Neighbourhood Newsroom: 23 October 2026

Presented by SOLVE@Waterfront, the V&A Waterfront and The Vikāra Institute, the Circular Innovation Challenge supports businesses and innovators developing solutions that rethink waste, extend the life of materials and contribute to a more circular economy. This past Wednesday, the top four finalists pitched their ideas, showcasing innovative approaches to environmental challenges.

The winning solution was Pee-Cycling, a Cape Town-based business that transforms human urine into a valuable resource by recovering nutrients to produce liquid fertiliser and reusable water for flushing, cleaning and irrigation. As the winner of the 2026 Circular Innovation Challenge, Pee-Cycling will receive a R250,000 cash investment, tailor-made training and mentorship worth up to R100,000, and the opportunity to test its solution at the V&A Waterfront. The business will also be introduced to relevant businesses and organisations to support its growth.

The other finalists also showcased innovative approaches to creating value from resources that might otherwise go to waste:

• Green Brine Technologies addresses the environmental challenge posed by desalination brine waste. Using advanced electrochemical and membrane technologies, the company converts hypersaline waste streams into valuable industrial chemicals such as caustic soda, hydrochloric acid and magnesium oxide, while eliminating harmful marine discharge.
• noodees is reimagining the personal care industry through single-use, plant-powered cleansing powders packaged in dissolvable paper. By eliminating conventional plastic packaging and reducing the need to transport water through supply chains, noodees designs waste and pollution out of the system from the outset.
• SKUBU, the world's first fully automated refill store concept, SKUBU helps consumers access affordable staple foods without the need for disposable packaging. Operating in township communities, the business combines cost savings with environmental impact by making package-free shopping both practical and economically attractive.

Read the full release, here.

If you are seeking vibrant events in Cape Town, get ready for a weekend of music, magic and live entertainment as the inaugural V&A Waterfront Busker Festival takes over our neighbourhood from 30 October to 1 November. Featuring talented V&A Waterfront buskers alongside international performers, the festival celebrates the creativity and diversity of street performance, bringing together musicians, dancers, magicians and other entertainers from near and far.

MEET OUR BUSKERS:

From traditional rope skipping and live music to face painting and portrait art, our V&A buskers bring plenty of talent and personality to the neighbourhood. These familiar faces will be among the performers at the upcoming V&A Waterfront Busker Festival:

DISCOVER MORE LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL ACTS:

Alongside our V&A buskers, the festival line-up features local and international performers bringing their own sounds, skills and spectacle to the neighbourhood. Here are a few more acts to look out for:

MEET ANDISIWE MBUNJE OF ISIBANE SE AFRIKA

As part of our V&A Busker programme, Andisiwe Mbunje, founder and director of choir group Isibane se Afrika, shares the story behind the choir’s humble beginnings, its journey busking at the V&A Waterfront and what the group is looking forward to at the upcoming V&A Waterfront Busker Festival.

Last Friday, Our Community team marked World Food Day by gathering at Makers Landing to prepare more than 40 warm, hearty meals for people in need. The meals were then delivered to The Haven Night Shelter, helping provide a nourishing meal to members of our wider community.

By preparing and delivering these meals, our team played a small but meaningful part in supporting people across our neighbourhood. While one meal cannot solve food insecurity, initiatives like this help provide immediate support to those who need it. By working together and supporting community organisations such as The Haven Night Shelter, we can continue to play a role in addressing this ongoing challenge.

Whether you are enjoying premium shopping in Cape Town or updating your wardrobe, the precinct offers world-class retail experiences.

Old School brings together contemporary sportswear and nostalgia-inspired designs, with athleisure and casual clothing for everyday wear. Find its new store next to Kingsley Heath.

Replay has relocated to a new space at Victoria Wharf and can now be found next to Ted Baker. The premium Italian brand offers contemporary clothing, signature denim and smart-casual wardrobe essentials.

From fine writing instruments to leather goods and accessories, German luxury brand Montblanc offers timeless pieces known for their craftsmanship. Find its store near on level one, next to the Woolworths entrance.

Solandra Session at InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town

Enjoy an afternoon of sunset views, handcrafted cocktails and curated sounds at Solandra Pool Bar. DJ Rene and live percussion will set the mood for a relaxed afternoon by the pool, making it the perfect way to ease into the weekend. Bookings are essential via OpenTable.

Dates: Saturday, 24 and 31 October 2026
Time: 16h00 – 20h00
Location: Solandra Pool Bar, InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town
Book, here.

WA-LEAGUE: Traditional Japanese Wadaiko Drumming

Experience the power and rhythm of traditional Japanese music as WA-LEAGUE brings its energetic Wadaiko drumming to Cape Town. This talented five-member ensemble, known for its dynamic performances and captivating stage presence, is visiting the Mother City for the One Young World Summit 2026. Enjoy an exciting showcase of Japanese culture, where powerful drumbeats meet precision, movement and centuries-old tradition.

Date: Wednesday, 4 November 2026
Time: 12h00–12h30 and 13h00–13h30
Location: V&A Amphitheatre
Cost: Free

Silo Concerts Presents: This Thing Called Swing

Travel back to the golden age of swing with an evening of big band music and dancing in the Silo District. Led by Mike Campbell, the 18-piece Swing All Stars Big Band will bring the sounds of the 1930s, 40s and 50s to life. Arrive early to enjoy swing DJ sets and social dancing from 18h00, followed by a free swing dance class with Cape Town Swing at 18h30, before the band takes the stage at 19h00. Bring your dancing shoes and join in the fun.

Date: Friday, 6 November 2026
Time: 19h00–20h00
Location: Silo District
Cost: Free