Therefore, the second instalment of the Makhelwane Festival in Soweto, seeks to espouse to o
thers that being neighbourly is an African thing.
It takes place at Orlando West from December 4 to 6.
The key element behind Makhelwane Fest is creating a commercial hub that involves the community and its locals. Close to 30 houses will be transformed to represent the brand or brands which it is hosting.
Houses will be transformed into a fashion boutique by distinguished fashion brands, a local chef will convert another house into an eatery and a group of local artists will create a gallery in another house.
The total effect will be a commercial carnival atmosphere, pumping with action and exciting spaces covering over 30 houses in one street creating a carnival and picnic atmosphere.
“The Makhelwane Festival is a celebration of trendy townships cool contemporary brands,” says Barba Gaoganediwe, head of communications at Gauteng Tourism, the festival partner’s.
Makhelwane Fest is similar to the Locrate Market (where brands occupy 3m x 3m spaces), but hosts each brand in a house or part of one.
According to Barba, the agency’s promotional drive work has been aimed at how best the tourism industry can benefit small players, especially those in GeePee townships in support of the provincial government’s drive of township economy revitalization as part of the Transformation, Modernization and Re-industrialization programme.
Kaya FM, The Lazy Makoti, Morara Wine Emporium and Trackside Creative, and others will form part of the fest.
For those who haven’t slept or camped in Soweto Lebo’s Backpackers will provide accommodation and, on the last day of the festival a yoga session led by the dynamic Lerato from Inside Out, will be held.
This in turn boosts township/kasie tourism, says Barba, albeit no figures were given as in how much it would inject during the two day fest.
And please don’t go around belting ‘sori makhe’ from the hoarse of your voice- asseblief…
The festival runs from Saturday December 5 from 12pm ‘till 12am and end on Sunday 6th December 10am till 7pm.
The entry fee will be R50 for a day pass and R80 for a weekend pass.
More information can be obtained from Sifiso Dlangamandla on 078 967 2617 (Makhelwane Festival) or Barba Gaoganediwe, spokesperson for Gauteng Tourism Authority 0834467844 @Barba_G74.
