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

Enough of the Rosé jokes. Variety is the spice of life. So are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. I could go on and on, but you get the gist.  For the sake of variety and raising a toast to South Africa’s award-winning wines, I’ve graciously gone in search of vino-centric events with a Women’s Month twist. An Evening with Rebecca Davis  Bistro Sixteen82 I SuppliedAward-winning Daily Maverick journalist and author Rebecca Davis will headline a special Women's Month event at Steenberg Farm on 27 August. Award-winning journalist and author Rebecca Davis will headline a special Women’s Month event at Steenberg Farm. Davis brings her trademark blend of sharp observation, honesty and humour about the realities of modern womanhood. Drawing on her experiences as a journalist, author, and commentator on South African society, she’ll offer a candid perspective on the balancing act that defines so many women’s lives. The event also marks the first in a series of speaker evenings planned at Steenberg over the coming months, drawing together influential voices and fresh perspectives in an intimate dining setting. More info: When: Thursday, 27 August, 6:30pm Venue: Bistro Sixteen82, Steenberg Farm, Steenberg Rd, Tokai  Cost: R875, bookings via Dineplan Amphora Wine Festival View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amphora Wine Festival 2026🏺 (@amphorawinefestivalsa) Lourensford Wine Estate has something special planned for wine aficionados. 

Stellenbosch is inviting food lovers to turn dinner into an adventure with the Taste Stellenbosch Restaurant Safari, a guided culinary journey through the historic town centre. The concept is deliciously simple: three restaurants, three courses and one evening spent exploring Stellenbosch on foot.  Guests meet their guide at 6pm, then head to their first restaurant for a starter, move on to a second venue for the main course, and finish with dessert somewhere else. Between bites, the guide brings the streets to life with stories and snippets from Stellenbosch’s fascinating past. Ilse ZietsmanStellenbosch Dorp Street   It’s a suitable format for a town where food, wine, heritage and hospitality are intimately intertwined. Taste Stellenbosch describes the destination as a place where “every meal becomes part of a bigger story”, with local ingredients, chefs and winemakers helping shape its distinctive dining culture. The Restaurant Safari takes that idea literally, swapping a conventional dinner for a progressive feast through some of the town’s best-known culinary precincts. Three routes, nine restaurants  Ilse ZietsmanGenki Sushi The first route kicked off on Thursday, 20 August, around Ryneveld Street, with courses shared between Bertha, De Warenmarkt and The Wine Glass. The three venues rotate between starter, main and dessert depending on the night. The Lower Dorp Street Route, running Wednesday, 26 August to Friday, 28 August, moves between De Vier, Spek & Bone and Vo

What happens when a friendship of 15 years nearly falls apart over a very expensive white painting? Quite a lot, as it turns out. Yasmina Reza’s award-winning comedy ART arrives at the Baxter Flipside from Tuesday, 1 September to Saturday, 12 September 2026, bringing an acclaimed South African production to the stage in English for a limited season. Directed and designed by celebrated theatre-maker Marthinus Basson, the production stars Wilhelm van der Walt, Wessel Pretorius and Ludwig Binge.  The production follows the success of its Afrikaans counterpart, KUNS, which debuted at the 2025 Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK). It went on to the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees, where it played to packed audiences.  Award-winning applause Hans van der Veen I SuppliedThat chemistry between the three actors was also singled out by critics during the production’s previous runs. KKNK described the show as a razor-sharp comedy about three long-time friends whose relationship is pushed to the limit by one man’s purchase of an expensive artwork. And the accolades followed. KUNS earned nine Kanna Award nominations and won five, including Best Theatre Production, Best Debut Production, Best Ensemble, Best Literary Contribution and Best Actor for Wilhelm van der Walt.  It also won the Woordtrofee for Best Ensemble and picked up five kykNET Fiësta nominations. Now, the English-language production brings Christopher Hampton’s lauded translation of Reza’s play to the Baxter. But is it a

This weekend is filled with boxing, games, emo parties and much, much more. And while we’re locked into Women’s Month, it’s only fitting that we mention Mandisi Dyantyis Symphonic Celebration at the Artscape on Saturday. Another event that should be on your radar is Dirty Boxing - Women’s Edition. The black-tie affair features 12 all-female bouts to raise funds and awareness for the Menstruation Foundation to combat period poverty.  Rugby fans are probably planning their weekend activities around Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, with the first match kicking off at Ellis Park. Check out our local listings for fan zones in your area: Where to watch live sports in Cape Town And what is this Blood on Clocktower people are talking about? Join other participants at Greenpoint Park on Saturday to be part of the game. CBD Pretty Serious ORMS I SuppliedPretty Serious explores the playful, performative, excessive, tender, ridiculous, stylish, emotional and joyful dimensions of femininity. Thursday, 6 August - Saturday, 29 August, 12:30pm - 5pm Venue: ORMS School of Photography, 56 Roeland St, Gardens  Cost: Free Curated and produced by Buchanan & Co., Pretty Serious explores the playful, performative, excessive, tender, ridiculous, stylish, emotional and joyful dimensions of femininity. The group exhibition celebrating Women’s Month marks the second iteration of ORMS and Art School Africa’s annual Women’s Month showing. Dirty Boxing - Women’s Edition  Jonathan Tomas I UnsplashFor one nig

Forget your usual dinner-and-wine pairing. Brookdale Estate is flipping the script. On Thursday, 27 August 2026, The Bistro at Brookdale Estate in Paarl is hosting The Great Turnabout, a one-night-only Winemaker’s Dinner where the chef and winemaker swap jobs, because apparently, staying in your lane is overrated. Chef Gary Coetzee is leaving the kitchen to present the wines, while winemaker Xander Sadie is trading the cellar for the stove.  The result? An open-kitchen evening packed with Portuguese-inspired food, estate wines, stories, laughs and plenty of friendly chaos. The concept is playful, but there’s serious craft behind it. The menu takes inspiration from Xander’s time working at Luis Seabra Vinhos in Portugal’s Douro Valley, with each course matched to Brookdale’s Mediterranean-inspired wines. Brookdale Estate I SuppliedBistro at Brookdale Estate's Chef Gary Coetzee. Setting the scene Things kick off with Tabua de Pães: toasted baguette, sardines, Bacalhau fritters and marinated roasted red pepper, paired with Brookdale Sixteen Field Blend 2025. Next comes Caldo Verde, a Portuguese potato-and-kale soup topped with grilled chorizo, paired with Brookdale Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2024. Then things get properly indulgent. Asado ao Forno de Peixe brings roasted line fish with Brookdale Bradbourne Estate Blend 2025, followed by Arroz de Pato, shredded duck and rice with French-oak-smoked duck breast, matched with Brookdale Grenache Noir 2025. The savoury finale is Beef à P

Every year, come the start of August, South Africa pulls out all the stops. Marketing goes into overdrive. Companies and brands post meaningful quotes alongside grainy images of the historic 1956 women’s march to the Union Buildings. Restaurants and retailers advertise “Women’s Day” specials. The spirit and resilience of South African women are celebrated because look how far we’ve come.  Then there’s the other side to Women’s Month. The dark, ugly side that always brings us back to reality. The side that reminds us that our nation has some of the highest rates of gender-based violence (GBV) in the world.  Data from the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) shows that over 35% of women aged 18 and older have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. The most recent case involving the murder of 17-year-old St Stithians pupil Cameron Waldeck-Cooks puts a stain on commemorating the month. So do hundreds of other cases that go unsolved or unprosecuted. When Sabrina Walter, the founder of Women For Change (WFC), sends a note to say she’s running late for our interview, it’s understandable. Forty-five minutes spent on an interview is time taken away from her work. Time best spent on advocating for victims of violence. It feels almost capricious when I ask what it means for her to be a woman today. Sabrina is direct in her answer: “I think being a woman in 2026 means celebrating our achievements while we also navigate inequality, violence, discrimination and fear f

Hikers heading up Table Mountain this week can breathe a little easier. Platteklip Gorge is not closing after all. SANParks clarified an earlier notice about maintenance on the popular route to the summit.  Rehabilitation work is taking place from Monday, 17 to Friday, 21 August - along the section between the Contour Path and the summit. However, the trail will remain open to recreational users throughout the work. So, yes, you can still tackle those infamous steps. Expect a little less “peaceful mountain escape” and a little more “excuse me, coming through” as maintenance and rehabilitation teams get to work. Caution ahead SANParks I FacebookRehabilitation work is taking place from Monday, 17 to Friday, 21 August 2026 along the section between the Contour Path and the summit. SANParks has asked hikers to exercise caution and be mindful of workers and equipment along the route.  Some inconvenience is expected. But the work aims to improve trail conditions and create a safer, more enjoyable experience for the thousands of people who use Platteklip Gorge to reach the top of Table Mountain. The clarification comes after an earlier communication stated that the trail would be closed on Monday, 17 August. SANParks has apologised for the confusion and says the maintenance schedule was designed specifically to allow hikers to continue using one of the mountain’s busiest routes while the rehabilitation work takes place. Alternative hiking routes For those who would rather avoid th

Ahh, Stellenbosch, the home of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc. The region’s impressive award-winning wines read like a Platter guide. But if you’re a non-drinker like me, all those accolades mean nothing. And that’s why most teetotalers don’t consider Stellies when traipsing around the countryside during weekend jaunts. Pity, because Stellenbosch is more than wine country. It’s a dorpie cloaked under morning mist and soft afternoon sunshine. Where the locals smile and greet you. Without sounding like the Cheers intro, Stellies is a place that embraces you like a long-lost friend.  And the food, oh the food. In the famous words of the late Anthony Bourdain, “Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.” Of course I took those words literally while spending 48 hours in Stellenbosch. First stop: Lunch Cavalli Wine Estate gives main character energy the second you drive along the gravelled road, past the horse stables, and approach a massive concrete monstrosity. Very utilitarian. Very modular. I believe it’s called brutalist modern architecture. Marchelle AbrahamsChef Lucas uses only local ingredients, and the menu changes weekly. Among the vineyards and the greenest landscape is a building that juxtaposes its environment, and somehow it works; like yin and yang. This is where you’ll find Cavalli Restaurant and the art gallery. Double-glazed glass doors open onto the restaurant. I’m instantly blown away by the sheer size. The restaurant utilised its

Now that the past long weekend has taken all our money, options might be limited in terms of cash. Don’t despair, I’ve got a few free events for ya’ll, starting with spectating Growthpoint SA Nationals Squash, held at Maker’s Landing until Saturday, 22 August.  Bertha House also hosts a free screening of the documentary Resisting Erasure on Saturday. The commentary delves into the 2025 Living Rights Festival. One event I’m looking forward to is Friday’s The Shlounge at The Commons in Muizenberg. Think snoodies, snug blankies, warm drinks and cosy snacks.   CBD Uncorking the Bitter Truth: Slavery’s Legacy in Cape Wine Boudewijn Boer I UnsplashUncorking the Bitter Truth. Friday, 14 August, 10:30am Venue: Iziko South African Museum, Queen Victoria Street, Gardens  Cost: R120 - R150, bookings via Webtickets The dop system had a devastating effect on the Coloured community in the Winelands. Today, families are still dealing with the trauma. Uncorking the Bitter Truth documents that painful legacy. It reveals how colonial slavery has left a mark on farmworker communities through poverty, low wages, poor working conditions, and restricted housing rights. In Harmony With Tygerberg Children’s Choir View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tygerberg Children's Choir (@tcchoir) Sunday, 16 August, 3pm Venue: Cape Town City Hall, Darling Street Cost: From R549, bookings via Viagogo A collaborative choral concert series featuring the renowned Tyg

For students staring down the cost of tertiary education, a City of Cape Town-funded opportunity could make a big difference.  Applications for its 2026 external bursaries close on 31 August 2026. The bursaries are open to Cape Town residents planning to study in fields identified as scarce skills, with priority given to qualifications that align with the City’s future workforce needs.  The programme is designed to help learners and unemployed young people gain qualifications in areas where skilled professionals are in demand. And this isn’t a case of covering a university bill and waving goodbye. What’s all covered The bursaries cover registration, tuition and examination fees, along with capped allowances for study materials, transport and meals.  Students can also receive practical training support from the relevant City department while they study, as well as a mentor within that department. That practical element is a major drawcard. The CoCT says that previous bursary recipients have gone on to secure skills development opportunities and permanent municipal positions after completing their studies. “We consider each application we receive diligently and are so encouraged by the inspiring students we can provide financial assistance to each year, many of whom have secured skills development training opportunities or permanent positions within the municipality after completing their studies,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys. Thos

American anthropologist Loren Eiseley once said, “If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” It’s a profoundly deep quote, and yet, it’s true. About 71% of Earth is covered by water. Sixty per cent of the human body is made from water. And the water you’re drinking right now is the same as the water our ancestors drank millions of years ago. So, when people talk about water being the life source of everything, it is. With all this in mind, many think water is water is water. But there are degrees of water. Water by any other name is not water. The water you drink from a tap is not by any measure the same quality as mineral spring water in a glass bottle. Tastes like water I’m not here to preach to the anti-H2O choir. Also, I’m not a converted “water snob.” Frankly, those were my exact thoughts when I got the opportunity to attend a “fine water tasting”. I mean, how else is water supposed to taste like? Tasted one water, tasted them all, right? Like many, I made fun of the idea of a water tasting. Who would spend money on something like that? It’s a ruse. A gimmick. A marketing ploy. Marchelle AbrahamsNico Pieterse is one of only two certified water sommeliers in the country, Meet Nico Pieterse, your fine water sommelier The rendezvous point was at Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. To reach The Fine Water Company, one had to navigate ornate garden hedges and a large, opulent cigar lounge. Housed in The Library, the tasting room is a scene from a ‘James

No doubt the Mother City is shaking off the last of the winter blusters in preparation for the Totalsports Women’s Race.  For those making their way to the CBD on Sunday morning, take note of road closures. And if you’re cheering from the sidelines, best you be at the Grand Parade well before the time. To all participants, good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favour. Considering it’s a lekker longer weekend, we’ve managed to pack in a Liquorice Allsorts. CBD Steel, Cloth and the Work of Repair: Edoardo Villa and Tshepo Sizwe Phokojoe View this post on Instagram A post shared by Heat Winter Arts Festival (@heat_arts_festival) Saturday, 8 August, 11am - noon Venue: Peffers Fine Art, First Floor, Radio House, 92 Loop St  Cost: Free options, bookings via Quicket Presented as part of HEAT 2026, Ctrl + Z, Steel, Cloth and the Work of Repair: Edoardo Villa and Tshepo Sizwe Phokojoe brings artist Tshepo Sizwe Phokojoe into dialogue with Nkgopoleng Moloi and Andrew Lamprecht around Peffers Fine Art’s exhibition Hedonic Adaptation: Structures of Survival and Repair.  Women’s Day Rose Mandala Breath experience Sunday, 9 August, 10:30am - 1:30pm Venue: Rooftop on Bree, 170 Bree Street Cost: Free options, bookings via Quicket The Rose Mandala Breath Experience will bring together 100 women on a rooftop in the heart of Cape Town not to celebrate how much we do, but to restore who we are. How beautiful is that? Participants will come together in a circle a