Marchelle Abrahams

Tokyo has its karaoke bars. Athens has its taverns. Cape Town has First Thursdays. What started as a free monthly initiative to encourage locals to visit art galleries and cultural centres after dark has now morphed into an institution of sorts. Inspired by similar events in London, co-founders Gareth Pearson and Michael Tymbios wanted to put a unique spin on the event. In a 2015 post on Medium, Pearson said that the premise behind the concept was for art galleries and other cultural attractions within a walkable area to stay open late on the first Thursday of every month. The duo explained: “The very first edition in November 2012 included just six spots on the map, one being a little pop-up exhibition we threw together in an empty retail space.” These days, First Thursdays is a whole lot more than walking Bree Street. It’s the infectious spirit of a city that plays hard. How about injecting some early excitement into your Easter Long Weekend with Time Out Cape Town’s ultimate guide to First Thursdays? Sign up to Time Out Cape Town's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City. You can also follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! TIME OUT RECOMMENDS: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town

The rave scene in The Matrix Reloaded (2003) always has me feeling some kinda way. Maybe it’s the way their sweaty bodies move in unison like a single organism, or that they’re dancing because the end of the world is nigh. Fluke’s Zion provides the backing track for the iconic setting. Today, it remains a classic in the progressive house genre. That single take was reflective of music’s power to evoke a frenzy of passion and community. And that, in a nutshell, is indicative of what club culture is. It’s the coming together of people who share a common love for music. Dance. Companionship. Connection. That trend is more evident than ever. Before the pandemic, nightclubs were packed to the rooftops with queues of patrons waiting to get in. Wear the wrong outfit? Gated. Look inappropriate? Gated. Under the influence? Gated. Well, the last one is warranted. But there was a certain aesthetic attached to gaining entry.  Meet some of the creatives behind these events Pulling off any of the suggested experiences we've curated below requires a team of creative minds who are exceptional at their work. Nobody knows this better than Léa Debbah, the founder of Edition Events. Debbah started hosting events at the tail end of the pandemic when people were craving connection. “I saw an opportunity to bring people together through music, creativity, and culture in a more intentional way,” she explains. Debbah wanted to create spaces that were more inclusive and diverse. “From the beginning, i

Welcome, fellow land dwellers. If you’re reading this, you’re almost a week into the Holy Month of Ramadan and have already run out of Iftar ideas. Or, maybe you’re curious about how Muslims observe Ramadan in Cape Town. Either way, you’re in the right place.  A spiritual reset This year, Ramadan began on Wednesday, 18 February, coinciding with the start of the Chinese New Year and the beginning of Christianity’s Lent, and marking a rare overlap of sacred calendars.  For Muslims, Ramadan typically lasts between 29 and 30 days, meaning it’s expected to end on or around Wednesday, 18 March or Thursday, 19 March 2026. As always, the final date is determined by the moon's sighting and marked by the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr.  It is most significantly associated with fasting from sunrise to sunset. Yes, kinda like intermittent fasting, for the wellness crowd. Only, the intention behind it isn’t the physical sacrifice of giving up food and drink. The act of fasting is a spiritual reset and a time for reflection and gratitude. Unfortunately, social media has dimmed the significance of the occasion leading up to Eid al-Fitr. Islam has become more of an aesthetic for influencers during Ramadan. The beauty, the food, and the decor all appear so exotic. But many don’t go into the “why” and the “how” of the holiest month on the Islamic calendar.  A word of advice: Even if you’re curious or have Muslim friends or family, do your research, and I don’t mean TikTok posts or memes. No

When I was 11, the only exercise I got was scaling our back wall, climbing the neighbour’s tree, and attempting to retrieve the juiciest loquats.  The kids these days are built differently. They’re hanging out at coffee shops, playing board games with their chommies. They’re connecting at silent book clubs and joining gyms.  For Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024), fitness centres and sports clubs are becoming the new social spaces. They are less formal and far less intimidating than school extramural activities. Gym culture is the new cool, and private gyms and franchises are locking into that trend. More Gyms Courting the Younger Generation The United States first noticed the uptick in younger memberships in 2024. According to the Health & Fitness Association, the older portion of Gen Alpha (16-year-olds) accounted for 30.8% of total gym memberships. That’s a third of many gym’s annual membership income. And while pre-teens don’t qualify for independent contracts, many are using their parents’ memberships to take advantage of the perks. That soon, too, might come to an end, because Cape Town gyms get it. They’re feeding into the zeitgeist and early adoption of healthy habits. It’s called supply and demand. Check out below which Mother City gyms are game for junior members. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🍽️ The best restaurants in Cape Town🍸 The best bars in Cape Town🛏 Where to stay in Cape Town

I read an article the other day about how generations born during the boom of the Internet era will never experience the simple pleasures of childhood. It’s knocking on a friend’s door when wanting to play or waiting for the street lights to turn on, your cue that it’s time to go home. For me, Sundays were the best. My sister and I knew that if we behaved ourselves, our father would take us for a Sunday afternoon drive after lunch. If the planets aligned, and Neptune was in retrograde, we’d all pack into our Nissan Skyline, my dad’s pride and joy.  Yho, the way he loved that car! Most of us grew up looking forward to Sunday drives, whether it was a trip around the Cape Peninsula or through the Huguenot Tunnel. Now you can make your own memories with Time Out’s 10 scenic drives for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

By the time you read this, you’re probably planning your Christmas Day lunch. If not, then you should at least be thinking about it, right? No? Procrastination is not going to get that table booked.  And because Cape Town is tourist-central every festive season, time is not on your side.  Depending on your mood and budget, Time Out has curated a list of spots around the Mother City to enjoy a memorable Christmas lunch, ranging from buffet-style to the very top-notch experiences.   Why go mediocre when you can spend all your money on yourself? Cape Town is home to award-winning restaurants. So take advantage of it!  And of course, we haven’t forgotten about the plant-based fans. Thankfully, restaurants are catering to environmentally conscious tastes.    Time Out Tip: Besides MIKO, other eateries are extending their culinary prowess with vegan dishes. And they’re pretty decent as well. No “swap out this for this” options.  

Many associate high tea with aristocrats and royalty. But here’s a little braai broodjie morsel for you. You’re right to assume it has its roots in 19th-century Britain. What you might not know is that high tea was first thought up by the working class.  The modern version of supper, these hardworking men and women would have a substantial evening meal after a long day’s work. They’d eat at a high dining table, unlike the rich folks who preferred a “low tea,” a social affair served at low chairs and low tables. And here we thought high tea was all about sipping from a porcelain teacup with your right pinky finger pointed out.  If you fancy a cuppa, Time Out is serving the tea (piping hot) on the best high tea spots in Cape Town, high brows and higher dining tables not included.

You know that song ‘Dilemma’ by K.Keed? She raps, “I feel like bad decisions”. This line basically describes what New Year’s Eve should be. Do people still do that? Use one night of the year to throw away their name and their inhibitions for the sake of spontaneity? I get it. I was once young, free, and regretting my life choices, and a New Year’s Eve party gave me carte blanche to do silly things without worrying about the consequences. Now, people think before they act, which is always a good thing. But if you plan on painting the town red, do so responsibly. In the meantime, here’s a list of New Year’s Eve events happening in and around Cape Town. As a country, we’ve gone through the most this year, so let’s show 2025 flames and send her off with a bang. Psst: Keep an eye on this list as we'll add more parties as they become available. 

Like music, art is subjective. Either you like it or you don’t.  I remember once visiting a wine farm in Franschhoek to do a story on hotel galleries, and came across a piece. I don’t recall the artist, but what stuck with me was the look in the woman’s eyes. It was jarring and evocative. The oil painting evoked feelings of longing and melancholy.  If tragic beauty could be immortalised in a painting, this would be the benchmark. The reality is that it was hidden beyond the reach of everyday people, part of a private collection only for the eyes of the wealthy and privileged. Many view the idea of visiting an art gallery as a walkabout at the Zeitz MOCAA or a collection at the South African National Gallery. Yet, there’s another world of independent galleries that spotlight artists and strive to make their work more accessible. Even established creatives are championing the next generation. Award-winning visual artist Blessing Ngobeni is an outspoken advocate for creating platforms and accessibility to art. This is a man who took his lived experience, having spent several years behind bars, and used it as the match to light the spark. His art mirrors society: the light and the dark. For Ngobeni, making art accessible is important, and he adds that even dealers and galleries are open to discussing payment terms. “We don’t mind because if we don’t do that, we don’t participate in changing the narrative of ownership of art.” You don’t need to be an avid art lover to appreciate i

My childhood summers consisted of three drinks: metallic-tasting water straight from the tap, Sparletta, and tea. Yet, nothing beats the cold, refreshing taste of Oros aan-maak (premix) drink as it hits the back of your throat. Sweet and sour intertwined in a marriage of convenience. Throw in a few ice cubes, and you’ve got the mocktail equivalent of the Screwdriver. Nothing compared to it until I made the mango lassi’s acquaintance. The sun was a big, bright, shiny disk in the sky. I was hot, agitated, and heavily pregnant. Not an Oros in sight. My husband returned to our stuffy one-bedroom flat, bearing a gift. One sip and I was a gone girl.  Fresh mango pulp, yogurt, honey, cardamom, and crushed ice. The combination is really the girl she thinks she is. The drink has its origins in the Punjab region of India and dates back to around 1000 BC, according to foodie blog Classic Indian. While most of us enjoy it as a summer drink, mango lassi was initially used as a digestive aid. How’s that for your Chappies installment of “Did you know…” While the rest of the globe raves about matcha this and matcha that, nothing trumps a fresh mango lassi. For those who prefer their drinks without viral hype, we’ve curated a list of lesser-known cafes and food joints that serve the authentic Indian drink as we head into summer.

Can you feel it? That gees in the air? Summer is creeping in, and if you’ve played your cards right, you’ve probably already managed to sneak in a beach day (or two). We try to stay humble, we really do, but let’s be honest: when it comes to enjoying the festive season, is there anywhere better than Cape Town? (Spoiler: there isn’t. And no, we’re not taking feedback at this time.) From sunrise strolls along Muizenberg Beach to golden hour sundowners in Camps Bay, the Mother City really knows how to do summer right. As the days get longer, the vibes get lighter, and everyone collectively remembers what joy feels like, so we’ve rounded up the very best summer festivals happening in and around Cape Town. If enjoying a picnic with a drink in hand while local artists take the stage is more of your vibe, check out the full Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts line-up! TIME OUT RECOMMENDS: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town Sign up to Time Out Cape Town's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City. You can also follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok! Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do allow u

Paarl has long been the home of the Western Cape’s most prestigious public schools. That’s what it’s known for. Oh, and for birthing some of the country’s greatest rugby players (Handré Pollard, we see you, and we salute you). For decades, it’s struggled to keep up with Stellenbosch’s cosmopolitan vibe. Stellies has thrown its marketing budget at its boutique wineries and award-winning restaurants. Paarl has brandy and that massive granite rock.  In recent years, the town has made its mark as a premier wine destination. But the Boland dorp wants more. It wants to claim the tourism crown in the Winelands. SMEUL officially places it in the race for that crown. Tucked in the original cellar of the newly revived Zomerlust Boutique Hotel in Paarl, the restaurant signals chef Kevin Grobler’s bold return. A serious glow-up for Boland fine dining. For the Paarl local, SMEUL (Afrikaans for “smoulder”) is more than a restaurant; it’s a statement. The kitchen runs entirely on open flame and wood-fired Dover stoves. No shortcuts. Just fire. Instinct and skill. Chef Kevin’s resume is a testament to his tenacity. A stint at Michelin-starred Restaurant JAN in Nice, Delaire Graff, and SCAPE has cemented his presence on the local and international foodie scene. However, SMEUL is his most confident, most unapologetic expression yet. If the woody aroma drifting from Zomerlust Boutique Hotel in Paarl’s main road doesn’t entice you, the contemporary, quirky decor grounded in the hotel’s heritage

The June school holidays hit different. Maybe it’s the long winter mornings when the sun takes a moment to play peek-a-boo. Or that the erratic weather dictates how the rest of the day goes. But the beauty of living in Cape Town is that everything doesn’t stop on account of Mother Nature. Which makes winter school holiday activities that much more fun. As much as you’d rather have a lie-in, the little ones have other plans. If the rain gods allow, jump on the Robben Island ferry. The Robben Island Museum’s NextGenHeritage Free Pass gives South African children under 15 free entry to the museum when accompanied by a paying adult.  From Friday, 10 July to Sunday, 19 July, Disney on Ice lands at GrandWest. This year’s show, Mickey’s Search Party, is big on spectacle, acrobatics and flips. Be prepared to go broke with this one. Don’t worry, if the above doesn’t tickle the kids’ fancy, we’ve got you sorted with options galore.   Puss in Boots Panto   *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:c690ba6e-88a1-41bc-953e-1af591fde1e2-25" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:c690ba6e-88a1-41bc-953e-1af591fde1e2-25" data-testid="conversation-turn-6" data-turn="assistant"> Baxter TheatrePuss in Boots running for the winter school holidays. Looking for a family-friendly theatre outi

The Mother City is on a winning streak. Earlier this week, Time Out editors voted two of the city’s queer venues among the best in the world. Now we’ve got something else to be happy about. Literally.  According to Time Out’s latest survey of more than 24,000 residents across 150 cities, locals around the world rated how happy they are with where they live.   While the UK’s historic city of Bath claimed the top spot, the results reveal that happiness isn’t about perfect weather or booming economies. It’s built into community, culture, access to nature and having a city that people genuinely enjoy calling home.  Martina Jorden I UnsplashBath, England Drum roll! For Cape Town, that’s encouraging news. And that’s why the Mother City made it to spot No.8 on the 20 happiest cities in the world in 2026. Cape Town’s growing cafe culture, thriving creative industries and year-round calendar of markets, festivals and outdoor events help create a strong sense of connection.  Whether it’s browsing local crafts at Oranjezicht City Farm Market or joining a community trail run, there are countless opportunities to interact with the city beyond simply living in it. Selene BrophyOranjezicht Market Green spaces also play a major role. Research consistently shows that spending time in nature improves both physical and mental wellbeing, and Cape Town arguably has one of the world’s greatest natural playgrounds right on its doorstep.  Table Mountain National Park, Kirstenbosch National Botan

If winter had a social calendar, Franschhoek Iconic Bastille would be its headline event. Every July, the Cape Winelands swaps quiet weekends for French flair, flowing wine, live music, fabulous outfits and enough cheese to keep every charcuterie fan smiling. Returning on Saturday, 11 July and Sunday, 12 July 2026, the festival celebrates Franschhoek’s French Huguenot heritage with plenty of reasons to dust off your blue, white and red wardrobe. Here are six ways to make the most of this iconic celebration. #1. Dress like you’re heading to France View this post on Instagram A post shared by Franschhoek Wine Valley (@franschhoeksa) Forget blending in. Bastille is the one weekend when the more French-inspired your outfit, the better. Think striped shirts, berets, colourful scarves, bold accessories and, of course, plenty of blue, white and red. Every year, festivalgoers compete for the coveted Best Dressed title, making people-watching almost as entertaining as the festival itself. No beret? No problem. Confidence is the best accessory. #2. Sip your way through Franschhoek’s finest vino  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Franschhoek Wine Valley (@franschhoeksa) Wine is the heart of Iconic Bastille. Your general admission ticket (R450 for a day pass) includes a commemorative wine glass, ten tasting tokens, and access to wine and cheese tastings featuring many of Franschhoek’s celebrated wineries.  Uncorked Exclusive is a

Cape Town has done it again. As if bagging titles for breathtaking beauty, world-class food and an arts scene that refuses to quit wasn’t enough, the Mother City has now sashayed onto another global stage. This time, it’s with not one but two venues featured on Time Out Global’s brand-new list of the World’s Greatest Queer Venues. That’s right. Two local legends. One seriously fabulous city. If there was ever proof that Cape Town knows how to throw a party with heart, history and a killer soundtrack, this is it. The stars of the show? Cafe Manhattan and The Pink Candy Night Club, both proudly flying the rainbow flag in De Waterkant, arguably the city’s most colourful neighbourhood. The jury has spoken “Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard has long been at the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ community, with the neighbouring suburbs of De Waterkant, Green Point and Sea Point forming the unofficial LGBTQ+ hub of Cape Town.  “Our favourites are Manhattans, one of Cape Town’s most established LGBTQ+ venues, combining a restaurant, cocktail bar and late-night social hub in the heart of De Waterkant; and The Pink Candy Nightclub, a longstanding institution known for drag performances, themed events and an energetic dance floor. “Time Out Market Cape Town also hosts a regular drag night, Night of the Queens, with electrifying energy, outrageous looks and a celebration of bold self-expression.” - Selene Brophy, Time Out South Africa. Cafe Manhattan: The icon that never goes out of style 

I’d hate to break it to you, folks, but the winter school holidays are only at the halfway mark. So, if you’ve had your fill of Disney on Ice, Puss in Boots, and Peter Pan, be prepared for another week of “I’m bored. Can we please go out?” And go out you will. Thank goodness, there are some free events lined up for this coming weekend. From the FIFA World Cup watch party to a free outreach concert in Hanover Park, you can save a few Randelas. Don’t forget, this weekend is all about French cuisine and good vines at Franschhoek Iconic Bastille. So, make your way out to Franschhoek for some adult time. CBD Lesbian* Prom Night FixrLesbian* Prom Night Friday, 10 July, 8pm Venue: The Outlore Base (2nd Floor), 80 Hout St  Cost: From R100, bookings via Fixr Want a do-over for your matric dance? Now you can. No, really. Lesbian* Prom Night is all about unapologetically reclaiming matric dances for Cape Town’s queer community. The dress code is come as you like. Everyone is encouraged to dress up and celebrate as their authentic self, whether that’s in a sharp suit, a glittering gown, or anything in between.  CTL Queer Book Club  iStock / @TTStockA diverse collection of second-hand books displayed on a market table at the annual book fair. Fiction, non-fiction, and classics await eager readers searching for hidden literary treasures. Saturday, 11 July, 9:45am - noon Venue: Central Library, 1 Parade St, Cape Town City Centre  Cost: Free, bookings via Quicket Come for the convers

The Western Cape’s coastline supports thousands of livelihoods, a thriving tourism industry and some of South Africa’s finest seafood.  But with global fish stocks under growing pressure, protecting the province’s marine resources requires cooperation between everyone in the seafood supply chain, from small-scale fishers to restaurants and consumers. That collaborative approach is at the heart of the V&A Waterfront’s new Cape Catch initiative, which seeks to make responsible seafood choices easier while creating better opportunities for local fishing communities. The initiative was launched on the eve of the Sustainable Seafood Festival (Saturday, 4 July and Sunday, 5 July) at Maker’s Landing, V&A Waterfront. Panel speakers included: Hahn Goliath, Abalobi Chef Ryan Cole, COY Kurt Hill, Cape Fish Marco Coelho, Ocean Basket Chef Alet Kilchenmann, Ocean Basket Henry Mathys, V&A Waterfront Focus on long-term investment Rather than introducing another certification programme, Cape Catch focuses on practical, long-term improvements.  The initiative brings together chefs, seafood suppliers, fishing communities, conservation organisations and diners to improve how seafood is sourced, sold and enjoyed. One of those communities is Doringbaai on the West Coast, where fisher Hahn Goliath works with the community fishing organisation Abalobi. While talking on the sidelines of the panel discussion with Time Out, Goliath said that technology is helping small-scale fishers become par

The 2026 World Cup has produced some of the loudest screamers from 20 metres. Questionable refereeing decisions. And national heartbreak. The global soccer event has also become the internet’s favourite content factory. Every tournament creates unlikely stars, but some players become famous for something even more valuable in 2026: meme status. From unfortunate facial expressions to fans collectively deciding a superstar secretly runs world football, these players have discovered that once the internet adopts you, there’s no escaping. Erling Haaland: The accidental Majin Buu  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Warrior (@sportzzxprime) The Norwegian goal machine spent years terrifying defenders. Then the internet looked at him and collectively said, “You know who he reminds me of? Majin Buu.” Suddenly social media was flooded with edits placing the striker’s trademark blond ponytail on the pink Dragon Ball Z villain. Fan art, AI videos, Photoshop masterpieces. You name it, someone made it. The comparison has been floating around since 2021, but the 2026 World Cup sent it into overdrive. Every goal, every close-up and every intense stare generated another wave of pink memes. Teboho Mokoena’s potty mouth @i_am_not_lyricist Mokoena Post Match Interview #worldcup #mzansitiktok #bafanabafana #mokoena ♬ original sound - Him Bafana Bafana star Teboho Mokoena’s F-bomb slip was a “did he just say what I think he did?” moment. His potty m

A major new exhibition by Zanele Muholi is set to open in Cape Town this month. The showing brings together more than 20 years of work from one of South Africa’s most celebrated contemporary artists. Kanye Nawe opens at Southern Guild on Saturday, 18 July. Hasselblad Award recipient The exhibition follows a landmark year for the artist, who was named the recipient of the prestigious Hasselblad Award in 2026, often described as photography’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize. Known as both a photographer and a visual activist, Zanele has spent decades documenting, preserving, and celebrating black LGBTQIA+ lives while confronting the prejudice, violence, and historical erasure many communities continue to face.  Their work has been exhibited around the world and has received numerous international honours, but their roots remain firmly planted in South Africa. The title, Kanye Nawe, translates from isiZulu as “with you”, “alongside you” or “oneness”. It’s a fitting name for an exhibition built around connection, shared experience, and collective memory. Supplied I Southern GuildKanye Nawe opens at Southern Guild on Saturday, 18 July Landmark exhibition The show also arrives at a pivotal historical moment. It marks 20 years since Zanele began the groundbreaking Faces and Phases project, 20 years since South Africa’s Civil Union Act legalised same-sex marriage, and 30 years since the country’s Constitution came into effect.  Together, those milestones frame an exhibition that refl

As far as accolades go, Cape Town is on a winning streak. The Mother City was just named the world’s most beautiful city by our very own Time Out global audience survey. And now it’s earned another honour as Africa’s second-best city to live in. A June 2026 report by JB.com assessed urban living across Africa using seven factors that shape everyday life: quality of life, safety, healthcare, disposable income, pollution, traffic congestion, and internet speed.  Kigali takes the lead Kigali, Rwanda, claimed the top spot overall. “We spend so much time online comparing places to live: scrolling photos, checking forums, reading guides. But when you strip all that away and look at the numbers, the cities that actually make life easier aren’t always the ones with the best marketing,” said a JB.com travel analyst. “Kigali won because it simply gets the basics right: you feel safe, you can afford to live, and the air doesn’t hurt your lungs. You don’t have to choose one thing at the expense of another, and that kind of balance is what makes a city truly livable.”  All we do is win Cape Town recorded a Quality of Life Index of 160.4, one of the highest scores in the entire report. The city also received a Healthcare Index of 69, reflecting access to dependable medical services. Our vibrant economy continues to offer stronger opportunities for residents, according to the analysis.  The report points to Cape Town’s unique combination of world-famous natural beauty, modern infrastructure

Update: 12:27am Wednesday, 1 July: Jason ‘unmasks’ alleged scammer For those who have been following the events surrounding Jason Vanporppal’s scam situation, things didn’t turn out as expected. No, the alleged scammer didn’t pay back the money. At 5pm on Tuesday (30 June), there was nothing. Zilch. Zero. No dinero. Following another 2am call, US time, more excuses and lies ensued. The next morning, Jason found that she blocked him on Facebook and WhatsApp. And so what did he do? Jason went Magnum P.I. on the alleged scammer. “I can finally say her name. Her name is Haley.” With that one morsel of information, he found out Haley’s full name, ID number, and home address.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jason Vanporppal (@jaayfilms) “I was able to find out that she served time in prison already, for fraud and other things that she had going on,” explained Jason. Haley’s a very busy woman; she also has a warrant out for her arrest. Without divulging too much, Jason said he will be taking legal action. The silver lining Despite the scam drama, Jason shared with his social media followers the next morning that an anonymous donation had been made. “Someone anonymously donated $1,500 to the skate park in Uganda. It’s pretty crazy because of whatever has been happening the past couple of days, it’s pretty much just come back to this moment,” Jason enthused. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jason Vanporppal (@jaayfilms) Tha

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is trading its familiar weekend set for something far more ambitious. Come 2027, Africa’s Grandest Gathering will stretch across the entire month of March, transforming Cape Town into one giant stage.  A bold new direction The announcement was made at an exclusive launch event last week at Youngblood-Africa in Bree Street. Attended by sponsors, partners and media, the festival organisers revealed a bold new direction.  Instead of packing everything into a few whirlwind days, the CTIJF is taking its rhythm to the streets, neighbourhoods and cultural spaces across the Mother City.  The evening struck a heartfelt note with a tribute to the late jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim, whose influence on South African music continues to resonate globally.  Not forgetting the undeniable mark he’s left on the international jazz scene, the 2027 iteration will pay homage to the icon. Ibrahim’s final public performance took place at this year’s event. On Monday (29 June), the Artscape hosted a special evening of remembrance, celebrating Ibrahim’s life, legacy, and his extraordinary musical journey. Through performances of some of his most beloved compositions, audiences reflected on his profound contribution to the global artistic landscape. SuppliedI Roy PotterillThe South African Jazz Trio, comprising Damian Kamineth, Keegan Steenkamp and Rouxne Schutte, provided a beautiful musical backdrop throughout the evening From humble beginnings Since

German airline Lufthansa announced that it is adding more flights between Europe and South Africa.  While Johannesburg benefits from the expansion, Cape Town emerges as one of the biggest winners with a new nonstop Monday service from Frankfurt. This effectively makes the route a daily service during the peak northern winter travel season.  The expanded schedule takes effect at the end of October.  Easier access to the Mother City For travellers, the extra flight means greater flexibility and easier access to one of South Africa’s most sought-after destinations.  It also translates into more seats and more international visitors. The Cape Town expansion comes as demand for direct long-haul travel continues to grow.  Lufthansa says the additional capacity forms part of a broader increase that will see the group operate 38 weekly long-haul flights between South Africa and Europe, its largest schedule to the country to date. “South Africa is one of Lufthansa Group’s most important long-haul markets in Africa, and our Winter 2026/27 schedule reflects that confidence,” said René Koinzack, Senior Director North, East & Southern Africa Lufthansa Group Airlines. Edelweiss continues operating the Cape Town-Zurich route five times per week using Airbus A350 aircraft.  Cape Town’s tourism sector has been actively working to increase international air access for years, and the strategy appears to be paying off.  Industry leaders have stressed that adding seats is one of the fastest ways