Soweto Tourism, community members and private-sector partners unite to celebrate local pride and support the future of one of Soweto’s most iconic public spaces
Mofolo Park came alive with community spirit on Friday, 31 July, as residents, cultural contributors, wellness leaders and private-sector partners gathered for the Mofolo Park Community Day.
Hosted by Soweto Tourism, the activation brought people together around a shared commitment to care for, celebrate and protect one of Soweto’s best-known public spaces.
At the heart of the initiative was the iconic Mofolo Park Dome, a facility that has played an important role in Soweto’s history as a venue for performances, community gatherings, cultural expression and shared memories.
The day included a focused 67-minute community clean-up, encouraging participants to take practical action and demonstrate the impact that can be achieved when communities and partners work together.
The programme also featured an energising community wellness activation led by celebrity fitness personality Tsholo Peeters of Activ8SA, as well as a vibrant cultural performance by the SAR Pantsula dancers, reflecting the energy, creativity and cultural identity of Soweto.
Thato Mothopeng, Chairman of Soweto Tourism, said the Community Day demonstrated what can be accomplished through collective responsibility.
“Mofolo Park is part of Soweto’s story. It belongs to the people, and it is our shared responsibility to look after the spaces that have carried our history, culture and community life. “This Community Day was an opportunity to move beyond conversation and take practical action. We are proud to see residents, partners and local creatives standing together in support of this important community facility.”
Soweto Tourism was joined by partners including BetCity, Versus Paint and renowned artist Senzo, each contributing towards the shared vision of creating visible and meaningful improvements at Mofolo Park.
Versus Paint supported the initiative through paint and product contributions, while Senzo brought his creative expertise to conversations around the visual upliftment of the Dome.
The involvement of the partners represents the beginning of a broader collaborative journey to explore phased support for the Dome and the surrounding Mofolo Park precinct.
Shivika Singh from BetCity said the brand was honoured to participate in an initiative rooted in community pride and collaboration.
“BetCity is an urban brand built around communities, and we believe in showing up in ways that are meaningful, respectful and collaborative.
“Mofolo Park Dome is an important community facility, and it was an honour to stand alongside Soweto Tourism, Versus Paint, local creatives and the Soweto community. This initiative started with practical action, listening to the needs on the ground and working together to support a space the community can continue to be proud of.”
The Community Day was not positioned as a once-off intervention, but as an important first step in building awareness, encouraging community ownership and identifying practical opportunities for future improvements.
“When communities take ownership of their public spaces, those spaces become safer, more vibrant and more meaningful,” added Mothopeng.
“This is about restoring pride, preserving heritage and creating a future in which Soweto’s public facilities are valued, activated and cared for by all of us.”
Through the Mofolo Park Community Day, Soweto Tourism hopes to inspire further collaboration between residents, community organisations, creatives, businesses and stakeholders who share a commitment to preserving Soweto’s public spaces for future generations.
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