Made in Africa, discovered at the V&A Waterfront

May 2025

If there’s one place where you can be sure to find an African creative community that continuously catches the eye of people from around the world, it’s at the V&A Waterfront. As a must-visit Cape Town destination where African heritage, luxury and innovation merge, the Waterfront has become a hub for the continent’s creative culture – showcasing it through public artworks and sculptures, creative workshops, the best restaurants in Africa, and a host of performance events and local entertainment.

None of these, however, offer the chance to take a piece of Africa home for yourself (unless you count the incredible memories, of course!). That’s why the V&A has ensured there are enough retail offerings to capture Africa’s energy through products that you can purchase for your home, your friends and yourself.

Seeing as May is Africa Month (with Africa Day on 25 May), why not visit the V&A Waterfront to explore what this modern creative spirit is all about. We’ll make it extra easy for you. Just head straight for the Watershed and Alfred Mall, and you’ll find the hub of this contemporary African experience without having to look any further. Trust us, you don’t even have to set foot in the bigger Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre this time round.

It’s as simple as parking in the Portswood Parking Garage, crossing the zebra crossing, and finding yourself in Watershed’s inspiring ‘open-air’ passageways, where you’ll come face to face with Cape Town’s magnificent design story – even meeting some of the makers, artists and designers during your visit. Then walk out the opposite end of Watershed and past Time Out Market Cape Town, taking your photo in front of the Cape Town sign (tag @vandawaterfront so we can share your picture). There, you’ll find yourself at The Alfred, where a treasure trove of contemporary African products awaits.

Watershed and The Alfred are not just about shopping for top African items. Rather, both locations invite you on a journey of delight, to discover the best Africa has to offer in design, art and craft. An entire day can be spent between these two colourful venues, learning from and enjoying very unique African stories of creativity.

The Alfred celebrates African history by being set in a 120-year-old Cape heritage building. That’s why its offering of modern African fashion, jewellery and homeware comes as a beautiful contrast – while both the building and the products converge under an aura of elegance.

The Alfred’s flagship design emporium Aafricaa, with its curated in-house collections, exhibitions and collaborations, is a vibrant showcase of the creative energy of the continent. Alongside it, Mungo & Jemima, Jane Valken and Hannah Lavery offer clothing and accessories that range from proudly SA designer ranges to bohemian-inspired silk-and-cotton attire and classics in neutral tones and natural fibres.

The Alfred is also home to Platandia and Treasures of Africa. At the former, you’ll discover premium luxury jewellery defined by exceptional craftsmanship, while the latter sells the finest gemstones from across the continent, ranging from Mozambican rubies and opals from Ethiopia to emeralds from Zambia and tanzanite from Tanzania. If it’s homeware you’re after, head straight to Avoova, where decorative and functional items, handcrafted in the Karoo with exquisite ostrich-eggshell embellishment, can be admired and bought.

Some of these stores at The Alfred began their journey in retail at Watershed, down the road, and Watershed remains an exciting place for creative businesses to make a name for themselves in Cape Town. At Watershed, brands are given a platform to grow at the V&A, while the Waterfront nurtures and supports these businesses on their trajectory.

There’s a relaxed feeling that comes from being surrounded by the work of over 150 local creative entrepreneurs at Watershed Cape Town. Venture through Watershed’s fashion aisles for everything from made-in-Cape-Town pyjamas at Woodstock Laundry to fluffy crocheted jerseys from Diana Seboke. Streetwear from Artclub and Friends, occasion-wear in African fabrics from Patricia Nama and trendsetting originals from Helon Melon are all available here too.

For African jewellery, visit Tiffany Marx, whose interpretations of local flora capture the heart. There are also exquisite pieces at Juliana Jewellery Art, Dan Fuller jewellery for men, Antique Ethiopian Jewellery, Athena A and more.

Homeware made in Africa is also part of Watershed’s alluring appeal. From African mobiles to leather pyrography, woodcarvings and African driftwood, there’s something to adorn all styles of home. Zizamele Ceramics, African Fynbos Gems, Township Arts & Music, African Jacquard, Afrivintage and so many other Cape Town brands will give you a deep understanding of the variety of creativity that exists in Africa.

Of course, like all experiences of Africa, the real feeling of what these products are like can only be felt when you are there in front of them. So celebrate Africa Month with a visit to the V&A. Bring a friend, get inspired and discover the soul of African creativity at The Alfred and Watershed.

May opening hours

Both open seven days a week

Visit Watershed: 10am – 7pm

Visit The Alfred: 10am – 7pm