October 24, 2005
By Lucille Davie
ROLL up your sleeves, position your elbows on the counter, and get ready for the fourth Soweto Beer Festival.
Running from Friday, 28 October to Monday, 31 October, the festival will take place at the Shap Stadium in Mofolo Park, and is expected to pull in 80 000 thirsty people over the four days.
Over the past three years the festival was held at the Masakeng Pub and Grill, owned by Godfrey Mautloa, but with the increased crowds expected it was felt that Masakeng would be too small.
And, as it's a beer festival, there'll be plenty to savour. "The festival will feature 40 different types of beers that will tingle the taste buds. The brands will range from local beers to traditional African brews, as well as international beers," Mautloa says.
Mautloa, who is also deputy chairperson of the Soweto Tourism Association, says the festival is a top Soweto tourist event. "Sowetans are in a prime position to show we can deliver an outstanding tourist experience as well as introduce South Africans who may never visit the area, to our unique and friendly culture."
The entertainment will flow as well. Upcoming local artists will perform, with a different line-up each day. On Friday there will be a mix of well-known and up-and-coming hip-hop artists such as Skwatta Kamp, My Man, Prokid, Maggz, Young Nationz, Syd Money, Optical Illusion and Zubz.
Pabi Moloi from Metro FM will spin the discs with Naked DJ and a local DJ from Shack Records.
On Saturday Yfm will feature a Tribute to Kwaito Legends event, featuring artists like Arthur and Trompies and hosted by popular Yfm DJs Monde and Jawz, and a Sowetan DJ from Shack Records.
Jozi FM will take the stand on Sunday with Zulu Boy and Mgedeza spinning the discs, creating a festive atmosphere for the anticipated announcement of the top 20 finalists of the Miss Soweto Beauty Pageant.
The evening will conclude with a host of jazz, Afro pop, traditional, maskandi and mbaqanga artists making music, including KB, Khanyo, Freshlyground, Mehapo and Ntando.
And the final day will close with the percussion sounds of Tlale Makhene, the MTN Sama award winner, hosted by comedian David Kau.
Mautloa says that security will be a top priority, going hand-in-hand with a tough line on under-age drinking.
"The Soweto Beer Festival supports responsible drinking and is about exposing people to different brews and new styles of beer. It is an opportunity for responsible adults to get together, chill out and enjoy themselves," he says.
"Under-age drinking will not be tolerated and anyone found drinking who is under age, or providing liquor to under-age youngsters, will be dealt with by the on site security and South African Police Service contingent."
Spot ID checks will be conducted and anyone arriving at the gates already under the influence will be turned away.
Mautloa says the festival will create 100 temporary jobs and local businesses are coming to the party by providing transport, catering, and maintenance and security services.
In a reciprocal gesture to the people of Mofolo, who have sanctioned the festival, Mautloa says the festival organisers have donated palisade fencing for the stadium, to the value of R200 000.
The Masakeng Pub is growing its reputation - it hosted the Federation of International Football Association technical team while in South Africa to assess the country's readiness to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
The festival will contribute to the promotion of Soweto as an international tourist destination.
"It is the biggest event of its kind in South Africa and we are in the fortunate position of offering this event, not only to the people of Soweto, but also to the people of Gauteng and abroad," Mautloa concludes.
Tickets for the festival are R35, available at Computicket or at the Masakeng Pub in Kinini Street, Mofolo Central, near the stadium. Shuttle buses from Masakeng to the stadium will be provided. The gates open every day from 2pm till late.
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