The Local Economic Development (LED) Directorate in the City of Matlosana Local Municipality has recently hosted a vibrant gastronomy event at Goudkoppie Heritage Hill, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Matlosana.
The gastronomy event was utilised to promote local tourism, cultural heritage, and economic development through food. The event aimed to:
- Showcase indigenous cuisine and culinary traditions of the City of Matlosana
- Provide a platform for local SMMEs, food exhibitors, and entrepreneurs to market their products
- Encourage youth participation and skills development in the food and hospitality sector
- Strengthen partnerships between government, private sector stakeholders, and the community
- Position Matlosana as a gastronomy and cultural tourism destination within the province and beyond
The event was also attended by pupils from local schools such as Vuyani Mawethu Secondary School and Borakanelo Secondary School from Khuma township, and Educators Secondary School, and Milner Secondary School from Klerksdorp. The students were joined by Executive Mayor Cllr Fikile Mahlope, MMC for Local Economic Development (LED), Cllr Wesley Kgang, Ward 37 Councillor, Cllr Plaatjie.
While addressing stakeholders and learners, Mahlophe advised the community to take agriculture seriously and collaborate to develop the economy of Matlosana. Mahlophe further reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to:
- Supporting SMME development and incubation programmes
- Promoting local content and heritage-based tourism initiatives
- Creating inclusive economic opportunities aligned with the municipality’s LED strategy
- Strengthening collaboration with provincial and national stakeholders to unlock investment opportunities.
“Cllr Fikile Mahlope expressed his appreciation for this opportunity for the SMMEs, who contribute to the economy through food production and sales, emphasising that food is a catalyst for economic growth,” said Municipal spokesperson, Ntswaki Makgetha.
The Assistant Director: LED, Marketing & Tourism, Tebogo Ramone, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders, participants, and partners following a successful gastronomy event that provided a platform for local SMMEs to exhibit their traditional cooking skills, delighting attendees with authentic dishes like Mala Mogodu, Chotlo, pootjikos, Ting, and Bogobe.
Ramone emphasised that the event forms part of the municipality’s ongoing efforts to drive tourism-led economic development, to empower local businesses and cooperatives, to also create sustainable platforms for community participation and growth.
She further encouraged continued collaboration and participation in future LED initiatives, reaffirming the municipality’s commitment to building a thriving, inclusive, and resilient local economy.
A key highlight of the event was the Traditional Food Competition, which celebrated authentic local dishes across three categories:
- Malamogodu Category – Winner: Plot 320
- Tshotlo Category – Winner: Prison View Guest House
- Potjiekos Category – Winner: Cook With Chef Q
Best presentable stalls, where awarded to Paldino Cafe and Teezan.
All participating exhibitors were awarded certificates in recognition of their contribution to preserving and promoting local culinary heritage.
