The former SABC Lesedi FM presenter, former spokesperson for the Free State premier, and founder of the Cherry Sunday Soul Session, Palesa Chubisi, is preparing to host the fifth instalment of the Cherry Sunday Soul Session event at Caravan Park in Ficksburg on Sunday (8/11).

With just seven days to go, the event is expected to attract visitors to the eastern Free State, providing a boost to the province’s tourism sector and the local economy.

People having fun at the Cherry Sunday Soul Session event in Ficksburg. Photo supplied 

What started with just over 100 patrons has grown into an event that attracted more than 1,600 people last year. It has also drawn prominent government officials, including Free State MEC for finance Ketso Makume and MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs Saki Mokoena.

For Chubisi and her team, reaching the five-year milestone is a sign of the event’s sustainability despite the economic challenges facing the country.

“Mainly the purpose of this event is to provide entertainment to the patrons but on the other hand is to contribute towards the local economy of my hometown. So turning five years means that we’ve been able to whether the storms and ensure Cherry Soul Sunday grows bigger every year.”

The stage at the Cherry Sunday Soul Session event at Caraven Park in Ficksburg, Photo supplied

The event has contributed to economic activity in Ficksburg, with guest houses reportedly fully booked during the annual gathering. Filling stations and retail businesses also benefit from the influx of visitors, while local traders have an opportunity to sell their products through stalls at the event.

“Most importantly, what we have been doing for locals is to have business stalls that would sell products, and who would want to come with equipment and display their product at the Cherry Soul Sunday Session. 

“We have certainly contributed positively towards my hometown, Ficksburg. Jobs are created. What I do as well, I make sure 60% of procurement services rendered at the event are sourced from Ficksburg.”

Local artists also benefit, with 60% of the event’s line-up made up of performers from the area. The platform allows them to network and share the stage with nationally recognised artists. 

“I was named one of the most influential people in the Free State, specifically in the media category back in my days at Lesedi FM. It’s been quite an honour, as many of you know I left radio in 2022, but my work still being recognised five years later certainly means there’s something right that I did and communities appreciated.” 

Founder of Cherry Sunday Soul Session event, Palesa Chubisi. Photo supplied 

The fifth edition of the Cherry Sunday Soul Session will feature a line-up of DJs entertaining patrons, alongside an awards ceremony recognising individuals in various categories. These include best-dressed gentleman, best-dressed lady, best-dressed couple, most loyal patron and most consistent DJ, among others.

The event will also honour patrons who regularly supported the gathering but have since passed away.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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