Neighbourhood Newsroom: 4 September 2026

Applications for the Circular Innovation Challenge 2026 are closing on 20 September, giving circular economy businesses and innovators from across Southern Africa one final opportunity to put their solutions forward.

The Challenge, presented by SOLVE@Waterfront, the V&A Waterfront and The Vikāra Institute, supports businesses developing innovative products, services and technologies that rethink waste, extend the life of materials and contribute to a more circular economy. The winner will receive a R250,000 investment, along with tailored support, mentorship and opportunities to connect with the V&A Waterfront ecosystem.

Enter, here: CIRCULAR INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2026 - V&A Solve

Previous participants showcase the range of ideas the Challenge is designed to support:

• Leafline:

Leafline turns pineapple leaf fibre into washable nappies and sanitary products, combining waste reduction with opportunities for people with disabilities. Since entering the Challenge, the business has expanded its premises to accommodate fibre production, grown its partnerships and is now working with the UN to support fibre manufacturing in other parts of Africa.

• Re.Bag.Re.Use

Re.Bag.Re.Use transforms discarded bread bags, T-shirts, fabrics and other waste materials into handcrafted products, while creating earning opportunities for a growing community of women.

Since entering the Challenge, the business has grown to support 21 women, repurposed the equivalent of more than 10 baby elephants’ worth of plastic waste, and collaborated with the V&A Waterfront on projects including the Dancing Skirts installation and the oversized Our Better Nature shopping trolley.

• The Litterboom Project

The Litterboom Project, which won the 2023 Plastics Innovation and Circularity Challenge, uses floating barriers to intercept plastic waste before it reaches the ocean, while creating jobs and opportunities through its circular economy work.

Its Innovation Hub, which formed part of its winning pitch, supports “wastepreneurs” in turning problematic plastic waste into valuable products. The organisation has since expanded its work in Cape Town, including its current collaboration with the City of Cape Town, which saw almost 94 tonnes of waste intercepted before reaching the ocean between March and June 2026.

Our neighbourhood recently celebrated the graduation of the fourth cohort of the Watershed Design Lab, a retail readiness enterprise development programme run in partnership with the Craft & Design Institute (CDI) at the Watershed. The programme has been designed to support creative SMMEs in transitioning into sustainable, market-ready businesses through structured training, product refinement, mentorship, and placement within a live retail environment. Since its inception, the programme has supported 26 SMMEs across five cohorts, generated nearly R4 million in sales, sustained at least 35 jobs, and seen three participating businesses progress into independent retail stores, all on a total investment of R1.2 million.

The fourth cohort, described as one of the strongest to date, saw participants' average confidence in themselves and their businesses rise from 7.1 to 8.4 out of 10. Over the course of the residency, the cohort collectively traded R1.5 million and created 18 jobs, with women and youth making up the majority of those hired.

Our neighbourhood is expanding its residential offering with The Bower, our first later-living development. Launching later this month, the development is designed to support a more contemporary model of later living, with a focus on independent living and ageing in place. It offers on-site primary healthcare, 24-hour nursing and a 14-unit memory care centre, providing additional support as residents' needs evolve. In addition, residents will have access to concierge support, upmarket dining, wellness services and lifestyle amenities within the hospitality-led community.

Designed by international architectural firm KPF, The Bower comprises 147 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments within a V-shaped building that encloses a communal garden, giving each residence a private outlook while keeping residents connected to the wider community. The design incorporates local materials and facade details inspired by Cape Town's landscape and the V&A Waterfront's maritime heritage. Located on Breakwater Boulevard alongside the InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town, The Bower is also a short walk from Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, Zeitz MOCAA, the coastline and the Silo District.

The Bower will operate on a Life Rights model, giving residents lifetime occupation of their apartment without the responsibilities of traditional home ownership. The development will officially launch on 28 August 2026, with apartments expected to be ready for occupation in February 2028.

Find out more, here: www.thebowerwaterfront.co.za

Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre has welcomed some exciting new additions, alongside familiar favourites that have reopened or relocated. From fashion to coffee and beauty, there’s plenty to discover.

COTTON ON

Recently reopened following a store revamp, the Australian-born brand brings its easy-going approach to fashion, with a focus on individuality, creativity and everyday style.

SKINS

Following its relocation, Skins brings its curated world of international beauty and lifestyle brands to a new space next to Shimansky, creating a destination for discovering new products, fragrances and brands.

SEATTLE COFFEE CO.

Seattle Coffee Co. brings its familiar coffee culture to a fresh space, with its signature drinks and treats made for a quick stop or a longer catch-up. Find them in their new location, next to Spur.

REPRESENT

Making its African debut in our neighbourhood, Represent has opened its Cape Town flagship store, bringing the international brand’s distinctive take on contemporary luxury streetwear to the city. Find them next to Court Order.

SUPERDRY & CO.

Following a successful revamp, Superdry & Co. has reopened with its distinctive blend of vintage American influences, Japanese-inspired graphics and British tailoring. Find them across from Fabiani.

Family Silent Disco Series

Silent Events is bringing a brand-new Family Silent Disco series to the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre, kicking off on Friday, 18 September from 6pm–9pm.

Designed as a fun night out for the whole family, the evening will begin with a one-hour interactive guided kids’ activation, followed by a three-channel Silent Disco with three live DJs. Guests can switch between party anthems and throwbacks, house and dance, or pop and chart favourites, making it an experience that kids, parents and grandparents can all enjoy together.

Wireless Silent Disco headphone rental is included with every ticket.

Date: Friday, 18 September 2026

Time: 18h00 - 21h00

Location: V&A Amphitheatre

Book your tickets, here.