The most beloved street food, traditionally made from an unsliced loaf of bread cut into four parts, and an assortment of delicacies thrown into the mix, better know as KOTA, SPHATLHO or even SKHAMBANE, fulfils the heart of every South African who prefers junk food.
Just one KOTA should be enough to leave a hungry folk full for the entire day.
Now, can you imagine if over 30 vendors in an enclosed area offering the same delicacy, but using different ingredients to attract the hungry – it is a mouthful to leave you salivating for more.
PHUTHADITJHABA SATISFY ITS DESIRES!
On the weekend of 4 October 2025, the people of Free State, specifically Phuthaditjhaba, converged into one stadium for a mouth-watering Kota Festival organised by patron Morena Mosikidi who was hosting his third straight appealing food festival where everyone left licking their lips from the pleasure of the delicacies.
You don’t need to be a chef to prepare a delicious skota, or go to a culinary school to know ingredients, but creativity and the love for food could make one the best in the game of the traditional township fast food industry – the preferred in every South African kasi.
From sizzling grills to booming speakers, the Kota Festival Weekend, with many other other areas across the country their own, was a feast for the senses – a vibrant tribute to township culture and a powerful reminder of how food unites communities.
Energetic host Nkunyana “Skuzabell”Nkunyana kept the crowd entertained from start to finish, with highlights that included the much-loved Kota Eating Competition and exciting Net Nine Nine merchandise giveaways for lucky winners.
Now in its third year, the annual event continues to grow in size and spirit, attracting food lovers, music fans, and culture seekers from all corners of South Africa.
KOTA ISN’T JUST A SANDWICH BUT KASI ICON!
At this year’s festival in Phuthadithaba, more than 30 vendors reimagined this local favourite with creative, gourmet twists that pushed the boundaries of flavour and innovation.
Festival-goers sampled, voted, and celebrated the delicious reinvention of a true South African classic.
But the festival, co-sponsored by Net Nine Nine, offered more than just food.
The stage pulsed with local DJs, dancers, and live performers, blending Amapiano, Hip Hop, and classic Mzansi sounds into an unforgettable township soundtrack.
Shoppers browsed fashion stalls, admired local art exhibits, and families enjoyed games and activities throughout the day.
Beyond the fun, the Kota Festival carried a deeper mission – to empower township entrepreneurs and give visibility to small, local vendors.
As one of the proud sponsors, Net99 shared in this vision of growing the township economy.
Many small businesses reported record sales, new collaborations, and fresh opportunities.
Mosikidi summed it up perfectly: “The Kota Festival isn’t just about food – it’s a movement. It’s about reclaiming our culture, supporting local talent, and celebrating what makes South Africa unique.”
As the sun set on the day, one thing was clear, the Kota Festival has become a fixture on the national calendar.
With plans already underway for expansion, the first weekend of October is officially reserved for this proudly South African celebration of flavour, culture, and unity.
So, whether you’re a die-hard Kota fan or simply love a good vibe with even better food – next year’s edition promises to be even bigger, bolder, and more delicious than ever!
