Weekend Wrap: Diana Ferrus remembered, The Met's racing magic, FIFA Trophy Tour shines

The final weekend of January had a powerful mix of cultural remembrance and sporting celebration. This past weekend was a reminder of how culture, sport and community continue to shape not only our story as Captonians, but also that of a nation as a whole.  Take a look... 

Diana Ferrus remembered

The country marked the passing of Diana Ferrus on Friday, the internationally revered poet whose words changed history.

Ferrus, best known for her iconic 1998 poem “I’ve Come to Take You Home”, was widely honoured over the weekend, with growing public calls for her to be given the honour of a State funeral. Ferrus’s poetry did more than memorialise the past, she has actively shaped it.  Her poem became the moral centre of French legislation that enabled the repatriation of Sarah Baartman’s remains, proving that literature can move beyond metaphor and into law, diplomacy and justice.  

Tributes highlighted her role not only as a poet but also as a teacher, mentor and guardian of conscience, whose work restored dignity where it had long been denied. 

FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour

Sport once again provided moments of unity and national pride. On Sunday, Cape Town welcomed the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, drawing crowds eager to catch an up-close glimpse of the global symbol of football excellence.

The tour forms part of a global build-up to the next FIFA World Cup - with South Africa returning to the tournament after a 16-year hiatus! Coming up, the trophy begins its North American journey, starting in Mexico on February 26.

SEE: Bafana Bafana’s 2026 World Cup Journey: What South Africans need to know 

Met brings all the style

Saturday belonged to the fast horses and the fashionistas as the Cape Town Met returned to Kenilworth Racecourse for its 164th year. Under the theme Symphony of Style, the event delivered what we've come to expect: elite horse racing meets live entertainment and high fashion. 

Adding depth to the weekend’s racing narrative, Sunbet hosted legendary jockey Andrew Fortune and his son Aldo Domeyer at a Met Masterclass at GrandWest on Friday evening, where Fortune all but called See It Again’s winning run. The six-year-old thoroughbred delivered, finishing first ahead of Legal Counsel. 

Fortune’s return to the saddle last year after a brief retirement, followed closely by Domeyer’s own standout performances at Kenilworth, cements their father-and-son story as one of the sport’s most compelling.

Ramadan life!

Cape Town's Islamic community is readying for the upcoming fast in February, with community and culture taking centre stage at the SPAR Cape Town Ramadan and Lifestyle Expo, this past weekend.  

With more than 100 exhibitors, an interactive cooking theatre, couture showcases, and a strong focus on SMME development, the three-day event celebrated food, fashion and entrepreneurship ahead of the start of Ramadan next month.

From poetry that reshaped international law to global sporting icons and racing traditions, Cape Town didn't disappoint.

'I’ve got no plans' shouldn't be in your vocabulary! Take a look at Time Out Cape Town's Upcoming Events here. Head over to our social media channels to follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. And don't forget to sign up to Time Out's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City.