7 Feb 2025 NEW YEAR, BIG CELEBRATIONS The 2024 festive season was truly spectacular, with over 3 million visitors celebrating in our neighbourhood. On New Year’s Eve, approximately 200,000 people visited the Waterfront throughout the day to enjoy many activities, dining experiences, and festive retail therapy followed by the New Year’s Eve showcase which featured performances by MiCasa, Matthew Mole, BlackByrd, and many other popular musicians. “The December period is always special at the V&A Waterfront with locals and tourists making their way to enjoy the best of what we have to offer, and this year was no exception,” said David Green, Chief Executive Officer at the V&A Waterfront. Click here to read more on some of the festive season’s highlights. WATERFRONT ROTARY CELEBRATES 100 YEARS From left to right: Waterfront RC President, Mymoena Ismail, Mayoral Member for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town, Alderman James Vos, RC District Governer, Stephen Young & V&A Waterfront CEO, David Green. On Tuesday evening, the Waterfront Rotary Club gathered with business leaders, media representatives, and fellow Rotarians to celebrate 100 years of Rotary’s transformative work across the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Angola, and Namibia. The event’s highlight was the presentation of the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship to David Green, OBE, and CEO of the V&A Waterfront, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and dedication to community development. The evening also marked the launch of the Rotary Club’s Act4Impact campaign—a call to action encouraging people of all ages to become agents of change in their communities. The initiative aims to mobilize individuals to take meaningful action by collaborating with local communities for positive change. Click here to learn more. TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM ACHIEVES 100% PASS RATE IN MARINE SCIENCES A learner explores Cape Town’s tidal pools with the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Ocean Campus staff. The Two Oceans Aquarium marine science class of 2024 achieved an outstanding 100% pass rate. The achievement highlights the growing success of this field which explores ocean ecosystems, marine biodiversity and the impact of human activity on our oceans. With links to over 80 career paths in the expanding ocean economy, conservation, and research, the subject equips learners with essential skills for a sustainable future. The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation remains dedicated to expanding access to marine sciences across South Africa through their Ocean Campus. Read more, here. CAPE GRACE HOTEL INTRODUCES ECO-FRIENDLY BIKES Photo credit: Cape Grace Hotel Guests at the Cape Grace Hotel can now explore the beauty of our neighbourhood with their newest offering, Vélosophy RE:CYCLE bicycles – sleek, eco-friendly bicycles created from recycled espresso capsules. Cape Grace continues to lead in sustainability, as they seamlessly incorporate green initiatives into their daily operations. Their commitment to sustainability was officially recognised in 2024 with a Green Key certification, distinguishing them as one of South Africa’s top environmentally responsible hotels. Read more, here. AMAZING VISITORS CHECKING IN TO THE WATERFRONT Last week was a busy week at the V&A with the welcoming of two special visitors to our neighbourhood: Kirsten Neuschäfer On 23 January, we welcomed Kirsten Neuschäfer as she made her way back from Madeira, Portugal, on her yacht, Minnehaha. Neuschäfer is the first female, and first South African sailor to win the Golden Globe Race, where she completed a solo, uncircumnavigated trip, unassisted round-the-world race – in an official time of 233 days, 20 hours, 43 minutes, and 47 seconds. Gump Suzuki Japanese rickshaw tour guide and viral TikTok sensation, Gump Suzuki, officially completed his 210-day journey from Kenya to Cape Town on Sunday, 26 January 2025. Documenting his 6,400km journey along the way, he captivated the hearts of many with his determination and adventurous spirit. Gump marked the final stretch of his journey with a celebratory run from Green Point, where he was joined by supporters, as he made his way to his final destination, at Waterfront. EVENTS TAKING PLACE AT THE WATERFRONT Silo Concerts – Puesta Del Sol Get ready to dance the night away at the V&A Waterfront Silo Concert, with live performances by Puesta Del Sol. Enjoy sultry Latin rhythms as Cape Town’s hottest 10-piece salsa band, Corozan, takes the stage, accompanied by top salsa DJs keeping the energy soaring all night long. Arrive early for a free salsa class to perfect your moves, and hit the dance floor for a night of vibrant music and fun. Best of all, entry is free! Date: Friday, 7 February Time: 18h00 – 20h00 Location: Silo District Cost: Free Rustenburg Girls’ High School Cyclathon 2025 Join us for the Cyclathon, a 12-hour fundraising event in support of Habitat for Humanity South Africa, an NPO committed to building homes and thriving communities across South Africa. School teams will take on the challenge of cycling on stationary bikes, fuelled by live performances that keep the energy soaring. The public is welcome to join in on the pedalling fun, and stand a chance to win exciting prizes. Date: Saturday, 8 February Time: 09h00 – 21h00 Location: Amphitheatre Cost: Free V&A Record & Music Fair Head to the Watershed to get your hands on the records you’ve always wanted. You can expect over 3 000 vinyl records waiting to be discovered, as well as a great selection of CDs, music books, band merch, tees and cassettes on sale. There will also be DJs on decks throughout the day! Date: Saturday, 8 February Time: 10h00 – 14h00 Location: Watershed Cost: Free Galileo Open Air Cinema: Pitch Perfect 2 Get ready for an unforgettable night under the stars as The Galileo Open Air Cinema brings you the fan-favorite Pitch Perfect 2! Experience the magic of outdoor cinema in a picnic setting, tasty treats, games, activities and giveaways. Date: Saturday, 8 February Time: 18h00 – 22h00 Location: Watershed Cost: Free V&A Waterfront Take The Stage Series Presents – Carletheia Join us at the V&A Waterfront’s Take the Stage series, a platform for emerging South African artists for an unforgettable live performance by Carletheia. This rising star has captured hearts with her debut single, “Attention,” and her latest track, “I’ll Always Be There,” penned by five-time Grammy Award winner PJ Morton. Known for her engaging TikTok sessions that have earned her a growing global audience, Carletheia is a classically trained musician who has graced stages at venues like Sanctuary Mandela and the Baxter Theatre. Don’t miss the chance to experience this dynamic artist, who’s quickly becoming one to watch! Date: Sunday, 9 February Time: 18h00 – 29h00 Location: Amphitheatre Cost: Free V&A Waterfront Take The Stage Series Presents – Bheki Khoza Quartet Join us at the V&A Waterfront’s Take the Stage series, a platform for emerging South African artists for an unforgettable live performance by Bheki Khosa, a renowned left-handed guitarist from Umlazi, Durban. A recipient of a Talent Award and scholarship to study music in America in 1991, Khosa trained under jazz legend Jackie McClean and performed with the Larry Ridley Jazz Legacy. He made a name for himself in New York’s jazz scene, gracing iconic venues like Blue Note and Smalls, and collaborating with legends like Kenny Barron, Hilton Ruiz, Nigeria’s FLoxy Bee, and South Africa’s Thuli Dumakude. Don’t miss this extraordinary talent Date: Sunday, 23 February Time: 18h00 – 29h00 Location: Amphitheatre Cost: Free For more information, updates and events, visit our website:www.waterfront.co.za or follow us on social media @VANDAWaterfront.
