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

At Time Out, we’re all about equal opportunity and being inclusive, so for those very reasons, I’m obligated to write about this. And considering that South African All Black supporters were fierce detractors of the apartheid government, I’ll swallow my pride as a loyal Springbok devotee. New Zealand’s national rugby team has invited their South African supporters to a welcome event at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium ahead of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour. Yes, you!  The free event takes place on Friday, 31 July from 1pm to 3:30pm, although tickets are limited.  “Alongside plenty of music and family-friendly fun, the All Blacks will be sharing their thoughts ahead of the series. Bring your family, friends and teammates to be part of an event you’ll never forget,” the team posted on Instagram.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by All Blacks (@allblacks) The Cape Town connection Cape Town fans, affectionately known as Cape Crusaders, are expected to descend in the hundreds at the event.  With a nod to the Batman: Caped Crusader animated series, mostly Coloured communities backed the Springboks’ most worthy opponents as a form of political protest against racism and discrimination. And that allegiance has been passed down through generations, with All Blacks supporters also cheering on New Zealand Super Rugby teams against the Stormers at Newlands. A rude awakening? View this post on Instagram A post shared by All Blacks (@allblacks)

Good news for Cape Town commuters: those temporary MyCiTi bus stops you’ve been using in Woodstock and Hout Bay are finally getting a permanent upgrade. The City of Cape Town has announced that six temporary stops will be transformed into fully fledged MyCiTi stations between July and November 2026, complete with shelters, improved pedestrian access and a few welcome creature comforts. It’s a move that comes as the City continues investing in its public transport network following recent challenges, including the resumption of services at Killarney Station after a bus fire last week. The upgrades will affect two stops along Victoria Road in Hout Bay and four along Albert Road in Woodstock, where temporary facilities have been in place. According to the City, those locations have now been confirmed following a public participation process, clearing the way for permanent infrastructure. “I am therefore pleased to announce that these temporary stops will be upgraded to permanent MyCiTi bus stops,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas. “The new facilities will include passenger shelters and improvements to the surrounding pedestrian infrastructure, enhancing accessibility, comfort and safety for public transport users. This is part of our motto to do all we can to keep Capetonians moving.” MyCiti I InstagramIt’s a move that comes as the City continues investing in its public transport networks More than a bus shelter The new stops

South Africa is winning plaudits for embracing artificial intelligence (AI). A July study by a digital entertainment platform found that we are the most future-ready economy in Africa.  With more than three‑quarters of the population online, the country has the continent’s strongest startup ecosystem with a score of 5.16/10, far ahead of its peers.  We’re also said to be well-placed to adopt AI, keeping the business climate steady. And the economy benefits from a diverse mix of finance and industry that few other African nations can rival.  And yet that’s a far cry from the reality for millions of South Africans. While businesses race to adopt AI tools, most people don’t own a computer. And for many, the price of a laptop is more than a month’s salary.  South Africa’s AI success story has an asterisk  South Africa ranked 46th out of 147 economies in Microsoft’s Global AI Diffusion Report for the first quarter of 2026, placing it ahead of every other African country included in the study. Generative AI usage has also climbed to 23.1% of our working-age population.  Those numbers paint a picture of a nation embracing technological change. That depends on who you ask. The latest available International Telecommunication Union (ITU) data shows that only 26% of households have a computer at home. The overwhelming majority of people don’t have regular access to the device that’s become essential for education, employment and increasingly, AI. When a computer costs more than your mo

As we settle into August, we’ll be seeing more Women’s Day events, which is always a good thing. Don’t forget the Run for Dignity 5km and 10km fun walk/run happening in Greenpoint on Saturday. All the funds raised will go towards Girls With Wiings to purchase sanitary pads for women and girls in need. Maybe afterwards, pop in at the Homecoming Centre for TEDxDistrictSix Women 2026. More informal and intimate than regular TEDx talks, this event has a curated lineup of 12 women whose ideas challenge, inspire and provoke.  The rest of the weekend is peak party central. Roll up to Cabo Beach for an R&B get-together, inspired by hits from the 90s and 2000s. And then Locnville will also perform at The Loft in Hout Bay on Friday.   CBD Conducted Tour of the National Library of South Africa  NLSA I FacebookThe NLSA is the custodian of our country’s collective national heritage materials. Friday, 31 July, 10:30am Venue: National Library of South Africa, 5 Queen Victoria Street  Cost: R120 - R150, bookings via Webtickets How many times have you walked past the National Library and wondered what goes on behind those high pillars and white walls? Essentially, the NLSA is the custodian of our country’s collective national heritage materials. And that includes hidden but accessible information. Join Najwa Hendrickse, Manager of Information Access Services Programme, where she’ll give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the reference section, reading room and special collections. ANKL

If a trip to the top of Table Mountain is on your Cape Town to-do list over the next couple of weeks, you’ll need to rethink it.  The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has temporarily closed for its annual maintenance shutdown, with operations suspended from Monday, 27 July to Sunday, 9 August 2026. While it may throw a spanner in the works for visitors hoping to swap a steep climb for a scenic cable car ride, the closure is all part of keeping one of South Africa’s most iconic attractions running safely and smoothly. The annual shutdown allows the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) to carry out inspections, testing, servicing and preventive maintenance without the interruption of daily passenger trips.  Safety first TMACC I SuppliedAs in previous years, specialists from Doppelmayr Garaventa, the company behind the Cableway's engineering systems, will work alongside TMACC's technical team. Some of the work can’t be done while the Cableway is operating. “Safety and reliability are daily responsibilities at TMACC, and the annual shutdown is a critical part of that work,” says Wahida Parker, Managing Director of TMACC. “Visitors experience the Cableway as a short journey, but every trip is supported by a complex transport system, detailed planning and a skilled technical team.” The maintenance schedule isn’t the same every year. Different parts of the Cableway are serviced according to how long they’ve been in use. How much wear they’ve experienced and when inspection

Cape Town’s appetite for world-class electronic music has spoken loud and clear. After tickets for Fatboy Slim’s first Mother City performance disappeared in record time, promoters have announced a second Cape Town show. It’s giving ‘90s electronic pop. The Grammy Award-winning producer, born Norman Cook, will now perform at Cabo Beach on Wednesday, 16 December 2026, a day after his already sold-out show on 15 December.  The additional performance expands his South African tour to three headline dates, alongside a Johannesburg concert at James & Ethel Grey Park on 12 December, where limited tickets remain available.  Weapon of Choice The overwhelming demand comes as little surprise.  Fatboy Slim remains one of the most influential figures in dance music. Anthems include ‘Praise You’, ‘Right Here, Right Now’, ‘The Rockafeller Skank’ and ‘Weapon of Choice’, still filling dance floors decades after their release.  His energetic live performances have become the stuff of legend, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge production and an infectious sense of fun.  What’s in store for concertgoers View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fatboy Slim (@officialfatboyslim) For South African fans, the tour marks a long-awaited return.  More than 15 years have passed since Cook last performed in the country, making this December’s shows one of the year’s most anticipated live music events.  The speed at which the first Cape Town date sold out highlight

South Africa marks National Women’s Day on Sunday, 9 August. While conversations around women’s empowerment usually centre on tributes and social media hashtags, lasting change also starts with something deceptively simple: a powerful idea.  That’s the thinking behind TEDxDistrictSix Women. The independently organised TEDx event brings together women with bold ideas, remarkable stories and the courage to challenge the status quo.  Held at Cape Town’s historic Homecoming Centre in District Six on Saturday, 1 August, this year’s gathering carries a fitting theme: The Ripple Effect.  Sparking a movement TEDxDistrictSix Women I InstagramThe independently organised TEDx event brings together women with bold ideas, remarkable stories and the courage to challenge the status quo. The premise is straightforward.  One conversation sparks another. One story inspires someone else to act. One idea, shared in the right room, can ripple through communities long after the applause fades.  It’s an apt message for Women’s Month, when South Africans reflect not only on the legacy of the 1956 Women’s March but also on the women shaping the country’s future today. TEDx events have always been about “ideas worth spreading”, but TEDxWomen takes that mission a step further by creating space for conversations around leadership. Equality. Innovation and community.  The events are designed to amplify diverse voices while inspiring audiences of all genders to engage with issues affecting women. Lived

This month is a goodie. Not only is it Women’s Day (Sunday, 9 August), it’s as if the sluice gates opened and some of the world’s top acts decided to grace our shores. Tamia is first up on Wednesday, 5 August, and then Maxwell makes his appearance, also at the GrandWest Arena on Tuesday, 11 August. To round the month off, Teeks and Good Neighbours treat us to a double bill of international talent on Thursday, 27 August. And in the spirit of Women’s Month, we decided to frame August’s Out and About around female-centric events. Because who rules the world? Girls! CBD The Hilarious Deep Amazing Cape Town Comedy Show with Gilli Apter QuicketGilli Apter Friday, 7 August - Sunday, 9 August, 8pm and 7:30pm Venue: Homecoming Centre, Avalon Auditorium, 15 Buitenkant St, District Six  Cost: From R240, bookings via Quicket Now London-based, homegrown comedian Gilli Apter is bringing the laughs to Cape Town. Gilli leaves no stone unturned during her comedy shows. Nothing is off-limits, especially when it comes to being politically incorrect. Iziko Museums of South Africa Women’s Day 2026: Honouring the Legacy. Empowering the Future Iziko MuseumsIziko Museums of South Africa Women’s Day 2026 Saturday, 8 August, 9am Venue: Iziko South African Museum, Queen Victoria Street, Gardens  Cost: R350 - R700, bookings via Webtickets A full-day festival rooted in the legacy of the historic 1956 Women’s March. For one day, Iziko Museums takes over three of Cape Town’s most iconic heritage si

Good news for anyone who’s been eyeing a getaway to the Overberg: Bontebok National Park is coming back online.  After the floods tore through earlier this year, SANParks spent months on rehabilitation work, and from Saturday, 1 August 2026, the gates will reopen.  Not all of them. But enough to make it worth the drive.  The first phase includes six self-catering chalets, the camping site, and three hiking trails: Aloe Hill, Acacia, and Termite.  That’s a solid starting lineup.  Fynbos walks, bontebok sightings, and a fire going by sunset are all back on the table.  SANParks I SuppliedThe first phase includes six self-catering chalets, the camping site, and three hiking trails: Aloe Hill, Acacia, and Termite. What’s still off-limits Not everything survived the floods in a bookable state.  The eight riverside chalets are being refurbished, so hold off on reserving those for now. Die Stroom Picnic Site and the Bushbuck Trail are also staying closed until the rehabilitation work catches up.  Nothing wrong with a phased comeback, yet it's worth knowing before you build your trip around a riverside view.  Photograph: UnsplashFynbos walks, bontebok sightings, and a fire going by sunset are all back on the table. Why a “phased” opening? SANParks isn’t flipping a single switch and calling it done.  This is a rolling reopening, with more facilities and experiences unlocking as restoration work progresses.  The park will let visitors know as each new piece becomes available, so it’

Many of you will be taking a breather after a school holiday that felt like forever! No more trampoline parks. No more pantos. No more slime workshops for the foreseeable future.  This weekend, it’s all about vibes, Shakespeare and spinning to Beyoncé. Sci-fi actionados, behold! Otherworld returns this year. Now you can stan your fav author from the sidelines, and maybe get an autographed copy of their book in return. Me, I’m excited for Rave for Revolution: Storm Drill, taking place at the Old Biscuit Mill on Saturday. Also, Honey & Dora Rooftop in De Waterkant is hosting a Raye Tribute Show, headlined by our very own Dita Manila von Teez. Where is my husband? Maybe he’ll be there. Some free events to note are the Open Mic Film Night at Clarke’s Bar & Dining Room, and the 32nd Japanese Film Festival in Stellies. CBD II WebticketsII at the Artscape Thursday, 23 July - Saturday, 25 July, 7:30pm and 5pm Venue: Artscape Arena, D.F. Malan Street, Foreshore  Cost: R110 - R250, bookings via Webtickets The legend of King Richard II has been reimagined countless times. Even Hollywood took a shot at it. But nothing compares to watching it on stage. This time, Shakespeare’s Richard II and Marlowe’s Edward II are depicted as an intimate, poetic chamber piece. With all the ingredients of a Shakespeare tragedy, II is ripe for a Cape Town audience. Open Mic Film Night - Movement Cinema   Matthias Wagner I UnsplashOpen Mic Night   Saturday, 25 July, 6pm - 10pm Venue: Clarke’s Bar &

Cape Town, hold onto your walking shoes. The St James coastal walkway extension is officially in motion. An anonymous family walked up to Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis in 2025 and basically said: Here’s some money to contribute to extending the St James walkway.   No ribbon-cutting. No naming rights. Just an act of civic generosity that’s about to make your Sunday stroll longer.  “This commitment is also an opportunity to set a long-term vision for this coastal walking route, and the City will work carefully with all relevant stakeholders as the project progresses,” said Hill-Lewis.  The route: Surfers’ Corner to Clovelly The grand plan is to stretch the walkway all the way from Muizenberg’s Surfers’ Corner through St James and onward to Clovelly Corner. That’s the full vision.  What’s funded right now is phase one, the section that gets built once the paperwork gods are appeased.  The City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews, has confirmed the rest will need more funding down the line. So consider this the trailer, not the whole movie.  “For now, we are preparing for the public participation and other processes that will focus on the first phase of the project made possible by the generous funding from the Cape Town family. We will keep the public informed,” added the deputy mayor. Yes, there’s a railway line in the way  Photograph: Richard HolmesThe Reef, Kalk Bay The proposed route runs close to the Southern

Cape Town residents and civic groups have been up in arms this week following the municipality’s latest tariff proposals. The new rates apply to fixed water and sanitation charges, which are based on the size of a property’s water meter. Many argue that while larger water meters may justify higher fixed charges as they deliver greater volumes of water, the same principle does not apply to sanitation services.  A totally reasonable argument. However, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member: Water and Sanitation, Dr Zahid Badroodien, explained the reasoning behind the new tariffs.   X I @ZahidBadroodienCOCT water meter How your tariffs get calculated Taking to X, Badroodien gave a blow-by-blow account of how the CoCT breaks down the cost to residents. The levy has two parts: A fixed charge that helps pay for essential infrastructure.  A usage charge based on water used and wastewater generated.  “Around 90% of the cost of providing water and sanitation is fixed,” noted Dr Badroodien. “These costs include maintaining reservoirs, pipelines, sewer networks, pump stations and wastewater treatment works that keep services running every day.” To keep tariffs affordable, the CoCT currently recovers only 17% of these fixed costs through the fixed charge. The other 83% is recovered through usage charges.    X I @ZahidBadroodienTo keep tariffs affordable, the CoCT currently recovers only 17% of these fixed costs through the fixed charge, The other 83% is recovered through u