17 Apr 2026 From left to right: Rachel Nxele, Board Member: South African National Parks; Donald Kau, V&A Head of PR & Communications; Brett Wilks, V&A Academy Lead; Haniem Paleker, V&A Assistant Manager: Tourism; and Olivia Gradidge, Marketing Manager: WTM Africa and ILTM Africa. This past Wednesday, our neighbourhood was recognised at the 2026 World Travel Market (WTM) Africa Responsible Tourism Awards for our V&A Academy. The Academy scored Gold in the Local Economic Benefit category,highlighting its role in addressing youth unemployment, one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges. Recognised for its contribution to skills development and job creation, the six-week programme prepares young South Africans for careers in tourism, hospitality and retail through a combination of personal development, service excellence training and hands-on work experience within businesses across our neighbourhood. Since the V&A Academy launched as a pilot in September 2023, the programme has supported 315 young people into employment across 46 businesses within the V&A Waterfront precinct, with 90% of participants entering formal employment for the first time. The 2026 awards recognised 22 organisations across 13 African countries, highlighting the strength of responsible tourism across the continent, with many delivering innovative approaches and measurable change that contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive tourism sector. View the full release, here. GROW SA PROGRAMME SUPPORTS NEXT GENERATION OF GREEN ECONOMY LEADERS From left to right: Joy Mkunqwana, Yolisa Kepe, Dorcas Muziti, Lesley Ruiters, Sheila Vusi, Tanya Mapitsha, and Busisiwe Ghazu. We recently celebrated the graduation of the latest GrowSA Learnership Programme cohort. This year’s programme consisted of seven graduates, made up of six women and one man, who worked across a range of projects including urban farming, agri-processing, subsistence farming, landscaping, and initiatives supporting differently abled youth. Graduates receiving their certificates from Graham Wood, V&A CEO, and Deidre Vrede, V&A Senior Manager: CSI & Wellness. GrowSA is a green economy partnership between the SA Urban Food & Farming Trust, the Oranjezicht City Farm, SA Harvest, Dommisse Landscapes, EcoBrick Exchange, Voice Works coaching, and Margolite Williams, focused on unlocking potential at a grassroots level and supporting people working across gardens, community kitchens, food hubs and local markets. On day one, candidates explored the various edible gardens within the neighbourhood including the Octopus Garden and the Staff Garden where they learnt how food could be grown intensely with only a small amount of space. The six-month GrowSA Learnership Programme was launched during the pandemic and covers everything from growing and processing to selling and composting, while allowing participants to continue running their own projects or small businesses. Fully funded by the V&A Waterfront, the programme has now reached 33 participants to date, with many alumni continuing their involvement through mentorship and peer support. Caption: On graduation day, graduates and team stand together with their prize hampers and tool kits. Learn more about GrowSA, here. ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES UNDERWAY The V&A Waterfront will resume its major infrastructure programme to replace ageing water and sewer pipelines, an essential investment to support long-term growth, service reliability and sustainability across the precinct. The work will take place over approximately 33 weeks, from mid-April to the end of November 2026, and will be carried out in carefully managed phases to minimise disruption. The scope of work includes excavation, trenching and road reinstatement. Most of the construction activity will be focused along sections of Dock Road, adjacent to The Watershed and the Two Oceans Aquarium, extending up to Ebenezer Circle and then down to the Astron garage intersection. Traffic and pedestrian access To maintain access throughout the construction period: On Dock Road, two outgoing traffic lanes and one incoming lane will remain open. Traffic marshals and clearly marked signage will be positioned at affected points to assist traffic flow and ensure pedestrian safety. Parking and access alternatives Visitors are encouraged to make use of alternative parking and access options, including: Silo and Clock Tower parking garages, which will be free on weekends from the start of May to the end of October. Battery Park parking garage, which will remain free to the public on weekends. Access the Waterfront via Helen Suzman Boulevard at Portswood Road as well as Granger Bay Boulevard for parking closer to the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre. To further support pedestrian movement, an electric shuttle service using electric golf carts and three wheeled e-bikes operates across the precinct, free on weekdays only. Waterfront remains open The V&A Waterfront remains open and fully operational, with retailers, restaurants and all our other attractions continuing to welcome visitors as usual. The precinct thanks tenants, residents and visitors for their patience and cooperation while this essential infrastructure upgrade is underway. BATTERY PARK BASKETBALL COURT AND SKARE PARK CLOSED FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE The Skate Park and basketball courts at Battery Park will be closed from now until 17 May for annual maintenance. During this time, the grassed areas will remain open and accessible to visitors. NEW STORES & RESTAURANTS: Urban Supply Urban Supply opens at Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, offering a range of affordable, high-quality products designed for everyday adventure. Established in 2013, the brand is known for its distinctive selection of headwear, eyewear, wallets and umbrellas, with a focus on functionality and style, including CANSA-endorsed sun hats for added UV protection. Find them on the ground level, nestled between ARC and Pichulik. Jollof Café Image Credit: Jollof Café via Instagram New at Makers Landing, Jollof Café brings bold, authentic West African flavours to the neighbourhood in a vibrant, elevated setting. The menu features signature dishes such as jollof rice, grilled meats, flavourful soups and traditional sides, with customisable options and a focus on quality ingredients and authentic recipes. The restaurant offers dine-in, takeaway and catering services, including curated experiences for groups and events. OTHER EVENTS AT THE V&A Fight Island 5: Official Public Weigh-In Join the official public weigh-in ahead of Fight Island 5, as championship contenders take to the scales and face off ahead of the main event. The fan experience includes athlete interviews, live activations, merchandise and giveaways, with opportunities to meet and photograph local athletes. Date: Friday, 17 April 2026 Time: 14h00 – 16h00 Location: Amphitheatre Cost: Free Waterfront Canal Challenge 2026 Africa’s only timed 1-mile canal swim returns to Battery Park, welcoming participants of all levels. The programme includes a 1-mile race, a ½-mile recreational swim, and an elite invitational featuring top open-water swimmers, with proceeds supporting community upliftment initiatives. Date: Saturday, 18 April 2026 Time: 08h00 – 14h00 Location: Battery Park Canal Cost: Free ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ at Galileo Open Air Cinema The Galileo Open Air Cinema screens the classic romantic comedy 10 Things I Hate About You at Battery Park. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed picnic-style evening with food, games, and entertainment before the film begins under the stars. Date: Thursday, 23 April 2026 Time: 18h00 – 21h00 Location: Battery Park Cost: Ticketed Buy tickets here. Krispy Kreme Jelly Tots Doughnut Launch Krispy Kreme introduces its new Jelly Tots doughnut range, bringing a playful and nostalgic twist to its offering. To celebrate the launch, a vibrant mascot will make appearances in and around the store, creating an interactive experience for visitors. Date: Friday, 24 April – Sunday, 26 April 2026 Location: Krispy Kreme, V&A Waterfront Cost: Free
