The eye-watering price of potatoes in recent weeks had kota-loving consumers worried that their favourite township meal will disappear from the face of the earth. Relax, say township restaurant owners. Not even high potato prices will make Mzansi lose its taste for the treat and make them close shop. In fact, kotas are everywhere!
Potato prices have been on the rise and rise. In the last week of August, the average market price for potatoes was R66,43 for a 10kg bag. A month later, Absa said in its fresh produce market report that larger potatoes sold for up to R120 per 10kg bag on the Johannesburg market.
The price spike was reportedly due to frost in late winter, which caused low yields and low volumes reaching the markets.
Growing demand for kotas
The entrepreneurs of Mzansi are rolling with the punches, however. Loyiso Basso, owner of the Kwa Mgoli eatery in Khayelitsha in the Western Cape, says that while he has to fork out much more for potatoes at the moment, he has no intention of closing his kota-selling shop.
“My customers know that when the prices for my ingredients increase, I have to increase the amount I charge for my kotas.”
He adds, though, that it’s never the ideal to increase prices. “I want to keep our customers happy, but it looks they understand.”
According to an informal sector survey submitted to Potatoes SA by research firm Genesis, those who process the crop into chips, kotas and other consumable products are guided by the price of the final product. Although difficult, they will rather change portion sizes while their prices stay the same.
The report further points out that the demand for South Africa’s popular potato meals such as a kota, bunny chow and slap chips is, in fact, growing. This is because they are frequently consumed as fast and affordable meals in our townships.
Kotas with attitude
Sharing these sentiments is Siyabonga Ngwenya, chef and owner of the Yummy Thingz eatery in Soweto, Gauteng.
“I don’t believe that demand for kotas has decreased or that high potato prices are causing eateries to close.
“It’s just that a lot of people are opening up eateries and outlets that sell kotas, so the competition is much higher. These days you can find a kota-serving place around every corner.”
The market for kotas, he says, has grown and that is why more people are selling it.
Even people who are not from township areas, enjoy biting into their favourite kota, Ngwenya says.
“It’s one of those meals that explain township heritage. It’s a classic township meal that people always go for when in e’Kasi. Besides that, It’s quite affordable as well.”
Ngwenya believes that kotas are here to stay and won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
“People are now modernising kotas. Their form way back doesn’t look the same as … these days. People have even started incorporating international ingredients into their kotas, so they are here to stay.”
ALSO READ: How a Bob Marley hit inspired Vuyo’s township pesto
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
