V&A Academy expands pathways into the construction sector
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, visited the Waterfront’s active construction sites on Thursday 6 August, joined by V&A CEO Graham Wood, representatives from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), CETA, and other key stakeholders. The delegation walked the sites and spoke directly with project teams about the skills, training, and job opportunities happening within our built environment.
The site walkabout was followed by a multi stakeholder event which marked a new partnership between the V&A Academy and the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), extending the Academy beyond its existing work in tourism and hospitality into construction. Known as the V&A Waterfront Multi-Disciplinary Skills Development Node, the initiative is anchored by the Granger Bay Development Programme, a R24 billion investment expected to create an estimated 27,000 construction-phase jobs over the next 15 to 20 years. It builds on a track record that’s already real: more than 350 young people have been placed into employment through the V&A Academy to date.
For Waterfrontiers working across our construction and development sites, this means new opportunities to bring young talent onto live projects, and a chance to be part of the Academy’s next chapter. More details on how teams can get involved will follow as the partnership takes shape.
MAKERS LANDING FOOD INCUBATOR PROGRAMME CONTINUES TO GROW LOCAL FOOD BUSINESSES
Last week, our neighbourhood celebrated the graduation of the sixth cohort of the Makers Landing Food Incubator Programme, marking another milestone in an initiative that continues to strengthen South Africa's food ecosystem by supporting the growth of emerging local food businesses.
The graduates with their certificates, alongside the V&A Waterfront and Property Point team.
In partnership with Property Point, the 12-month programme equips emerging food businesses with business development support, mentorship, technical expertise, commercial kitchen facilities and access to new markets.
The programme's sixth cohort of eight local food businesses reflects the continued impact of the initiative, collectively achieving revenue growth of more than 107% during the programme while creating and sustaining 13 permanent jobs and three seasonal positions.
Herenity Eatery (Zamo Mlangeni): Afro-fusion street food steak sandwiches, smash burgers and freezos served from a Makers Landing food truck near the V&A Waterfront's amphitheatre.
Herenity Eatery (Zamo Mlangeni): Afro-fusion street food steak sandwiches, smash burgers and freezos served from a Makers Landing food truck near the V&A Waterfront's amphitheatre.
Fusion X Artisanal Spices (Andrew Pillay and Bernice Willemse): Additive-free gourmet spice rubs, infused salts and sauces spanning global cuisines.
Fusion X Artisanal Spices (Andrew Pillay and Bernice Willemse): Additive-free gourmet spice rubs, infused salts and sauces spanning global cuisines.
Ganache Art (Sumaiyah Sheriff): Offers artisanal bon bons, bespoke chocolate slabs and hands-on chocolate-making workshops, blending local flavour with fine pâtisserie technique.
Ganache Art (Sumaiyah Sheriff): Offers artisanal bon bons, bespoke chocolate slabs and hands-on chocolate-making workshops, blending local flavour with fine pâtisserie technique.
Loutaya (Rahim Bikouta): Organic, caffeine-free Congolese teas rooted in family heritage and traditional healing.
Loutaya (Rahim Bikouta): Organic, caffeine-free Congolese teas rooted in family heritage and traditional healing.
Seeds for Life (Tanya Van Stade and Yumnah Wickstrom): A Brackenfell cooperative using regenerative farming to produce organic vegetables and dehydrated vegetable powders.
Seeds for Life (Tanya Van Stade and Yumnah Wickstrom): A Brackenfell cooperative using regenerative farming to produce organic vegetables and dehydrated vegetable powders.
Montseng Taste Buds (Lerato Montseng): Homemade condiments and sauces balancing heat and flavour.
Montseng Taste Buds (Lerato Montseng): Homemade condiments and sauces balancing heat and flavour.
SADYA (Sherin Antony): Southern Indian specialities, including porottas, biriyanis and coconut-infused curries, turned from a side hustle into a full-time calling.
SADYA (Sherin Antony): Southern Indian specialities, including porottas, biriyanis and coconut-infused curries, turned from a side hustle into a full-time calling.
Treat Symphony (Lushano and Clint Douman): Handcrafted small-batch fudge, from a Kuilsriver home kitchen to a growing commercial ambition.
Treat Symphony (Lushano and Clint Douman): Handcrafted small-batch fudge, from a Kuilsriver home kitchen to a growing commercial ambition.
Since launching in 2021, the Makers Landing Food Incubator Programme has supported 45 SMMEs, with more than 80% of participating businesses still operating today, significantly outperforming national small business survival rates. This demonstrates how structured, hands-on business incubation can help shift the survival curve for South Africa's small food businesses. The programme has also helped create and sustain more than 65 permanent jobs and 30 seasonal positions, while continuing to champion inclusive economic growth through its support of predominantly women-led and Black-owned enterprises.
Read more, here.
BUSKER FESTIVAL AUDITIONS TAKE CENTRE STAGE THIS WEEKEND
Our neighbourhood will host live auditions this weekend for the inaugural V&A Waterfront Busker Festival, inviting South Africa's most talented street performers to showcase their talent and craft. From musicians and singers to dancers, magicians, comedians, circus artists, jugglers, acrobats, mime artists, spoken word performers, puppeteers, illusionists, balloon artists and other unique street acts, artists of all styles are encouraged to audition.
Live auditions take place on Saturday, 8 and Sunday, 9 August at Time Out Market Cape Town, with registration from 10h30 to 12h00 and auditions running from 13h00 to 17h00 on a first-come, first-served basis.
The inaugural V&A Waterfront Busker Festival will take place from 30 October to 1 November 2026, where selected performers will compete for the R10 000 Best Busker Award. They will also stand the chance to win performance opportunities at the renowned Ramblas Busking Festival in Barcelona and the Ferrara Buskers Festival in Italy, as well as a one-year V&A Waterfront Busking Contract offering regular paid performances within our neighbourhood.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR THE CIRCULAR INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2026
Applications are now open for the Circular Innovation Challenge 2026, inviting circular economy businesses from across Southern Africa to compete for a R250,000 investment and the opportunity to scale their impact through the V&A Waterfront ecosystem.
Presented by SOLVE with the support of the V&A Waterfront and in partnership with the Vikāra Institute, the Challenge is designed for businesses delivering practical circular solutions that reduce waste, retain material value and contribute to regenerative economic systems. Finalists will gain exposure to investors, policymakers and industry leaders, while also having the opportunity to present at the 9th Market Systems Symposium in Cape Town this October.
Josephine Katumba (Gcwalisa), the Winner of the 2025 Circular Innovation Challenge.
The Challenge reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing circular innovation across our neighbourhood. From harbour net recycling and on-site waste recovery to the recently launched Circular Maker Space, we continue to invest in initiatives that support sustainable business growth and create real-world opportunities for innovators. Applications close on 20 September 2026.
Find out more, here.
NEW AND REVAMPED STORES:
Louis Vuitton has relocated to the new luxury wing at the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre.
The new boutique brings together the House's iconic leather goods, ready-to-wear collections, shoes, accessories, fragrances and signature travel pieces in an immersive space that celebrates craftsmanship, design and contemporary creativity.
South African fashion brand Tsepho Jean has opened its new store at the V&A Waterfront, expanding our retail offering with a proudly local luxury brand. The boutique features a selection of men's and women's apparel and accessories, showcasing contemporary South African design and craftsmanship.
South African luxury fashion brand and lifestyle boutique Colourbox has opened at the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, next to Seafolly. Known for its dopamine dressing, vibrant prints and unique resort wear, the boutique offers a mix of local and international designer brands, with clothing and accessories for everyday wear, travel and leisure.
EVENTS AT THE WATERFRONT:
V&A Music & Record Fair
Calling all vinyl lovers and collectors. Browse rare finds, classic albums and timeless sounds as the V&A Music & Record Fair returns to The Watershed.
Date: Saturday, 8 August
Time: 10h00 – 14h00
Venue: Upper Level, The Watershed
Cost: Free entry.
Growthpoint SA Nationals Squash Championships
South Africa's top squash players return to our neighbourhood for the prestigious national championships, competing for the country's top honours.
Dates: Thursday, 13 – Saturday, 22 August
Venue: Makers Landing
Time:
Cost: Free entry.
Dainfern College Marimba Band Tour Performance
Enjoy an uplifting performance by the Dainfern College Marimba Band as part of their Cape Town tour. Featuring talented young musicians, the performance celebrates South Africa's rich musical heritage through a lively repertoire of traditional African rhythms and contemporary favourites.
Date: Wednesday, 12 August
Time: 17h00 – 18h00
Venue: V&A Flagpole
Cost: Free
