Mitchell’s Plain Festival celebrates community and local talent

PHIRI CAWE AND MARSHA BOTHMA

An energetic crowd, good food, and steady entertainment set the tone for the three-day DSTV  Mitchell’s Plain Festival held in Westridge over the weekend.

Hosted in partnership with the Plainsman, the festival drew more than 27 800 residents and visitors, offering music, culture, food, and a strong sense of community from start to finish.

As the curtain came down on Sunday, November 30, crowds gathered in large numbers for the final celebrations. The last day was a showcase of music, local cuisine, and families, friends, and festivalgoers of all ages enjoying the vibe.

Over the three days, the festival showcased local talent, with performers such as Karin Nortje, Zoe Zana, Vuvu Khumalo, and the Mitchell's Plain Music Academy band and musical director for the festival, Trevino Isaacs, to name a few, giving it their all on stage as spectators cheered on with excitement.

Festival director Rozario Brown said the organisation is grateful to the City of Cape Town for once again supporting the DSTV Mitchell’s Plain Festival. He said this year carries special significance as it marks the start of Mitchell’s Plain’s 50th anniversary celebrations, with further announcements expected in the coming months.

Mr Brown said the team had already exceeded their expectations and thanked partners, stakeholders, and safety teams for their commitment. He also thanked the community for its resilience despite ongoing challenges, violence, and fear, and for choosing to celebrate together.

He said they were pleased with the strong turnout, especially given the current level of gang warfare on the Cape Flats and the competition from major events across the city.

The electric atmosphere was matched by the energy of the vendors, who worked tirelessly to serve up a wide variety of delicious food and refreshments.

Vendor Leona van Rooyen, of Smart Foods in Lansdowne, said it was a pleasure to trade at the festival and serve customers, and she thanked the community for supporting their stall.

Beyond entertainment, the organising team was commended for creating more than just an event. They helped foster a strong sense of community while promoting values centred around nature, adventure, and togetherness.

Ward 81 councillor Ashley Potts expressed his pride and excitement at hosting the festival in his area. He described the event as “phenomenal” and applauded the strong support from companies and sponsors.

He said the high number of vendors boosted the local economy and thanked the many families who attended, calling their support vital to the festival’s success.

Tarryn de Reuck, founder of Beacon of Hope, said the festival’s diversity brought people together, and their group served the community with the Northwood Diabetic Club and Seniors for Africa.

For first-time attendee Ntobeko Malinge from Langa, the experience was nothing short of thrilling.

“I didn’t even know about the festival until a friend from the area convinced me to come,” he said. “It has been a great experience. The stalls were amazing, the food was great, and the music and activities were really appealing. From now on, I’ll definitely be a regular. I can’t wait for next year.”

Another festivalgoer, Zain Peters, felt the timing of the event could be improved.

“The only upsetting thing is that it’s Sunday and we have to be at work tomorrow,” he said.

“It would be perfect if it were during the holidays. But big up to the organisers and the community at large for the love they showed.”