A shared-value ecosystem where people, place and planet thrive
A working harbour, a welcoming neighbourhood and a long-term commitment to doing business differently.
What began as a harbour in 1860 has grown into one of Africa’s most visited destinations. But the V&A Waterfront is more than a place to visit. It is a 123-hectare neighbourhood shaped by people who live, work, create and connect here every day, all alongside a working port.
Around 30 000 people live and work at the V&A Waterfront each day, and their presence helps shape how we build, who we invest in, what we protect, and how we define meaningful progress.
Our purpose, to collectively create the world’s most inspiring waterfront neighbourhood, comes to life in practical ways: through environmental stewardship, more inclusive economic participation, and pathways for people and enterprise to grow. From 30 green-rated buildings and a path to carbon neutrality by 2035, to an economic contribution of R45.9 billion since 2012 and support for 433 small businesses in the precinct, impact here is created through the way the neighbourhood works every day.
Turning purpose into everyday action
These initiatives offer a closer look at how shared value is created in practice, through partnerships, participation and long-term commitment. Together, they show how the neighbourhood creates opportunity, strengthens belonging and extends value beyond the precinct itself.
NeighbourFood
This is food support where it matters most. Working with restaurant partners across the precinct, the initiative helps prepare and distribute thousands of meals for communities across the city.
Our purpose
To collectively create the world's most inspiring waterfront neighbourhood.
Environmental Impact
Our Better Nature
Set between a working harbour and the open ocean, the V&A Waterfront is part of a wider natural system, and what happens here matters beyond its boundaries.
Our Better Nature guides how we manage water, energy, waste, biodiversity and our portfolio of 30 green-rated buildings, embedding sustainability in how we design, build and operate.
With one of the greenest precincts in Africa and a commitment to carbon neutrality by 2035, this is long-term action in practice.
our Social Impact
People at the centre
At the heart of this neighbourhood are the people who live, work, learn and build their futures here.
Through the V&A Academy, the Buskers Programme, Makers Landing, Watershed and a growing network of community partnerships, we help create conditions for people to earn, learn, grow and find a sense of belonging. This is where social impact is most visible: in participation, opportunity and the everyday experience of being part of a neighbourhood that invests in people.
Each year, V&A Waterfront CSI programmes directly and indirectly impact around 19 000 lives, alongside a broader ecosystem of programmes and partnerships that help widen access to work, entrepreneurship and long-term participation.
Our Economic impact
Growing a collective economy
The V&A Waterfront brings many economies together in one place: a working harbour, retail, hospitality, offices, local design, food enterprise and more. This is where the scale of the neighbourhood’s contribution becomes visible, from an estimated R45.9 billion contribution to the economy in 2024, to around 30 000 direct jobs, 83 000 jobs in total, R18.6 billion in household income, and 433 small businesses supported across the precinct ecosystem.
Our Solutions
SOLVEing for the future
This is a neighbourhood facing the same challenges as any other, including resource management, food security, job creation, environmental health and affordable housing. SOLVE exists because that position is an opportunity, not just a responsibility.
By bringing together businesses, NGOs, researchers, and government, SOLVE tests ideas, prototypes solutions, and generates solutions that go beyond the precinct’s 123 hectares.
ACCOUNTABILITY & LOCAL ACTION
How we measure, uphold and extend our impact.
Our commitments are not separate from the way the neighbourhood operates. They shape how progress is tracked, how standards are maintained, and how local action connects to broader environmental and social responsibility.
Environmental impact
Since 2009, water use is down 56%, energy use 48% and GHG emissions 47%. In 2025, 70% of waste was diverted from landfill.
From blackwater treatment to waste recycling and seawater cooling, this is the result of a sustained, practical commitment.