Leading The Conversation On Sustainable Seafood

As a working harbour, the V&A Waterfront is perfectly positioned to help drive conversations around the future of sustainable seafood and marine ecosystems. This past week, our neighbourhood welcomed leading chefs, seafood suppliers, conservation organisations, retailers, fishing communities and industry experts for an important conversation on how collaboration, education and responsible sourcing can contribute to healthier oceans and more resilient coastal communities.

Hosted at Makers Landing, the Sustainable Seafood Panel Discussion featured:
- Hahn Goliath, fisherman and community activist at ABALOBI
- Ryan Cole, award-winning chef and owner of COY
- Kurt Hill, Operations Manager at Cape Fish
- Marco Coelho, Global Head of Supply Chain and Procurement at Ocean Basket
- Dr Judy Mann-Lang, Executive for Strategic Projects at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation
- Alex Kabalin, Retail Executive at the V&A Waterfront

The panel explored the challenges facing marine ecosystems, including overfishing, climate change and increasing demand for seafood, while discussing practical ways businesses, consumers and the hospitality industry can support more responsible seafood sourcing and strengthen local fishing communities. A key highlight from the discussion was the introduction of the Cape Catch initiative, a curated list of locally sourced, sustainably certified seafood species, which will give restaurants a practical tool for more responsible menu decisions, backed by a new badging system.

The conversation continued over the weekend at the third annual Sustainable Seafood Festival, welcoming food lovers, families and sustainability advocates to celebrate local, traceable seafood and the people behind it. Visitors explored a fresh fish market featuring ABALOBI, Wild Peacock and fishers from the Cape and Overberg Fisheries Joint Initiative, alongside cooking demonstrations, hands-on workshops, educational exhibits and sustainably sourced seafood from local vendors.

Together, the panel discussion and festival reflect our ongoing commitment to creating spaces where meaningful conversations, education and collaboration can inspire more informed seafood choices and contribute to healthier oceans.

Read more about this initiative, here.

100+ WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF WINTER

Warm Up with Great Food

Winter is the perfect excuse to slow down and gather around the table. Across our neighbourhood restaurants are serving exclusive winter specials, from hearty seafood at Mozambik and curated three-course dining experiences at Heirloom Restaurant to favourites including TANG, Tiger's Milk, Wimpy and Spyced. Many restaurants are also offering limited-time seasonal menus inspired by the flavours of winter.

Shop Your Winter Style

Whether you're shopping for winter essentials or looking for a thoughtful seasonal gift, selected retailers across the neighbourhood are offering exclusive winter promotions. Look out for special offers from G-Star, Fabiani, Rip Curl, Markham, Country Road and Levi's, and more.

First Thursdays

From now until August, our museums and galleries take part in First Thursdays, joining Cape Town's monthly celebration of art, culture and creativity through exhibitions, extended opening hours and after-hours experiences.

Follow us on our social media platforms @VANDAWATERFRONT to stay up to date with the latest winter specials, promotions and events.

DOING GOOD DIRECTORY: TURN 67 MINUTES INTO LASTING IMPACT

Every year on Mandela Day, South Africans, and people around the world, dedicate 67 minutes to doing something good. It's a symbolic tribute to Nelson Mandela's 67 years of public service, and a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can make a meaningful difference. But what if those 67 minutes were just the beginning?

Ahead of Mandela Day, we're sharing an updated edition of our Doing Good Directory, bringing together a refreshed collection of trusted organisations creating positive impact across Cape Town. Whether you're looking to volunteer, donate, share your skills or support a cause financially, the directory makes it easy to find meaningful ways to give back. As part of our commitment to creating shared value, we hope it inspires our neighbours, visitors, tenants and partners to turn 67 minutes into lasting impact.

Explore the refreshed Doing Good Directory, here

DISCOVER MORE WITH THE MINI EXPLORERS CLUB PASSPORT

Families visiting our neighbourhood this school holiday can pick up a free V&A Mini Explorers Club Passport, giving children a fun way to discover the Waterfront while completing milestones, collecting stamps at participating attractions and unlocking exclusive offers along the way.

The passport also forms part of a school holiday competition. By scanning QR codes at participating experiences, families stand the chance to win one of three family prize packs filled with V&A Gift Cards, movie tickets, train rides and other family experiences.

Find out more.

OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Lelos Tasty Foods

Congratulations to Mpelegeng Magoro, founder of Lelos Tasty Foods, one of the small businesses operating from the Watershed, on being recognised for Market Growth at the Women Creating Wealth Financial Services Growth Catalyst and Innovation Challenge.

Presented by the Graça Machel Trust, the award recognises women entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional business growth and impact. The recognition celebrates the continued success of Lelos Tasty Foods, and the important role small businesses play in driving innovation and entrepreneurship.

TANG Cape Town

Congratulations to TANG Cape Town on receiving three accolades at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards. The restaurant was recognised as Best Asian Cuisine, Best Luxury Restaurant and Best Fine Dining Restaurant in South Africa, reflecting its commitment to exceptional cuisine, service and guest experience.

The Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards are recognised as the hospitality industry's highest global accolade, with winners determined entirely by guest feedback. TANG's achievement reflects its continued commitment to exceptional cuisine, service and hospitality, while contributing to the outstanding dining experiences found across our neighbourhood.

CAST YOUR VOTE FOR THE CAPE TOWN CRUISE TERMINAL

The Cape Town Cruise Terminal has once again been nominated for Africa's Best Cruise Terminal 2026 at the World Cruise Awards.

Having won the title in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, the nomination reflects the terminal's continued commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for cruise passengers visiting Cape Town.

Voting opens on 13 July. Be sure to cast your vote and help us bring the title home once again. You can vote via the World Cruise Awards website, here