Soweto Festival Expo gets new partners

"We are thrilled," commented Izwi Multimedia group managing director Thandi Ramathesele. "It has been a long time coming, this event is steeped in rich history since the days of the Homemakers Festival. As the new majority partners in the expo, we are excited to take the ownership of the product back to the people. With the support of our partners, we will be able to put on a wonderful event and reignite the passion the expo has instilled since 2005."

The CATHSSETA (Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, Sports Sector Education and Training Authority) is enabling 130 SMMEs, operating within the SETAs, to participate in the expo and benefit from 10 days of training in sales, marketing, customer service, money management and other topics vital to ensure that they successfully run and grow their businesses.

Learners bussed in

The Gauteng City Region Academy is supporting the Youth Zone by bussing in 4,000 Grade 11 learners from around Soweto to meet tertiary institutions and other exhibitors focusing on careers and youth entrepreneurship.

The entertainment line-up promises to be varied and crowd pulling, with big name artists featuring on the Friday night. On Saturday, e.tv is bringing some of its biggest stars from Scandal, Rhythm City and other hit programmes, while Jozi FM is hosting its annual Gospel Festival on the Sunday. On the cultural stage, Zindala Zombili's national competition will feature traditional artists taking on their counterparts from Gauteng.

Additional activities will include the launch of e.tv's new HDOV digital subscriber platform in a high-energy outdoor activation, a kids play area, a fun fair, braai area, beer garden, VIP area with jazz lounge and much more.

Tickets are available from Jozi FM and at the gate at R50 for adults, R20 for kids and pensioners. The event opens at 10 am daily.

For more information, go to www.sowetofestivalexpo.co.za.