By Sello Makgobatlou
Emerald Resorts and Casino was packed to the rafters on 29 August when people young and old came from all corners of Gauteng and the Free State province to witness this for the first time this year. And all that Vaal people wanted was entertaining festival and the happenings started just after 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Chief operating officer Luvo Limba, said the Vaal Kota Festival just proved that when local people are placed at the centre of a major event, the celebration can become much bigger than entertainment — it can become a powerful engine for jobs and more.
“The Vaal Kota Festival is more than just a food and lifestyle event; it is an economic platform. Our intention is to invest directly back into the Vaal by employing local people and giving Vaal-based kota vendors the opportunity to grow their businesses,” he said.
Luvo said rather than simply bringing people together for food, music and entertainment, the festival ensured that the economic benefits flowed back into the community.
Local residents were given opportunities across a range of areas, including event operations, logistics, security, hospitality, marketing support and entertainment coordination.
For many young people and local workers, the festival was more than a day of celebration — it became an opportunity to earn, gain experience and showcase their skills.
For local vendors, it was not simply about selling kotas for the day. It was about opening doors to new opportunities, building their brands and demonstrating the strength of township businesses.
Capitec Bank and the Albany Bakeries were the main sponsors of the Vaal Kota festival.
Tickets sold from as little as R50 and this year’s slogan: Come hungry. Leave inspired.
