The second edition of the Lemo Fest which will cost over R50 million promises to bring more substantial employment and business opportunities to Bloemfontein.

The festival, which will now be split into two segments in September and October, follows a successful debut last year that attracted more than 50,000 people.

The launch of this year’s festival took place near the mall on Thursday (27/6), where construction is underway, signaling the ongoing development and the anticipated economic impact of the event.

Freddie Kenney, the founder and CEO of the Kenworth Group, which organises the festival, emphasised the critical role of young entrepreneurs in this year’s edition. “We need a new formation, the new formation is these young ones. As we all are aware, technology is taking over the world, and we must go in that direction.

The launch of the second Lemo Fest, hosted in Bloemfontein. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

“We need to give this new formation a chance to bring up their skills. We need to be hard on them, explain to them that this is the way to do business.”

Kenney urged young people to seize the opportunity to grow their businesses, learn from established entrepreneurs, and network with prominent figures who will be present during the festival. He highlighted the importance of a world-class venue in the township, built to attract tourists and help grow Mangaung’s economy.

‘It’s making me so proud that it is standing here’

“The venue is one of those top-class venues, and everyone who would like to come and put up a show here is welcome. It’s making me so proud that it is standing here.

“It’s a shock to tell you how much it cost, but due to the passion of the community of Mangaung and their anticipation for this venue, I said let us do it.”

Last year, the festival was estimated to have cost around R11 million and provided hundreds of employment opportunities. This year’s event, with a significantly higher budget, is expected to create even more jobs and stimulate local businesses.

Kenney assured the community of top-notch security in and around the venue, noting that there were no crime incidents reported during last year’s event.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg