CAPTION: Vaal turns up the heat for a day as thousands of enthusiasts and Kota lovers gathered in Emerald Resorts and Casino to experience different types of kotas while enjoying music and other family activities.
By SMANGA KHUMALO
SCORES of kota-loving Vaal and surrounding residents braved the hot weather and came out in their numbers to enjoy the Vaal Kota Festival, which was held at Emerald Resorts and Casino, Vanderbijlpark, in the Vaal on Saturday.
The event was fully packed and had a wide range of activities for all ages.
The famous kasi kota is made from a quarter of a loaf of bread and a large variety of meaty fillings. It has to be one of the perfect fast-food meals to get your tummy full.
Kotas are some of the most popular foods in South African townships.
One of the attendees, Khensani Maluleke from Boksburg, in Ekurhuleni, said it was her first time attending the Kota Festival event.
She said she had more fun than she expected.
“I have been wanting to attend this event, but I couldn’t because of my tight schedule. But I told myself this one won’t miss me. I enjoyed the food and the line-up of performers,” she explained.
Maluleke came with one member of her family.
She said she also wanted to refresh her mind as I had not attended events since winter.
Said reckons: “This event came at the right time and the weather was favourable.”
Although the festival mainly attracts young people, organisers said it continues to appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds, offering entertainment and activities for the entire family.
Another attendee, Lebohang Motaung, who is a student at Vaal University of Technology [VUT], said he attended the event because he is a music enthusiast.
He said even though he likes kota, the line-up forced him to buy tickets.
He added: “I am a music lover. The line-up was so interesting, though I feel the artists didn’t perform for long, except Vusi Nova, MaWhoo and Big Zulu. Despite that, the event was well planned, and the venue was good. I don’t regret attending this event. There were no fights; people were happy and enjoying themselves. I don’t say the event was perfect – I can point out a few things they missed.”
The day-long event kicked off with a variety of activities, with a line-up of stalls and playing activities for kids of all ages.
There were live performances from the likes of Xolwa, DJ Maphorisa, MaWhoo, Big Zulu, Vusi Nova, Amanda Black, Ringo Madlingozi, KO, BLXCKIE, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Oscar Mbo and Supta, just to name but a few.
For years, the event has drawn thousands, with the festival becoming a popular attraction for kota lovers and families looking for entertainment, live performances and a taste of some of the best kota offerings.
Supporters enjoyed kota meals from as little as R100.
The festival has also attracted interest from sponsors, particularly those in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, as vendors continue to innovate and add new ingredients to the traditional kota, which includes chips, atchar and polony.
Meanwhile, the much-loved festival is returning on October 03, at FNB Stadium, with organisers promising a bigger, better and more family-friendly experience.
Festival-goers can look forward to a full day of food experiences, activations, networking and family-friendly entertainment.
