Johannesburg - Christmas Eve will be lively this year for the Phokeng Rustenburg residents as the Tshegofatso Mekgoe Foundation brings people together for their inaugural village iRock festival on December 24 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
Music, food, and a good time will be the main themes of this festival.
The Tshegofatso Mekgoe Foundation is an organisation based in Luka Village, which is in the heart of Royal Bafokeng land.
The organisation started operating in 2014 and officially registered with the Department of Social Development in 2017. This organisation was founded with the intention of assisting communities in the Rustenburg area, with the goal of expanding to the provincial and national levels.
The proceeds from the festival will be donated to less fortunate children. Not only will people be having fun, but all this will be done for a good cause. This foundation also increased the chances of local entertainers being on the platform and showcasing their talents as well.
The line-up of the festival includes the likes of Cassper Nyovest, Focalistic, KO, Mellow & Sleazy, Busta 929, Vusi Ma R5, Mao, and Thebe Lenyora, to name but a few. The MCs for this heavy festival are Malome Igwe, Katli wa Lepower, Mteigh, and Mofosti.
The founder of the foundation, Tshegofatso Mekgoe, says he wants to bring about changes for the entire community and embrace everyone.
“The idea of the festival stems from everything we've been doing for the society and communities at large, but this time around, we wanted to do it on a bigger scale.
“It started out as a soup kitchen-type of thing where we wanted to feed the masses during this time of the year to what we have now, a festival. Which not only helps to feed people, but also entertains them and allows them to be a part of the community without feeling out of place." Mekgoe explains
He further spoke about the essence of the foundation, highlighting that they wanted to help children from destitute families to also feel special.
"The essence of this festival is that it is the first of its kind. This comes after realising that many people during the festive season do not have much to celebrate as they are limited to buying necessities only for their families and don’t have enough to enjoy the festive season.
“This is where we come in. We help children get the Christmas that they’ve always wanted. From Christmas clothes and feeling special like other children around them during this time of the year."
The Star