The rise in popularity of kota festivals has sparked a lively debate over who holds the title of the original creator of the beloved township food celebration. In recent years, food festivals like the Soweto Kota Festival and the Kota Festival, formerly known as the Jozi Kota Festival, have garnered attention for their role in promoting township food culture.
These events, which celebrate the iconic kota sandwich, have partnered with well-known bread brands, such as Albany and Blue Ribbon, to further cement their place in South Africa’s cultural calendar. However, with these parallel festivals gaining traction, a battle has emerged over which event was the true pioneer.
Sidwell Tshingilane, the founder of the Soweto Kota Festival, which was established in 2017, firmly believes his event is the original one. “We are the original event,” he asserts, explaining that the inspiration behind the festival stemmed from the iconic role of the kota in Johannesburg’s townships. For Tshingilane, the kota is more than just street food; it’s a piece of history and culture. “iKota is one of the oldest street foods in the township. Food is culture and heritage,” he says.
However, Xolani Machele, who created the Kota Festival in 2015, has a different perspective. According to Machele, his festival was born out of a need to provide a nostalgic experience for township students living in the city. “We strategically placed it for students. We wanted to give students who moved from their kasis the kotas they love from back home,” he explains, emphasizing that the festival’s focus was on providing a taste of home for those who had left their communities to study.
As the battle over the origins of the festival continues, one thing is clear: both events share a deep-rooted passion for celebrating the cultural significance of the kota, ensuring that this beloved street food remains an integral part of South Africa’s food landscape.
