July 27, 2006
By Tabisa Mntengwana
GET ready for four days of fun, entertainment and business as the annual Absa Soweto Festival approaches.
Launched on Wednesday, 26 July, the vibrant Absa Soweto Festival will take place at the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication, in Kliptown from Friday, 22 September to Monday, 25 September.
The festival will host businesses, small and medium enterprises (SMMEs), youth, community organisations and consumers. "There will be more than 50 SMMEs exhibiting in this year's festival and some of them will be financed by Absa," said Adele Lucas from Adele Lucas Promotions.
Absa Bank is in its second year as the main sponsor of the event and jumping on the wagon this year is IBM and Five Roses.
"We are looking forward to our second involvement in this prestigious festival and to be able to share with a community that is so vibrant and steeped in so much history," said Absa group marketing and communication executive Happy Ntshingila.
The festival dates back to 1983, where it began as the Soweto Homemakers Fair, held in White City Jabavu.
"The show is growing bigger and bigger each year, hoping that this year will also be a success," said Region 6 regional director Pat Lepunya. "The festival has become an annual event on the City's calendar."
The festival will host more than 400 exhibits such as hair and beauty, works by developing artists and crafters, fashion show, sports arena with boxing champion Baby Jake Matlala, a career village hosted by IBM, food and wine stalls and a shebeen in the hall.
"The festival is there for the people of Soweto to have fun and have their businesses recognised," said Lucas.
Children's entertainment will also be available in the form of jumping castles, clowns and face painting.
According to a press release, the festival features entertainment, music, as well as a platform for government departments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community organisations.
"Feeling the vibrant spirit that is here today, I'm hoping to have a great time during the festival this year," said actor and musician Abigail Kubeka.
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