The 2023 Makhelwane edition attracted over 1 200 festivalgoers, food lovers and many others from across the City of Johannesburg to experience “Soweto Through The Eyes of the Locals” this past weekend, 28 to 29 January, at Poka Street in Orlando West, Soweto. The return of the annual festival seeks to position Soweto and Joburg as a tourism hub and to develop the local economy. It has continued with its legacy of benefiting the community of Soweto and attracting people to see what the township and the City have to offer in terms of the township experience, food, music and other attractions.
“Going back to the community and showcasing the spirit of Ubuntu has been a drive of this initiative.
Makhelwane has become more than just a place for marketing, it is an event where families, friends meet and enjoy social gathering,” says one of the organisers Sifiso Dlangamandla.
“We are proud to continue with the principles and values of the Makhelwane Festival, most importantly we are thrilled to be part of a positive change in positioning Soweto as a united community and attractive destination.”
Apart from the increase in the number of young traders and visitors, “there has been an impressive increase in the number of stalls that accommodate about 60 SMMEs”, Dlangamandla adds.
Local brands and Joburg Tourism-sponsored SMMEs such as Sneza, EzeMvelo, Shiva, Afro Frocs, Sekgosi Contemporary Jewelries and Different Stories Creation were given a platform to offer showcase their products while building togetherness in the community.
Lesego Lekgoe, the owner of Sekgosi Contemporary Jewelries and Sejo Achar, says being part of the traders has enabled her to network and connect with people who share similar entrepreneurial ideologies.
“Attending a festival such as this will help my newly established brand to get recognition and attract a relevant audience,” says Lekgoe.
“In early stages of my business I had struggled with promoting my brand, however, I hope being here today at this festival will give’ Different Stories Creation’ potential exposure and can reach and influence a large number of people,” says Bongekile Kubheka, the owner of Different Stories Creation.