Love Afrika Food, Arts & Culture Festival

The Love Afrika Campaign, in proud partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), is excited to announce the launch of its inaugural Food, Arts & Culture Festival—a vibrant celebration of South Africa’s Eastern Cape heritage. The event will take place at the Baywest Shopping Centre in Gqeberha, from 28 to 29 June 2025, coinciding with Youth Month.

Under the unifying theme “Her Food, Her People, Her Story”, the Love Afrika Campaign seeks to champion inclusive economic growth by unlocking the full potential of the gastronomy value chain — from soil to table. This initiative is a dynamic step toward revitalizing local economies, empowering communities, and celebrating African identity through the power of food, culture, and storytelling.

This inaugural festival promises a sensory journey through the Eastern Cape's rich culinary and cultural landscape, featuring:

• Local and indigenous cuisine
• Live cooking demos
• Food markets with small business exhibitions and Food vendors
• Music, dance, and visual arts
• Youth innovation showcases
• Celebrity Chef Masterclasses

“This campaign is more than just a celebration,” says Jacki Mpondo-Hendricks, Business Pledge Collaborators, Chief Social Entrepreneur. “It’s a movement to spotlight the deep-rooted potential of the gastronomy sector to drive job creation, tourism, entrepreneurship, and pride in our local traditions.”

With a focus on community participation and collaboration, the festival will bring together farmers, chefs, artists, cultural practitioners, youth, and entrepreneurs, igniting new conversations and opportunities across the gastronomy value chain.

Join us in Gqeberha as we honour our roots, uplift our communities, and explore the flavours, sounds, and stories that make the Eastern Cape a treasure of South African heritage.

Event Details:

What: Love Afrika Inaugural Food, Arts & Culture Festival
When: 28-29 June 2025
Where: Baywest Shopping Centre, Gqeberha
Who: Open to all – families, youth, food lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and the business community

Let’s celebrate Her Food, Her People, Her Story — together.

For Media Enquiries, Sponsorship or Participation:

Melikhaya Xotyeni

060 693 9632
xotyenimelikhaya@gmail.com / gqebetha@weloveafrika.co.za

TikTok: @love_afrika0

Facebook: Love Africa

Instagram: @love_afrika1.0

Hashtags: #LoveGQ #LoveEC #LoveAfrika #AfricanCelebration #Foodie  #30YearsOfDemocracy #TasteAfrica