4 Jul 2025 Executive Secretary: Marine & Industrial, Lindi Bissolati-Corker, accepting the award on behalf of the V&A at the 2025 World Travel Award ceremony in Tanzania. We’re proud to announce that the Cape Town Cruise Terminal has once again been recognized as Africa’s Leading Cruise Port at the 2025 World Travel Awards — marking our third consecutive win, and fourth overall. This recognition comes as the 2024/25 cruise season officially ended this past Sunday, with the Crown Princess departing from our terminal. Crown Princess berthed at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal. Over the season, 83 ships called at into Cape Town, bringing with them more than 169,000 passengers and crew – a major increase from last season, which saw just 44 ship visits and over 80,000 passengers and crew. The increase in arrivals highlights Cape Town’s growing appeal as a cruise destination, but also reflects our strengthened partnerships, seamless operations, and commitment to delivering a world-class port experience. FIND YOUR CAUSE WITH THE DOING GOOD DIRECTORY At the V&A Waterfront, doing good is part of who we are. It’s how we build a neighbourhood rooted in sustainability, opportunity, and inclusivity. That’s why we’ve created the Doing Good Directory — a growing list of credible local organisations making a real impact across Cape Town. Every year on Mandela Day, 18 July, we honour Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of fighting for justice by setting aside 67 minutes to do good. But what if doing good wasn’t limited to just one day? If you’re looking to give back but aren’t sure where to start, the Doing Good Directory makes it easy to connect with trusted causes that need your support — not just on Mandela Day, but all year round. Ways to get involved: Volunteer your time Donate goods Offer professional expertise Contribute financially Sponsor through your business Explore the Doing Good Directory, here. ENTRIES FOR 2025 NEIGHBOURHOOD AWARDS ARE OPEN Entries for the 2025 Neighbourhood Awards are officially open! These annual awards shine a light on the individuals and businesses who help make the V&A Waterfront a thriving neighbourhood loved by locals and visitors. This is your opportunity to showcase the impact you and your team make every day. Award winners from the 2024 Neighbourhood Awards: Kauai, AAFRICAA, Woolworths and ONEOFEACH. The 2025 award categories include: Sustainability & Impact Award, honouring excellence in sustainability, social impact and empowerment. Brand & Store Experience Award, recognising stand-outs in marketing, activations, renovations, fit-outs and visual merchandising. Service Excellence Award, celebrating extraordinary customer service in retail, small business and food service. Store Talent Award, acknowledging the frontline teams that bring extraordinary to the floor each and every day. Neighbourhood Champion Award, honouring neighbourliness and ambassadorship in the V&A Waterfront world. People’s Choice Award, chosen by the general public, who vote in two rounds, to identify the winning store and eatery. Special Recognition, awarding retail champions and long-lasting tenants. Retail Excellence Award, decided by composite calculation which consolidates all traditional retail performance metrics and levels the playing field for tenants of all sizes. This year, we’ve simplified the entry process to make it quicker and easier than ever to submit. Entries close at midnight on Sunday, 27 July, so don’t miss your chance to be recognised and celebrated as part of what makes our neighbourhood so special. For more information on the awards and how to enter, visit: https://awards.waterfront.co.za/ TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM DOCCIE EARNS SILVER AT TOURISM FILM FESTIVAL AFRICA Congratulations to the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, who recently received a Silver Award at the 2025 International Tourism Film Festival Africa in the Wildlife and Conservation category. Their original documentary, By Die Soutwater, stood out among 488 submissions from over 60 countries. Directed by Marguerite Venter, Head of Productions at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, the documentary follows marine wildlife specialist Claire Taylor and her work with the Marine Wildlife Management Programme. Set in and around our neighbourhood, the film highlights the crucial work involved in protecting Cape fur seals and other marine life along our coastline. CAPE GRACE APPOINTS WESLI JACOBS AS HEAD CHEF Cape Grace Hotel has appointed a new Executive Chef, Chef Wesli Jacobs, who will be leading the culinary direction at their Heirloom restaurant, along with their Library Lounge, and bespoke Bascule Bar. With over 15 years of experience in some of South Africa’s top kitchens, including Flames at the Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff, Chef Wesli brings a wealth of expertise and creativity to the role. His new menu launches this month, promising bold flavours and a strong focus on fresh, local ingredients. EVENTS AT THE WATERFRONT Red Bull Dance Your Style Visitors to the Waterfront can enjoy Red Bull Dance Your Style, a high-energy street dance competition where dancers will showcase their skills in one- vs-one battles. The best part? The crowd gets to decide who the winner is and who will go on to represent South Africa at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final. Date: Saturday, 5 July Time: 10h00 – 18h00 Venue: Amphitheatre BMX Day Presented by Monster Energy BMX Day is a global celebration of BMX hosted annually by OSP Events Co. Come through to the V&A Clock Tower to experience the best in local BMX Action Sport with both park & street riders showcasing what BMX freestyle is all about. Monster Energy will be there to ‘Unleash the Beast’ with public activations & vibes. This promises to be a great day for everyone! Date: Saturday, 19 July Time: 11h00 – 16h00 Venue: Clock Tower Cost: Free
