On Heritage Day, we celebrate our unique cultural diversity and heritage, and I celebrated by attending the 5th annual Soweto Festival

The 24th of September, 4th of July and Bastille Day all have something in common – it ignites the patriotic fires. On Heritage Day, we celebrate our unique cultural diversity and heritage, and I celebrated by attending the 5th annual Soweto Festival at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus. The theme for this year was traditional African dress.

The Adele Lucas Promotions Company, in a joint venture with the Greater Soweto Business Forum (GSBF), organises the event. The Soweto Festival is the largest and most historical event hosted in the township. It goes beyond exhibitions, music and beer gardens. There is an educational element. The HIV and breast cancer awareness campaign is reinforced. In addition, there are a series of presentations. The festival attracted 47 000 visitors in 2008. How does that compare? For one, it exceeds the attendance figures of the Bafana Bafana versus New Zealand match during the Confederations Cup. 

This festival has immeasurable potential. It could be an event on the international calendar, a bit like the Oktoberfest in Germany. The plan for 2010 is to take the brand to New York. This will go a long way in creating international visibility.

The official opening ceremony was characterized by a series of speeches, all with a central theme: You can live a better life. Take the opportunities and run. Region D Director of Johannesburg, Pat Lephunya, said emphatically: “Participate in the festival and grow.” He did the honours and declared the festival officially opened.

Chairman of the Greater Soweto Business Forum (GSBF), Nancy Nxumalo, advised society to “come together and speak with one voice.” She highlighted the role of the GSBF, which is to effectively unify the sporadic pockets of commercial activity and ushers them to common ground. “We want to promote Soweto business and give them a chance to be competitive,” she says. While many doors have opened, its understandable that there are pockets of resistance in the business community. That’s where the GSBF fits in – to identify opportunities and match them to competent service providers.

There is a real sense of passion for this event. As Adele Lucas enthusiastically stated: “We have a love affair with Soweto.”

The Johannesburg MMC of Economic Affairs, Parks Tau, was the most passionate speaker. He emphasised that Soweto is alive. The main message was that we have the resources to assist and support entrepreneurs.

What did I learn? Soweto and its people desire a better future. With the support of the GSBF, dreamers can start to actively work towards achieving their dream.

What’s on offer?
- Over 50 exhibitors, from educational institutions to employment agencies and government departments.
- Entertainment stage
- Beer garden
- A fun fair and sports zone, including paintball and 5-a-side football

Visit www.sowetofestival.co.za for more information.