MAKHELWANE FESTIVAL 2024
Joburg Tourism Unites with Partners to Support the Vibrant Makhelwane Festival in Soweto [16 – 18 February 2024]
16 February 2024
Joburg Tourism is excited to announce its collaboration with private and public sector
partners to champion the much-anticipated Makhelwane Festival, returning for its 9th year
from 16 -18 February 2024, at Poka Street, Orlando West, Soweto.
Celebrating the cultural richness and community spirit of Soweto, the Makhelwane Festival
offers a diverse programme, featuring a music festival, movie screenings, business talks,
food carnival, street dining, arts and crafts, a bubbly garden, and kiddies' entertainment.
Thandubuhle Mgudlwa, CEO of the Joburg Tourism Company (JTC), emphasises the
significance of this signature event in connecting with Soweto communities.
JTC's involvement goes beyond sponsorship, with a commitment to fostering economic
growth and social cohesion. The initiative includes providing market access and business
linkages to 30 local Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) for the weekend market.
Additionally, the festival serves as a platform for job creation, engaging unemployed youth in
various roles from set-up to breakdown.
"This event not only contributes to social cohesion and economic growth but also showcases
Soweto's rich heritage, struggle history, and world-renowned tourist attractions," says
Mgudlwa. Makhelwane Festival organizer, Kgosi Rampa, shares the sentiment behind the festival,
explaining that "Makhelwane" goes beyond being a neighbour; it embodies a sense of
community. The festival aims to reconnect and re-ignite the community through the
neighbourhood culture of "Bo Makhe" while promoting local small and medium enterprises.
Poka Street, Orlando West, transforms into a vibrant hub where houses become restaurants,
galleries and boutiques. The festival promises the best township experience, featuring live
music, comedy, movie screenings and more. Rampa adds, "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 screenings and
bike tours."
Line up for:
To be part of this immersive celebration, book your tickets at www.makhelwanefest.co.za.
About Makhelwane Festival:
The Makhelwane Festival, now in its 9th year, draws inspiration from the age-old tradition of
Ubuntu/Batho, embodying the spirit of communal unity and shared experiences. More than
just an event, it revives the historic culture and lifestyle of townships, fostering a sense of
community through the exchange of food, gifts and laughter.
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