Celebrating the Spirit of Mandela Day Through Lasting Impact
Mandela Day is a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can make a meaningful difference. Last week, we celebrated the spirit of Mandela by welcoming several of our non-profit organisation partners to our office for a day of collaboration, connection and hands-on activities. Through engaging directly with our partners, our team gained a deeper understanding of the work these organisations do and the impact they continue to make in communities across Cape Town.
The Justice Desk Africa, Ladles of Love, SA Harvest, Lalela, Waterfront Rotary Club, African Grassroot Hoops and Grow SA all form part of our Doing Good Directory, an ever-growing collection of trusted organisations driving meaningful change across Cape Town. Together, they support a wide range of causes, from education, youth development and food security to community upliftment, social justice and creating opportunities through sport, arts and culture.
Creating positive change is a shared effort. Through our Doing Good Directory, we're making it easier for neighbours, visitors, tenants and partners to connect with trusted organisations and support causes that matter.
QUAY 7 SUPERYACHT MARINA REACHES CONSTRUCTION MILESTONE
A ceremony was held on Thursday, 16 July, by the V&A Waterfront and Damen Shipyards as part of our superyacht building project.
We've reached an important milestone in the development of our Quay 7 Superyacht Marina with the official keel laying of the marina's floating pontoons, marking the start of full-scale construction. Built by local marine engineering company Damen Shipyards Cape Town, the six floating pontoons will form the berthing platforms where superyachts will dock, with production taking place locally in Cape Town.
Quay 7 will position the V&A Waterfront and Cape Town where they belong – on the global superyacht circuit – and create long-term economic opportunities for the marine services sector, local manufacturers and the broader ocean economy. Every weld brings that future closer.
Graham WoodCEO, V&A Waterfront
Hermoine Manuel, managing director of Damen Shipyards Cape Town, and Graham Wood, CEO of the V&A Waterfront.
This project is an example of international expertise combined with South African talent and local supplier capability, and it demonstrates that complex maritime infrastructure can be designed, procured, constructed and delivered to international standards right here in Cape Town.
Hermoine ManuelManaging Director, Damen Shipyards Cape Town
The V&A Waterfront team, along with the Damen Shipyard team at last week’s Keel Laying ceremony.
Once complete later this year, Quay 7 will become South Africa's first purpose-built superyacht marina. During the superyacht season, its eight berths will accommodate vessels of up to 90 metres. In the off-season, the basin will support the commissioning and export staging of locally built catamarans, creating year-round economic value for Cape Town's marine sector. The R230 million development will strengthen Cape Town's position as a leading global superyacht destination while supporting the local marine services industry, creating jobs, unlocking new opportunities across the ocean economy and reinforcing our role as a world-class working harbour.
Read more, here.
Essential Infrastructure Works Enter Next Phase
As part of our ongoing infrastructure programme to replace ageing water and sewer pipelines, works have now moved into the next phase, with upgrades taking place along Dock Road from the One&Only Cape Town towards Ebenezer Circle. This essential investment will strengthen the long-term reliability and sustainability of our neighbourhood's water and sewer infrastructure.
To make visiting easier during the construction period, weekend parking remains free at the Silo, Clock Tower and Battery Park parking garages until the end of October. Visitors can also access the precinct via Helen Suzman Boulevard and Granger Bay Boulevard for convenient parking closer to the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre.
Our neighbourhood remains open and fully operational throughout the project, with retailers, restaurants and attractions continuing to welcome visitors as usual.
Join the NSRI This World Drowning Prevention Day
In recognition of World Drowning Prevention Day, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is inviting visitors behind the scenes at NSRI Station 3 in our neighbourhood for a unique opportunity to experience the work of its volunteers beyond the rescue boat. Visitors can meet the crew, explore the Sea Rescue Station, step aboard the rescue craft and learn more about the preparation, training and purpose behind every rescue. The afternoon also includes water safety film screenings at the Amphitheatre. The event takes place this Saturday, 25 July, from 13h00 to 16h00, and is free to attend.
Operating 32 rescue stations around South Africa's coastline and inland waters, the NSRI is one of the country's leading volunteer rescue organisations, providing emergency rescue services, water safety education and survival swimming programmes to help save lives in and around the water.
To find out more about the the NSRI's life-saving work, visit the NSRI website, here.
2026 NEIGHBOURHOOD AWARDS: RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE AT THE V&A
The 2026 Neighbourhood Awards are back, recognising the businesses and teams that go above and beyond to create exceptional experiences across our neighbourhood. The annual awards celebrate excellence in customer service, innovation, sustainability and operational excellence, shining a spotlight on the people and businesses that help make the V&A Waterfront a world-class destination.
To stay up to date with this year's Neighbourhood Awards, follow us on our social media platforms @VANDAWATERFRONT
