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The Soweto Festival is one of the biggest events on the area's social calendar, offering music, fun and loads of shopping and bargains.
EXCITEMENT filled the air on Heritage Day yesterday as people arrived in droves, camping chairs in hand and dancing shoes on, for the live entertainment on the opening day of the Soweto Festival.
Small businesses get the chance to showcase their products
On offer at the four-day festival is music, dance, poetry, drama, comedy, a youth zone and ample stalls with about 200 exhibitors, some selling handmade merchandise. It kicked off on 24 September and will run until 27 September at the University of Johannesburg's Soweto Campus, on Chris Hani Road.
Included in the line-up is a Taiwanese Film Festival, a kids' zone and a fun fair, ETV's Rhythm City, Voena's Children's Choir from San Francisco, and other international acts. The Shoprite Taste Sensation is also making an appearance, hosted by the local and international award-winning celebrity chef, Citrum Khumalo.
"We have produced the Soweto Festival to cater for everyone, and we do not mean all for one and one for all. We have developed activities that will specifically cater for youth, for kids and for adults," says Adele Lucas, the managing director of Adele Lucas Promotions, the organisers.
"Not only are we entertaining all the different target audiences, [but] we want the festival to add value to their lives through edutainment, through the development and networking opportunities available at [it].
"This ethos translates into exhibitors ranging from government departments such as the City of Johannesburg and Johannesburg Water; to lifestyle and décor exhibitors such as Beares; and travel and tourism such as KwaZulu-Natal Tourism, and many more."
Exhibitors
Small businesses from Soweto are showcasing their products at the festival and offer visitors the opportunity to see what goes into making some of their products. Banks and other organisations were also on hand to assist people with information.
Local craftsmen show off their skills
The youth zone comprises a variety of stalls, including Sci Bono, Campus Live, Workers' Academy of Insurance, Jabu Stone and the departments of Agriculture and Defence.
"It has been successful because we understand the need to keep innovating as a festival, from issues affecting youth to entertainment that reflects and celebrates the spirit of Soweto," says Lucas.
"The quality of the programme has consistently improved, as has the exhibition and range of activities on offer. We have also made a special effort to involve the people of Soweto in the conceptualisation of the festival, as well as its marketing and communications."
The festival is open on 25 September from 1pm to 8pm with a hip-hop theme; on 26 September from 10am to 8pm with a kwaito and jazz theme; and on 27 September from 1pm to 8pm with a gospel, classical and jazz theme. Tickets are R20 for adults and R10 for kids and pensioners and are available at the gate.
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