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Heritage Day is getting the ultimate Durban treatment.
Kelvin Momo will headline Durban's biggest Heritage Day showcase when the eThekwini Shisanyama Festival returns to Berea Rovers on Saturday, 26 September. The event will bring together some of KwaZulu-Natal's top shisanyama vendors, live entertainment and a celebration of the province's rich food culture and local entrepreneurs.
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Looking beyond the braai smoke
While the smoky aromas of perfectly grilled meat will certainly steal the spotlight, the event is also celebrating the entrepreneurs behind KwaZulu-Natal's thriving shisanyama culture.
Expect vendors from across the province serving flame-grilled favourites and regional specialities, giving you the chance to sample flavours that have made township food culture one of Durban's biggest attractions.
Festival founder Lunga Mkhize, owner of Metro Gents Shisanyama in Umlazi, says the event was inspired by the late Jabulani ‘Mjay’ Zama, founder of the legendary Eyadini Lounge.
“Mjay showed us that a shisanyama could become much more than a place to eat. He built a destination that attracted people from all walks of life while creating opportunities for the community around him. His vision inspired many of us who own shisanyamas today, and this festival is about continuing that legacy,” says Mkhize.
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Supporting local businesses
The showcase also gives small businesses a platform, those that have grown from humble beginnings into successful community hubs.
Many of the participating vendors started by selling braaied meat from roadside stalls or informal trading spaces before opening permanent establishments.
"We wanted to create a platform where those businesses could showcase their products to thousands of people in one place," says Mkhize.
It's a celebration of local entrepreneurship, township tourism and the people who have helped make Durban one of South Africa's culinary capitals.
Heritage tastes better together
Hosting the culinary celebration during Heritage Month is no coincidence.
"Heritage is expressed in many ways, but food is one of the few things that naturally brings people together," says Mkhize.
"Whether your family gathers around pap and vleis, braaibroodjies, boerewors, lamb or chakalaka, the braai is something shared across cultures. We wanted to create a space where people from different communities could celebrate that together."
What you can expect
- Kelvin Momo live
- Some of KZN's top shisanyama vendors
- Flame-grilled favorites and township flavours
- Heritage Month celebrations
- Live performances and family-friendly entertainment
- Local food entrepreneurs and craft vendors
Why you should go
Whether you're there for Kelvin Momo, the food or simply an excuse to celebrate Heritage Day differently, this is shaping up to be one of Durban's biggest spring events.
What you need to know
- Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
- Venue: Berea Rovers, 73 Jacko Jackson Drive, Durban
- Headliner: Kelvin Momo
- Tickets: Available through Howler
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