28 Jul 2025 Last week, 25 July, Pure Good Café launched their second V&A Waterfront café at our Net Zero building at Portswood, across from the Deloitte offices. Built using 98% recycled and repurposed materials, this structure embodies our commitment to sustainability and circular innovation. Pure Good, led by Shannon Smuts, was the perfect partner for this space, as their ethos of wellness, sustainability and community upliftment aligns seamlessly with the V&A, from their farm to table meals sourced from regenerative local farms, zero waste kitchen, and interior crafted entirely from upcycled materials. Visit them at their new location, and enjoy nourishing wraps, protein bowls, smoothies, and wholesome treats at affordable prices. Each meal goes to supporting youth training initiatives and community-driven food gardens. CALLING CHANGEMAKERS TO SHAPE A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE WITH US The Waterfront’s Circular Innovation Challenge is all about discovering the next wave of innovators, change-makers, and thought leaders in Circular Economy in South Africa. Whether you’re a designer, student, entrepreneur, business, or non-profit, this is your chance to pitch fresh ideas that drive real, sustainable change. Winners of the Circular Innovation Challenge: Mark Williams-Wyn (CIO) and Mmakoma Komape (Cape Regional Manager) from eWaste Africa. Finalists will get to present their ideas to a panel of industry experts at the South Africa Circular Summit in October 2025. The winner will receive R250 000 in funding, along with mentorship, networking opportunities, and the chance to showcase and test their product or service within our neighbourhood. Applications close 15 September 2025, so visit solve.waterfront.co.za to check your eligibility and enter today. EXPLORING THE ART OF WAGYU AT MAKERS LANDING Last Thursday, Makers Landing hosted an immersive Wagyu 101 & Tasting with Zuney Wagyu, one of South Africa’s leading producers of premium Wagyu beef. Held in the Demo Kitchen, Henning Klopper shared how Zuney’s ethical, low-stress farming practices and superior Japanese Wagyu genetics results in their renowned beef, known for its marbling, tenderness, and rich flavour. Across their farms, Zuney Wagyu cattle are pasture-raised and grain-fed, with a strong focus on sustainability, and animal welfare. In addition to insightful talks, attendees had a hands-on cooking experience, exploring the characteristics of different Wagyu cuts and learning preparation techniques to highlight their unique qualities. Guests included Chris Erasmus, head chef at Newmark Hotels and Reserves, along with Newmark Sommelier, Marlvin Gwese, and executive chef Jodi Gillespie, and Hitesh Panchal from Kapoochka CELEBRATING MARINE PROTECTED AREAS WITH THE TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM. Credit: Two Oceans Aquarium Every August, the Two Oceans Aquarium celebrates Marine Protected Area (MPA) Day, a global event shining a spotlight on the vital underwater sanctuaries that protect marine life. MPAs serve as safe havens for species like penguins, turtles, and sharks, helping restore fragile ecosystems, safeguard ocean habitats, and reduce the risk of extinction for vulnerable species. This year, the Aquarium is inviting the public to join a family-friendly Rocky Shore Explore at Dalebrook Tidal Pool on Saturday, 2 August. Guided by the Ocean Campus educators, participants will have the chance to discover fascinating marine species and ocean plants, learn about their ecosystems, and gain a deeper appreciation for ocean species. Find out more, here: https://www.aquarium.co.za/news/rocky-shore-explore NET RECYCLING PROJECT MOVES AHEAD AS CONTAINERS ARRIVE AT COLLIER JETTY The OCEAN Action Network’s net recycling project, which launched in May, has now entered its next phase with the construction of South Africa’s first harbour-based fishing net recycling facility at the V&A’s Collier Jetty. With the arrival of two specialized containers, this phase will see Ocean Plastic Technologies’ micro-recycling processing plant housed in one container, while the second container will store end-of-life fishing nets awaiting processing. Estelle van der Merwe, Managing Director at OCEAN Action Network and Oliver Nudds, Founder and CEO of Ocean Plastic Technologies These containers will enable the on-site recycling of old fishing nets into reusable plastic products, helping to reduce landfill waste and promote a circular economy within the fishing industry EVENTS AT THE V&A LARGEST MARIMBA ENSEMBLE GATHERS FOR GUINNESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT Marimba Jam presents an unforgettable Fringe Performance at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre, building up to their official Guiness World Record attempt for largest ensemble. The event will showcase talented school and youth marimba bands from across South Africa, bringing rhythm and energy to one of Cape Town’s most iconic stages. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, come enjoy the sound of marimbas echoing through the Amphitheatre as we build excitement for a history-making musical moment. Date: Sunday, 3 August Time: 16h30 – 18h30 Cost: Free Location: V&A Amphitheatre KINGSWOOD COLLEGE CONCERT BAND Visiting Cape Town as part of their tour, the renowned Kingswood College Concert Band and Strings Ensemble will treat V&A Waterfront visitors to an exciting live performance celebrating the joy of music. Date: Saturday, 9 August Time: 10h00 – 12h00 Cost: Free Location: V&A Amphitheatre Follow us on social media @VANDAWATERFRONT to stay up-to-date on what’s happening around our neighbourhood.
