“On 8 August, VUT’s Hospitality Department hosted the Kota Festival Masterclass, celebrating South Africa’s iconic street food with innovation, culture, and community.“
12 August 2025 | Story By: Vince Twala | Picture: Supplied
2 minutes read time.
On 8 August, the Department of Tourism and Integrated Communication in the Faculty of Human Sciences at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) turned an ordinary loaf into an extraordinary lesson in culture, creativity, and, of course, carbs. The much-anticipated Kota Festival Masterclass, held at the African Languages Auditorium, lived up to its theme “From bread to brilliance”, inspiring participants to experiment with bold flavours, inventive presentations, and a dash of nostalgia.
The air was thick with the scent of freshly baked bread, sizzling fillings, and a hint of friendly competition. Students, culinary enthusiasts, and community members gathered not merely to eat, but to celebrate South Africa’s beloved street food, the Kota, in an event that was equal parts feast, festival, and food philosophy. In collaboration with Clover and Albany, the spotlight fell squarely on this humble bread and filling marvel, proving it is far more than a quick bite, it is a cultural statement on a plate.
Dr Marumo Ngwenya, Senior Hospitality Management Lecturer at VUT, brought academic flair to the flavour. She spoke on the significance of traditional foods like the Kota in promoting cultural identity and fostering community bonds. “Culinary traditions such as the Kota contribute richly to the tapestry of South Africa’s diverse heritage,” she said, making it clear that each bite carries history as well as taste.
For Xolani Machele, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Kota Festival, the mission is bigger than bread. “I focus on delivering seamless and impactful festival experiences across Southern Africa, including Lesotho and Swaziland. As CEO, I oversee strategic planning, operations management, and budget oversight to ensure successful events that foster community engagement and cultural celebration,” he explained.
The Kota Festival Masterclass at VUT proved that food can be a powerful tool for education, cultural expression, and community building. By elevating the Kota from street snack to storytelling platform, the festival invited young and old alike to savour not just the taste, but the tradition behind it. Through events like this, VUT continues to blend talent, heritage, and innovation, ensuring that South Africa’s rich food traditions rise as beautifully as a perfectly baked loaf.