THIS YEAR we’re discussing side-hustles- your main is important but your side also needs attention,” says co-founder Kgosi Rampa, as he prepares for the annual Makhelwane Festival, presented by Locrate Market creatives.
Celebrating its ninth edition, it begins January 27 at Thesis Lifestyle, 173 Machaba Dr, Mofolo Village, Soweto and proceed at Lebo’s Backpackers, 10823, Poee Street from 28 to 29.
He was further quoted as having said “’I am from Orlando West and its about going back to the community. It takes us back to that spirit of Ubuntu.
Since Covid, we’ve had to go to a smaller format. This year, we’ve heard members of the community say we must come back,” says Kgosi, whose this years’ theme has been coined “Soweto Through the Eyes of the Locals”.
The fest on the streets allows houses become restaurants, houses are turned into galleries, houses become boutiques, including live music, comedy, movie screenings and many more attractions.
Makhelwane, which means ‘neighbour’, speaks to the community spirit of the festival, it’s a Zulu word for one’s neighbour, but in African culture, the term is deeper than that; it refers to a community.
LoCrate (short for Local Creatives) was born out of the need for young black creatives to develop
local platforms to assist them to grow sustainable business trade.
According to Joburg department of economic and tourism, the projected economic impact of hosting the fest is estimated at R2.5 million based on about 2 500 festival-goers expected to attend over three days.
Indirect employment opportunities to be created during the hosting of the festival range from technical crews, production crews, security, ushers and other services aligned to hosting of the festival during and post the festival.
It will give trading opportunity to Joburg based SMMEs namely, food vendors as well arts and craft to sell their products to the festivalgoers.
“One of our core mandates as the Department of Economic Development is to support and promote the development of Small Medium Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
The Johannesburg Tourism Company is supporting the festival through SMME business talks taking place on Friday, 27 January, to give market access and business links to some 20 SMMEs to participate in the weekend market and showcase their products throughout the festival,” says MMC for economic in the City- Nkuli Mbundu.
“This special festival is set to feature the best township experience, food, music and a market in a family friendly environment with kiddies’ entertainment, virtual reality, storytelling, movie screening and bike tours,” continued Rampa.
We’ve got people like photographer Jeffrey Rikhotso, Tlhompho Mokoena from the Wing Republic, Dr Katlego Lekalakala and others. We have free business registrations and funding desks. We’ll also do a small night-market ahead of the big event, commented Rampa.
According to Gauteng Tourism Agency, one of partners for the fest, it will pay homage to legends like Dr. Desmond Tutu, Wandile Nzimande and Lebo Malepa (founder of internationally renowned Lebo’s Backpackers).
It will also feature the best township experience in the form of headliners such as KO, Langa Mavuso and DJs Lula Odiba and Thabo Phalatse as well as Rhythm Sessions, Deep Xcape, Themba Lunacy and Nicky B, street dining, virtual reality, movie screening and many more. Its gonna be a kumbaya!
To book your tickets, visit www.makhelwanefest.co.za
Friday- FREE
Weekend Pass – R250 (at the gate R200)
Day Pass: R 150.
