Known as Lebo of Lebo’s BackPackers, this gentle soul -took his last breath last year 2021.
The organisers, who have worked with him since the inception of the festival, have decided to host the three-day event at his venue, from its original community-based festival where homeowners open their homes to allow aspiring business owners to showcase their products using their yards.
The three-day event kicks off this Friday evening, 28 ending on Sunday 30.
Makhelwane Fest is popular for its authentic township experiences and the only celebrated backpacker’s accommodation in a township.
Entering its seventh edition this year ‘Makhelwane’, is a lifestyle festival that reconnects and reignites the neighbourly culture of “Bo Makhe“.
International tourists are synonymous with the fest and known for letting their hair down in the spirit of oneness!
The festival is deep rooted in the historic culture and lifestyle in townships where neighbours shared and exchanged food, gifts, gestures which are purely based on the spirit of Ubuntu.
The festival gives food traders, artists, fashion designers an opportunity to showcase their products to festival attendees, making it the perfect platform to promote Made in Gauteng products.
“Such initiatives speak directly to our mandate as government to create conducive environments for township businesses to flourish”, says Gauteng Tourism Authority CEO- Sthembiso Dlamini, who are one of the partners.
“The festival looks beyond domestic tourism, it is a subsidiary initiative for township products where organisers aim to develop and drive township tourism to further create sustainable platforms for young creatives and entrepreneurs across Gauteng,” she adds.
This year will also celebrate connected communities that have made it through the pandemic.
A kiddie’s playground will be provided, making the event a family friendly affair.
Lebo’s BackPackers is situated at 10823 Pooe Street, Orlando West, Orlando.
It runs from 28 to 30 January. Sowetans are encouraged to support your own!
Tickets range from R100, R150 to R250 available at Webtickets outlets.
Ed Note: I happen to meet this unassuming lad Lebo, some donkey years’ and came across as a legit entrepreneur who knew his story. I got to befriend him through GTA’s encyclopedia Barba Gaoganediwe.
He crisscrossed the world as he marketed the brand hence the international presence at his establishment.
Lebo always honoured interviews and was never boastful.
Ahh, shall miss that glowing smile, my outie. Continue to rest eternally in Peace. Pula!
