Neighbourhood Newsroom: 9 October 2026

The V&A Waterfront Marina has retained its Full Blue Flag Marina status for the 2026/2027 season, marking its eighth consecutive season of certification. More than an award, the recognition confirms that our marina continues to meet internationally recognised standards for environmental management, safety, accessibility and environmental education.

For us, maintaining this standard is an important part of managing a busy working harbour within one of Africa’s most visited mixed-use destinations. It reflects our ongoing commitment to responsible waterfront management and to protecting the marine environment that forms such an important part of our neighbourhood.

This commitment is supported by ongoing environmental management across our harbour, from our partnership with the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation to monitor and protect marine wildlife, to the daily work of our marine team to keep the waterways clean. Our team uses sweepers to collect litter and debris from the water, while pipe trash-capturing netting systems at stormwater outlets help prevent waste from entering the ocean in the first place.

Together, these efforts help us maintain the environmental standards recognised through Blue Flag and reinforce our commitment to being a responsible steward of our working harbour.

Read the full release, here.

As Southern Africa’s oldest working harbours, our neighbourhood is a place where a busy urban environment meets a living marine ecosystem, with people, businesses and wildlife coexisting in the same space. Through our partnership with the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, the Marine Wildlife Management Programme helps monitor, protect and manage marine wildlife across the V&A Waterfront and Port of Cape Town, while supporting the safe coexistence of people, businesses and wildlife.

For more than 20 years, the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation has been monitoring and responding to marine wildlife in and around the Waterfront and Port of Cape Town. Our partnership with the Foundation builds on this expertise, combining the knowledge of its wildlife monitors and specialists with our operational support and funding. The team monitors wildlife activity, collects data and responds to injured, distressed or at-risk marine animals, from Cape fur seals and seabirds to Cape clawless otters, helping to prevent harmful interactions and distress within a busy working harbour.

One recent intervention saw three Cape fur seals rescued from Robinson Dry Dock. The team worked together to safely capture and release all three seals, returning them to the water after becoming trapped in the dry dock.

By combining specialist wildlife expertise with our operational knowledge and support, the programme helps create a safer environment for both people and wildlife, while recognising our neighbourhood as both a working harbour and a living marine ecosystem.

Electronic devices have become part of everyday life, but when they stop working or are no longer needed, they can easily be forgotten or incorrectly discarded.

International E-Waste Day, taking place on 14 October 2026, raises awareness of the growing challenge of electronic waste and encourages responsible collection and recycling. This year’s theme, “Fast Tech”, puts a spotlight on smaller electronic products such as earphones, charging cables, USB adapters and other everyday gadgets that are often overlooked as e-waste.

This year, tenants and visitors to our neighbourhood are invited to bring their unwanted electronic devices and accessories to Makers Landing for responsible refurbishment or recycling. This includes old computers, laptops and phones, as well as chargers, cables, earphones and other unwanted electronics.

Date: Monday, 12 and Tuesday, 13 October 2026
Time: 09h00 to 17h00
Location: Makers Landing

At the V&A Waterfront, reducing waste, improving resource efficiency and keeping materials in circulation support our wider ambition to be a leading example of circularity in action. The e-waste drive takes place alongside the South Africa 2026 Local Circularity Summit and E-Waste Festival, bringing together stakeholders working across the circular economy, e-waste and local economic development.

Summer is here, the weather is looking great, and the Stormers vs Sharks match at DHL Stadium is set to bring plenty of gees to Cape Town this weekend.

With the ongoing roadworks along Dock Road, we'd like to make your visit to the V&A Waterfront as easy as possible. That's why we're offering free parking at our Battery Park, Silo and Clock Tower parking garages this weekend and every other weekend until the end of November.

So, come through, enjoy everything the Waterfront has to offer, take a stroll through the neighbourhood, and make the most of the warm weather. By using one of our free parking facilities, you can avoid some of the congestion and make your weekend experience that much smoother.

We look forward to welcoming you. See you at the Waterfront!

Following its third consecutive win, and fourth overall, as Africa’s Leading Cruise Port at the 2025 World Travel Awards, the Cape Town Cruise Terminal has once again been nominated for World’s Leading Cruise Port at the 2026 World Travel Awards.

The nomination places the Cape Town Cruise Terminal among the leading cruise ports competing for the global title, recognising Cape Town’s position as an international cruise destination and our world-class working harbour.

Voting is officially open and runs until 30 October 2026. Cast your vote, here.

Gucci, the iconic Italian fashion house known for redefining modern opulence through premium leather goods, ready-to-wear fashion and boundary-pushing designs, has relocated to the luxury mall wing. The new state-of-the-art space features Gucci’s latest global retail look and fully houses menswear, womenswear, fine jewellery and travel luggage.

Aldo, the Canadian fashion brand known for its trend-driven footwear, handbags and contemporary accessories, has completed a full revamp of its flagship store and can be found across from Willoughby & Co.

MaXhosa Africa, the luxury African fashion house known for reimagining traditional Xhosa beadwork aesthetics through contemporary knitwear and lifestyle designs, has relocated to a new space and can be found across from Balmain.

Kingsley Heath, the premium African luxury lifestyle and apparel brand known for its rugged textures, natural fibres and heritage-inspired motifs, has reopened after undergoing a successful revamp.

Explore these upgraded V&A Waterfront shops next time you visit us for premium shopping in Cape Town.

The V&A Music & Record Fair brings together vinyl enthusiasts, collectors, and vendors for a day of browsing, buying, and celebrating music culture. Discover rare finds, classic albums, and timeless sounds.

Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026

Time: 10h00 – 14h00

Location: The Watershed, Upper Level.

Cost: Free

Explore the night sky through telescopes, learn how to use a telescope, listen to short astronomy talks, and discover the Moon, stars, planets and other celestial objects. Visitors are welcome to bring their own telescopes or simply join us for an evening of stargazing and astronomy.

Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026.

Time: 19h00 – 21h00

Location: Clock Tower

Symposium & Book Launch: Re-enactments

Join Zeitz MOCAA at Re-enactments, a one-day symposium on the occasion of African American artist and experimental filmmaker Cauleen Smith’s major survey exhibition at Zeitz MOCAA.

Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026.

Time: 14h00 – 20h30

Location: Zeitz MOCAA

Book, here.

Inspired by The Procession, Rita Mawuena Benissan’s towering tapestry in the museum’s Atrium,our makers will bring their own tapestries to life using fluid colour, bold shapes and imaginative reflection. Read More

Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026.

Time: 10h15 - 12h30

Location: Zeitz MOCAA

Book, here.