Supporters of a prominent Bloemfontein businessman, Freddie Kenney, are celebrating a court victory after the High Court in Bloemfontein ruled to allow the Lemo Fest to proceed.

The event,, set to take place at Lemo Green Park, faced legal challenges from the Community Safety, Roads, and Transport MEC, Jabu Mbalula, who filed an interdict to prevent the festival and the erection of structures on the site, owned by Freddie Kenney.

‘Significant preparations already underway’

Mbalula had argued that the structures built at Lemo Green Park were unlawful and could potentially disrupt traffic flow next to the M10 national road, intersecting with Dr Belcher, if the festival were to go ahead.

He sought a court order to stop Kenworth Group founder and CEO Kenney from hosting the event due to the lack of authorisation for both the event and the construction. The stakes were high, with the festival expected to accommodate 7,000 attendees and significant preparations already underway.

In his responding affidavit, Kenny highlighted the substantial economic impact of the event, stating that Lemo Fest had already created 386 jobs, with the total cost of preparations estimated at more than R9.5 million.

Tickets had already been sold, and the festival was seen as a key economic driver for Bloemfontein and surrounds. Kenney’s defence argued that Lemo Fest was not only about entertainment but also about promoting local businesses and tourism.

Following the court’s decision in Kenney’s favour, the event is set to go ahead as scheduled, bringing relief to the thousands of festival-goers and local businesses who had been eagerly awaiting the event.

Kenworth Group CEO, Freddie Kenney, playing golf with Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa during his visit to Bloemfontein. Photo: Morgan Piek

The ruling allows the structures at Lemo Green Park to remain, ensuring the venue will be ready for the festival. The decision was met with celebrations from supporters, who viewed the victory as a win for both the community and the local economy.

Speaking after the ruling, Kenny expressed his gratitude to those who stood by him throughout the legal battle. “Thank you very much to my team, thank you very much to the community, thank you very much to my legal team for standing up and addressing this problem. I see I am still part of the Mangaung community,” Kenny said outside court.

Kenworth Group CEO, Freddie Kenney, shown appreciation outside the Bloemfontein High Court after the court’s ruling. Photo: Screenshot

Celebrations quickly followed. Event organisers and supporters could be seen driving through the CBD, promoting the festival and sharing their excitement. On social media, many expressed their admiration for Kenney, praising his “resilience and commitment to the community”.

“Thank you for the great work you do in Mangaung, Ntate Freddie. There will always be those who do not celebrate you, but they are the ones who make us aware of our strength and courage. You are an inspiration to many. Keep up the good work,” Terence Jackson wrote on Facebook.

Kenney emphasised he’s not in a battle with the municipality or government, as this is a speed hump they should get over. He further called on all stakeholders to reach consensus as the most important people are from the Mangaung community, adding “the most important is to change the face of Mangaung”.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi