Le Phonic Lounge hosts vibrant celebration of Soweto’s iconic street food while promoting local entrepreneurship and job creation
By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: The Soweto Kota Picnic brought together food lovers, families and entrepreneurs at Le Phonic Lounge in Orlando East, celebrating the township’s iconic Kota while showcasing the power of local business, culture and community spirit. Photo Credit: Supplied
ORLANDO EAST, SOWETO – The vibrant spirit of Soweto was on full display on Saturday, 6 June 2026, as hundreds of food lovers, families, entrepreneurs and community members gathered at Le Phonic Lounge for the highly successful Soweto Kota Picnic, a celebration of local cuisine, culture and community empowerment.
The event transformed Orlando East into a lively hub of entertainment, flavour and township pride, with visitors treated to a wide variety of Kotas — South Africa’s beloved township street food. From traditional favourites packed with classic ingredients to gourmet interpretations showcasing culinary innovation, local vendors demonstrated why the Kota remains one of the country’s most cherished food experiences.
Seen Here: From traditional Kotas to innovative culinary creations, the Soweto Kota Picnic transformed Le Phonic Lounge into a vibrant celebration of Soweto’s rich food culture, entrepreneurship and creative excellence. Photo Credit: Supplied
The Soweto Kota Picnic was founded by local entrepreneur and hospitality visionary Mthokozisi Valentino, affectionately known throughout the community as “Mthophonic.” The nickname, inspired by his admiration for legendary South African DJ Euphonic, has become synonymous with his growing influence in Soweto’s entertainment and hospitality landscape.
The event also highlighted Valentino’s entrepreneurial evolution. Having previously operated under the Enyameni.com brand, he envisioned creating a more sophisticated hospitality concept rooted in township culture while embracing global standards. This vision ultimately led to the establishment of Le Phonic Lounge, a proudly homegrown venue that blends traditional township cuisine with contemporary dining experiences, including burgers, wings and other popular international favourites.
More than a food festival, the Soweto Kota Picnic was designed as a platform for community development and economic empowerment.
“We specifically work with creating jobs for the community,” said Valentino. “It’s a Kota Picnic, but it’s not limited to that. We are teaching the community because the economy is tough right now. We are specifically working with abantu — the people. We are building a legacy.”
Seen Here: A day filled with flavour, music and township pride as visitors gathered at the Soweto Kota Picnic to enjoy South Africa’s favourite street food and support local vendors driving economic growth in the community. Photo Credit: Supplied
The event provided valuable exposure for local food entrepreneurs and small businesses, allowing them to connect directly with customers and showcase their offerings to a broader audience.
One of the standout attractions was the Buhlemelo Events food stall, which attracted long queues throughout the day. Representatives from the business praised the overwhelming support received from attendees and expressed excitement about future township food festivals.
“The response at the Soweto Kota Picnic was incredible,” a representative said. “For everyone who loved our food or missed out, you can find us serving up your favourites at the upcoming Soweto Kota Festival this September, as well as the next Jozi Kota Festival, where dates will be announced soon.”
Seen Here: The aromas of authentic township cuisine, live entertainment and a spirit of togetherness filled the air as the Soweto Kota Picnic united residents and visitors for an unforgettable celebration of local flavours and community empowerment. Photo Credit: Supplied
Adding to the festive atmosphere was a carefully curated entertainment programme featuring live performances and music that paid tribute to Soweto’s rich cultural heritage and the musical inspiration behind Le Phonic Lounge’s identity.
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed a seamless blend of food, music, networking and family-friendly activities, creating an experience that celebrated both the township’s culinary traditions and its entrepreneurial spirit.
Organisers have hailed the event as a major success and expressed gratitude to the vendors, performers, partners and community members whose support helped make the day memorable.
With the June edition exceeding expectations, plans are already underway for future events aimed at further elevating Soweto’s food culture, supporting local businesses and creating sustainable opportunities for community growth.
As township tourism, culinary entrepreneurship and cultural experiences continue to gain momentum, the Soweto Kota Picnic has positioned itself as more than just a food event — it is becoming a movement that celebrates local talent, preserves cultural identity and contributes to the economic development of Soweto.
By combining great food, meaningful community engagement and a commitment to empowerment, the Soweto Kota Picnic continues to demonstrate the powerful role that locally driven initiatives can play in shaping a stronger and more prosperous future for township communities.
