By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
Mzansi’s street flavours are taking over Rosebank Mall this Saturday, 4 October, with A Taste of Mzansi Street Feast. Think of it as a continuation of Heritage Month — a celebration that spills into October with bunny chows, Gatsbys, shisanyama and the sounds that bring us together. From 10 am to 7 pm, Bath Avenue transforms into a free-entry festival of food, music, and culture. We caught up with Rosebank Mall’s Marketing Manager, Angelisa Gengan, to find out why this homegrown feast matters and what visitors can expect.
What inspired Rosebank Mall to host A Taste of Mzansi?
South Africa’s cultural richness is truly unmatched — from our vibrant attire and
diverse cuisines to the way we unite in support and celebration of one another. A Taste of Mzansi Street Feast was created to honour exactly that. It’s a platform where food, music, and togetherness intersect to showcase the beauty of being proudly South African. More than just a food experience, it’s a safe and festive space where visitors can savour authentic flavours, dance to the rhythms of our nation, and immerse themselves in the spirit of unity that defines who we are.
When you speak of “South African flavours,” what does that mean to you?
For me, “South African flavours” are more than just ingredients — they are the story of our people, our heritage, and our diverse cultures expressed through food. They represent the taste of our diversity, deeply rooted in traditions and shared moments of togetherness.
How did you curate the mix of foods on offer, from bunny chows to shisanyama?
Our aim was to showcase dishes that hold a special place in South Africans’ hearts, the meals we share with family and friends, the flavours that spark nostalgia, and the tastes that bring people together. It’s more than just food; it’s about celebrating connection, culture, and the joy of coming together over the plates we all know and love.
The event feels like a cultural showcase as much as a food festival — was that
intentional?
Absolutely. A Taste of Mzansi Street Feast was created with clear intention — it’s far
more than just a food event. While flavour is at the heart of the experience, our vision was to celebrate the richness of South African culture: the togetherness, the music, and the incredible spirit that unites us as a nation. It’s about savouring not only what’s on the plate, but also the pride, vibrancy, and energy of being proudly South African.
Is this Street Feast a once-off celebration, or will it become an annual tradition?
Street Feast at Rosebank Mall, hosted twice a year, has grown into much more thanan event — it’s a celebration of community. Our aim is to provide a safe, welcoming space where people can connect and enjoy themselves through food, music, and shared experiences. It’s about transforming the mall into a vibrant hub where culture and togetherness truly come alive.
How important is it for Rosebank Mall to support local food entrepreneurs and artists?
Supporting local food entrepreneurs and artists is vital for Rosebank Mall as
it boosts economic empowerment, preserves cultural identity, and enhances the mall’s uniqueness.
What do you hope people take away from the experience beyond the food itself?
At Rosebank Mall, every event we host is built around one priority — creating
unforgettable memories. Knowing that shoppers leave with moments they’ll cherish, and that we played a role in making those memories possible, is what inspires us to continue curating these experiences.
Why is it important to create these kinds of community-centred events at a mall space?
At Rosebank Mall, we pride ourselves on being more than just a shopping
destination — we are a community. Our family extends to our valued shoppers,
tenants, and service partners, and with every initiative we undertake, our goal is to create safe, welcoming spaces where authentic and meaningful experiences can thrive. From the moment someone steps through our doors, we want them to feel part of something bigger — a vibrant hub of connection, culture, and care.
