Celebration of local crafts and artisans, new tenants and a jam-packed events schedule
Africa’s most visited destination, the V&A Waterfront, is preparing for a bumper festive season, with the sixth year of its Joy from Africa to the World initiative – a celebration and showcase of local creativity and design. This comes as the neighbourhood prepares for another colourful and fun filled festive season, welcoming locals as well as visitors from around the country and the world, with new tenants opening and a busy line up of events.
The Joy from Africa to the World initiative was born from a desire to relook at how the festive season could be celebrated, and has grown over the years to have a meaningful impact on local small businesses and crafters.
“In 2017 we questioned the need for imported, mass-produced festive décor that would ultimately end up in a landfill. This didn’t sit right with our values as a business that was committed to finding more sustainable ways to operate and one that puts support of small businesses at the core of all we do. We believed that there was a better way to approach this,” explains Tinyiko Mageza, Executive Manager: Marketing at the V&A Waterfront.
“We committed, instead, to draw on the rich creative talent that is prevalent in our country and to support local businesses and communities, who work with us to create and repurpose durable and exciting festive displays that reflect our culture and heritage. What started as an simple idea has grown to represent a core belief in our business, and is a proof point of how creative innovation and sustainability can come together to create something meaningful.”
Joy from Africa 2024 | Between the mountain and the sea
This year visitors to the V&A Waterfront are invited on a magical journey that stretches from the top of Table Mountain to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, with installations of light, colour and movement showcasing Mother Nature’s splendour and the Mother City’s wonder. Over 20 local crafters and artists from Cape Town and beyond have worked on decorations made from sustainable materials, with favourite installations from previous years returning again, alongside others that are brand-new or refreshed.
These include a Table Mountain-inspired cable car in the Victoria Wharf, woven from fabric offcuts, which showcases illustrated and beaded portraits of locals, alongside Bo-Kaap houses, protea lampshades, paragliding porcupines, and hand-carved figures. The Centre Court in the Victoria Wharf will be transformed into a magical fynbos forest, , which includes a toadstool house, hand-made birdhouses inspired by the Bo-Kaap, a floral paradise and Santa’s Sleigh.
An initiative with real impact
Since its launch in 2019, the Joy from Africa to the World initiative has supported 155 jobs, local businesses and NGO’s and invested over R25 million into local creativity and artisans.
Ashanti Design, based in Paarden Eiland, makes handwoven artisanal pieces and is involved this year for the second year running. Abigail Snyman from Ashanti explains: “We have been working on our pieces for the installation for about three months – from sourcing fabrics and costings, to weaving elements and finishing off the decorations. All of our materials are sourced locally – our upcycled cotton is sourced from local production houses, while our polypropylene rope is sourced from a local manufacturer who weaves all their ropes right here in Cape Town. All of our baskets, meanwhile, are handwoven by communities in Malawi.”
“It was so much fun to work on this project,” says Vanessa Akafomo, one of the weavers from Ashanti. “The theme ‘Between the Mountain and the Sea’ allowed us to interact with many people and learn about the diverse cultures and heritages that exist between the mountain and the sea.”
This year the Cape Town Society for the Blind will also be involved, weaving elements for the oversized flowers that will be displayed in Victoria Wharf. Charlene van Niekerk explains that the 95 year old organisation aims to “create sustainable wellness to blind and visually impaired persons, with six of our team working on this year’s Joy from Africa to the World initiative over the course of about four weeks.”
Michael Prinsloo, one of the crafters, reflects on his experience, saying, “It was a good challenge and something new and exciting.” Cole Claasen, another crafter, adds “This was my first time working on the Joy From Africa to the World project, and I get excited just picturing my work being showcased at the V&A Waterfront for everyone to see.”
New tenants opening in time for festive season
As well as festive décor, visitors to the V&A Waterfront will be welcomed by an exciting array of new tenants opening their doors just in time for the festive season.
One of South Africa’s most acclaimed chefs, David Higgs, will be bringing his award-winning Johannesburg restaurant, Marble, to Cape Town. Known for its live-fire cooking, Marble gives patrons a glimpse into the fiery makings of their dishes, with the V&A Waterfront restaurant including more Mediterranean-inspired meals, along with a variety of fish options cooked on the coals. The Marble Group’s sommelier Wikus Human has also put together a top-notch wine list that is expected to be one of the best wine lists in South Africa.
Marble will take up the entire rooftop of the historic Union Castle Building and this his top-floor location is anticipated to be Cape Town’s favourite rooftop bar and restaurant in the coming months.
This comes as the Union Castle Building, built in 1919, sees its extensive heritage-focused revamp completed this summer. The building welcomes two new tenants to the space: Iconic Swedish outdoor brand, Thule, with its much loved sports racks and carriers, luggage and outdoor accessories; and Nike Apparel, bringing the best innovations in the world of sports gear.
“Just in time for the peak summer season we are welcoming some of South Africa and the world’s best loved brands to our neighbourhood. All signs are pointing to it being a busy summer and we’re excited to see Capetonians and visitors enjoying these new experiences at the country’s top tourist destination,” says David Green, CEO at the V&A Waterfront.
And lastly, Wedgewood, the beloved South African brand known for their handcrafted nougat and artisanal confectionery. Their selection of treats brings a touch of indulgence to the UCB, perfect for locals and visitors seeking something sweet and special.
A jam packed line up of events
The festive season will also see a jam-packed line up of events and activities for all the family at the V&A Waterfront.
The popular theatrical Christmas production, Naledi’s Festive Dream, returns to a purpose-built theatre over the Amphitheatre. The productions sees Naledi, a 10-year-old Capetonian, as her festive wish to meet Santa’s crew comes true. This cast of quirky characters even visits her in the Mother City to see what Joy from Africa is really about. Naledi’s Festive Dream is a 40-minute dreamscape of family enjoyment, performed three times a day, 14-22 December 2024.
Santa and his elves will be returning to Victoria Wharf’s Centre Court, located in front of H&M. Children can have a meet-and-greet session and capture delightful photos with them from December 16 to 24, between 11 am and 5 pm.
The V&A Waterfront’s New Year’s Eve celebration will, once again, be the place to be to see in the new year. Guests can count down to the New Year in style with an incredible line-up of artists including Matthew Mole, Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, BlackByrd, Mi Casa and many more, for an unforgettable evening of festive entertainment.
To see the full line up of events over the festive season, visit: https://www.waterfront.co.za/leisure/events/
