Brush up on your history at Long March to Freedom in Century City, one of South Africa’s most distinctive outdoor exhibitions. Featuring 100 life-size bronze sculptures, the exhibition pays tribute to the country’s most influential historical figures and freedom fighters.
From Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu to Walter Sisulu, Long March to Freedom takes visitors through pivotal moments in South Africa’s journey, paying homage to those who fought tirelessly for democracy.
South Africa’s Story in Bronze
Set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, this heritage tourism attraction is fun for all ages! As you wander among the 100 life-size bronze sculptures of liberation heroes, you can experience the country’s 350-year journey towards freedom and democracy.
Created by Dali Tambo, the project was inspired by a promise to his father, Oliver Tambo, to honour him and his peers. Rather than focusing on a single icon, the exhibition celebrates the collective efforts of those who shaped the nation. Since opening in 2019, the site has continued to evolve, with educational programmes bringing school groups face-to-face with the stories that shaped the nation.
Reflect and Unwind
After walking through the exhibition, visit the Rotary Peace Garden to reflect and take it all in. If you have time, try the curated wine-tasting experience featuring five wines from emerging Black winemakers, each accompanied by their inspiring stories.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or seeking something beyond the usual Cape Town attractions, Long March to Freedom is well worth a visit.
Ticket prices: South Africans and permanent residents: R20 for a self-guided tour; international visitors: R75 for a guided tour; children under 6: free.
For updated ticket prices and opening hours, visit here.
As the Easter holidays approach, insights from a Cape Town Tourism (CTT) travel survey for April 2026 show that while global uncertainty affects sentiment, South Africans are still travelling, with a clear preference for domestic trips and value-focused choices.
Over half of respondents (54%) plan to travel this April, with 94% choosing domestic travel.
Only 6% are going abroad.
Cost remains the main factor influencing travel choices. More than half of respondents (51%) cite personal financial pressure as a key constraint, while 49% mention rising living costs and 45% cite fuel costs.
This pressure has now intensified, with South Africa’s April 2026 fuel price adjustment adding R3.06 per litre to petrol and more than R7 per litre to diesel, despite temporary levy relief announced by the government.
“Even under pressure, the desire to travel hasn’t gone away,” says Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism. “What’s changed is how people define value. It’s no longer just about cost, but about experiences that feel meaningful, restorative, and easy to access. That’s where the industry needs to respond, by making travel more attainable, flexible, and relevant to how South Africans are choosing to explore right now.”
Travel behaviour reflects this shift. Trips are shorter, with 51% of travellers staying for three to four nights, while 57% booking within a few weeks of departure. Road travel remains the most popular option, with 77% choosing to drive. Self-catering and staying with friends or family also remain popular, affordable choices.
Spending is also under pressure. Nearly half of travellers (48%) expect to spend less than in previous years, cutting back mainly on eating out (36%), general expenses (24%), and transport (23%).
Despite these pressures, the desire to travel remains strong, driven mainly by rest, reconnection and quality time. Relaxation, mental well-being, and family time are the main motivations, with most trips taken with partners and children.
Cape Town remains the most popular domestic destination, reinforcing the appeal of local travel that offers variety, convenience, and strong value.
“As more South Africans choose domestic travel, the city is well-placed to meet that demand,” says the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, Alderman James Vos. “Visitors can enjoy a wide range of experiences, from beaches and nature to culture and cuisine, without travelling far, making it easier to maximise both time and budget.”
While 49% of respondents say global conflict has reduced their desire to travel, only 10% cite geopolitical concerns as a direct factor in their April plans, well below the impact of financial pressure.
“Right now, travellers are not simply asking where to go. They are asking what is worth it,” says Duminy. “The businesses that make travel easier, more flexible, and genuinely good value will be the ones people choose first.”
South Africans have even more reason to explore Table Mountain. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) has extended its popular Local is Lekker promotion until 30 April 2026, giving locals the chance to enjoy breathtaking views of the city at a fraction of the usual cost.
The limited-time offer includes discounted return tickets at R250 per adult and R100 per child, perfect for the Easter and school holiday period. Tickets can only be purchased online and require a valid South African ID. You must book ahead, as same-day purchases are not included in the promotion.
Local is Lekker
TMACC is giving locals the chance to enjoy one of the New7Wonders of Nature without straining their holiday budgets.
“School holidays give families a chance to explore Cape Town together, and making the Cableway more affordable ensures that more locals can share the experience,” says TMACC managing director Wahida Parker. “We are pleased to offer value that encourages people to reconnect with Table Mountain.”
Explore The Mountain
Once you step off the Cableway, the real fun begins. Head straight to Views by De Grendel for a glass of wine and some of the best panoramic views of Cape Town you’ll ever see. From there, the mountain is yours to explore. The Dassie Walk is a short 15-minute stroll, while the Agama Walk takes about 30 minutes and winds through some stunning spots you won’t want to miss. If you’re craving a bit more adventure, the Klipspringer Walk lasts around 45 minutes and reveals hidden corners of the mountain worth the extra steps.
Free guided walks are departing every hour from the Twelve Apostles Terrace below the café between 9 am and 3 pm. The guides are full of stories about the mountain’s wildlife, plants, and history. Feeling daring? Try abseiling for an authentic adrenaline rush. Prefer to take it easy? Stay for a late afternoon visit and enjoy the sunset.
Plan Your Visit
Before you go, download the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. It provides the weather, queue times, and updates on whether the Cableway is running, so you can avoid the crowds and make the most of your day.
Women, Financial Services, Telco and Southern African CMOs dominate the list of Africa’s 100 Most Influential Brand Builders
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 30 march 2026 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/ – Brand Africa, in partnership with African Business magazine, MIPAD (Most Influential People of African Descent) and the African Media Agency, today launched the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100) — recognising the 100 most impactful marketing, brand and reputation leaders shaping Africa’s story, identity and prosperity.
The full list and in-depth analysis will be featured in the April 2026 issue of African Business, available first week of April, and across partner platforms at brandafrica.net, africabusiness.com, mipad.org and africanmediaagency.com.
Brand Africa’s independent research over 15 years has consistently found that while 68% of Africans believe in Africa, only 18% of the brands they most admire are African. ACMO100 exists to recognise and connect the leaders best placed to change that. “CMOs and senior brand leaders are among the most powerful architects of Africa’s future. Through strategy, stewardship and influence, they shape narratives, build trust, and guide the preferences of hundreds of millions of people. ACMO100 exists to recognise, celebrate and connect these leaders.” — Thebe Ikalafeng — Founder and Chairman, Brand Africa
The inaugural ACMO100 honourees will be celebrated at Brand Africa Week, Addis Ababa, 22–26 May 2026.
ACMO100: AFRICA’S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL MARKETING LEADERS
One hundred leaders across six African economic regions — including the diaspora — spanning twenty countries and more than 50 distinct role titles. The list is ordered alphabetically by country of origin. All 100 honourees hold equal standing. The list carries no internal ranking.
THREE FINDINGS FROM THE INAUGURAL LIST
01 — A Female-Majority Profession. 62% of honourees are women — a majority across every region. The diaspora cohort is 75% female; East Africa reaches 72%; North Africa, 71%. In Africa, women are not emerging talent waiting for their moment: they are running marketing for the continent’s most consequential brands.
02 — Finance and Telecoms Dominate. Financial services — banking, insurance and fintech — leads with 31 honourees, reflecting the scale of Africa’s financial inclusion wave and the premium brand trust commands in markets where millions are transacting formally for the first time. Telecoms and technology account for a further 20. Together, these two sectors represent more than half the list — and the deepest pools of marketing talent on the continent.
03 — Three Hubs, and a Rising Fourth. Southern Africa leads with 39 honourees, anchored by Johannesburg — the marketing capital of the continent. West Africa contributes 20, with Nigeria’s 17 entries anchoring a market of extraordinary commercial depth. East Africa’s 17 are shaped by Kenya’s Safaricom ecosystem and Nairobi’s competitive consumer market. The most instructive story is North Africa: 14 entries, with Morocco alone accounting for seven — more than Egypt and Algeria combined — signalling Casablanca’s emergence as a new continental marketing hub.
Southern Africa — 39 Honourees Anchored by South Africa, which accounts for 31% of leaders by country of origin. Cohort: Abey Mokgwatsane, Alison Hastings Badenhorst, Andisa Ntsubane, Andrea Quaye, Beyers Van De Merwe, Bronwyn Pretorius, Bunmi Adeniba, Chantal Sombonos-Van Tonder, Doug Place, Dries Van der Sandt, Dudu Mokholo, Faye Mfikwe, Firoze Bhorat, Francois Viviers, Gugu Mthembu, Happy Ngidi, Ilze Bylos, Ivan Serra (Mozambique), Jessica Motaung, Khensani Nobanda, Levie Nkunika (Malawi), Lorraine De Graaf, Lucia Maseko, Matilda Nyathi (Zimbabwe), Mmaphuti Rankapole, Mosala Phillips, Mphothe Elizabeth Mokwena, Mzamo Masito, Nontokozo Madonsela, Raquel Capitão (Angola), Sithembile Ndaba, Sobhuza Ngwenya (Malawi), Suneeta Motala (Mauritius), Sydney Nhlanhla Mbhele, Thabang Ramogase, Tim Ekandjo (Namibia), Vaughan Croeser, Vilosha Soni and Vuyokazi Henda.
West Africa — 20 Honourees Nigeria’s 17 entries anchor a market of extraordinary commercial depth. Cohort: Adewunmi Desalu, Amaechi Michael Okobi, Anthony Chiejina, Bamise Oyegbami, Bolanle Kehinde-Lawal, Cherry Eromosele, Chinedu Zephaniah, Diran Olojo, Emeka Oparah, Idemudia Dima-Okojie, Ifeoma Agu, Ilyas Kazeem, Julien Zayro (Côte d’Ivoire), Maureen Ifada, Noel Kojo-Ganson (Ghana), Oluyomi Moses, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Sandra Handou Koné (Côte d’Ivoire), Sarah Agha and Tolu Alero Ladipo.
East Africa — 17 Honourees Anchored by Kenya at nine, shaped by the Safaricom ecosystem and Nairobi’s competitive consumer market. Cohort: Abdulkadir Mamma Hussein (Ethiopia), Anne Joy Michira, Catherine Ndungu, Fatema Dewji (Tanzania), Isabelle Kariuki-Rostom, Kitenda Robert Gobii (Uganda), Lemma Yadecha Gudeta (Ethiopia), Martine Gatabazi (Tanzania), Neemarose Singo (Tanzania), Nelly Wangui Wainaina, Ope Lawal, Rosalind Gichuru, Sylvia ElSheikh (Uganda), Vivian Achieng Oyugi, Wangechi Gitahi, Warau Kahoro and Zizwe Awuor Vundla.
North Africa — 14 Honourees Morocco alone accounts for seven entries — more than Egypt and Algeria combined — reflecting its position as a francophone-Arabic-European commercial crossroads. Cohort: Anne Ezeh (Egypt), El Hadi Mohamed Hamma (Algeria), Fadwa Bisbis, Ghada Hammouda (Egypt), Isabelle Hajri (Algeria), Mahmoud Taha (Egypt), Mehdi Yaroub, Mounir Jazouli, Nadia Rahim Guérin, Sakina El Fares, Salma Bencherif, Salma Hamdouch, Samia Dziri (Algeria) and Shams Adly (Egypt).
Central Africa — 2 Honourees Bienvenu Mayamonuswa (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Yves Kom (Cameroon).
Diaspora — 8 Honourees Based in the USA and UAE, running marketing at Visa, Unilever, Doordash and BET Media Group — underscoring the mobility of African-origin talent at the top of the world’s most competitive brand portfolios. Cohort: Dara Treseder, Esi Eggleston Bracey, Frank Cooper III, Kimberly Evans Paige, Kofi Amoo-Gottfried, Linda Kouam, Najoh Tita-Reid and Tarek Abdalla.
THE BAOBAB | ACMO HALL OF FAME
Brand Africa has also announced the inaugural Baobab | ACMO Hall of Fame — honouring a select number of African and diaspora brand leaders whose benchmark careers have made an enduring contribution to Africa’s brand narrative. Named for Africa’s most iconic and enduring tree, the Baobab honours legacy, not a moment. Inaugural recipients: Bozoma Saint John (former Uber and Netflix CMO); Bernice Samuels (retiring MTN Group Executive for Brand and Marketing); Sylvia Mulinge (CEO, MTN Uganda; former Chief Customer Officer, Safaricom); and Souheil Badaa (former CMO, Novartis Group; founder, Tanakoo) — icons whose work has defined, elevated and expanded the possibilities of African-led brand leadership.
BRAND AFRICA WEEK — ADDIS ABABA, 22–26 MAY 2026
The inaugural ACMO100 honourees will be celebrated at Brand Africa Week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — the historical capital of the continent — in the week of Africa Day. Brand Africa Week 2026 will bring together the ACMO100 Celebration, the unveiling of the Brand Africa 100 | Africa’s Best Brands® and the Brand Africa Dialogue — planned to be the most impactful convening of continental CMOs in Africa’s history.
“MIPAD exists to celebrate and elevate the most influential people of African descent — and ACMO100 does exactly that for the world of marketing and brand leadership. For the first time, the architects of Africa’s most powerful brands are being recognised on their own terms. That is long overdue, and it matters deeply to the diaspora.” — Kamil Olufowobi, Founder & Chairman, MIPAD (USA/Nigeria)
THE ACMO METHODOLOGY AND REVIEW COMMITTEE
The ACMO100 selection is governed by a rigorous, three-step process designed to reflect the realities of marketing leadership across a continent where function often outpaces title.
Collation draws on three independent sources: nominations by the ACMO Review Committee; review of the marketing leadership behind brands featured in the Brand Africa 100 | Africa’s Best Brands® and comparable rankings over the preceding three years; and research into CMOs behind award-winning and/or impactful work.
Evaluation applies a consistent set of criteria to every nominee: active leadership in Africa or the diaspora; a minimum of five years in senior marketing decision-making; and standing as the highest-ranking functional marketing, brand or communications leader in their organisation.
Verification and vetting ensures that every name on the list has earned its place through demonstrable impact, influence and integrity — not title or visibility alone.
The list carries no internal ranking. All 100 honourees hold equal standing.
The integrity of ACMO100 is anchored in the independence and calibre of its governance. The ACMO Review Committee is an independent, Africa-wide body of distinguished practitioners with a deep understanding of the marketing and brand industry and its most influential individuals — drawn from every major region of the continent and the diaspora. The Committee is intentionally diverse in discipline, geography and background. It brings together former CMOs now in general management and board roles; founders and chief executives of leading African agencies; editors and publishers of the continent’s foremost business media; heads of national marketing associations; academics and researchers from leading African institutions; and respected independent voices from strategy, creative, media and digital.
Committee members are ineligible for inclusion during their tenure; current CMOs do not participate in nomination or adjudication, ensuring complete independence. The panel spans more than 20 countries across all African regions and the diaspora — its diversity in discipline, geography and seniority is central to the credibility of the process.
Southern Africa: Thulani Sibeko, CEO – COID and Social Insurance, Rand Mutual (RMA) (South Africa); Trevor Ncube, Chairman & Director, Alpha Media Holdings (Zimbabwe); Laz Jacobs, Founder & Executive Director, Paragon TBWA (Namibia); Dr Pepe Marais, Group Chief Creative Officer, Joe Public (South Africa); Sechaba Motsieloa, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Kansy Group (South Africa); George Damson, President, Institute of Marketing in Malawi; Dr Tumelo Chaka, Managing Executive, The Strategists (South Africa); Christine Ramela (Mozambique); Mwewa Besa, President, Institute of Marketing in Zambia; Brian Yuyi, CEO, Marketing Association of South Africa; Professor Alistair Mokoena, Executive Dean, Johannesburg Business School (South Africa); Dr Tendai Mhiza, CEO, Integra Africa (Zimbabwe); Gillian Rusike, Founder & CEO, Marketers Association of Zimbabwe; Adv Phelane Phomane, Founder & Managing Director, Tangerine Connect (Lesotho); Dale Hefer, CEO, Integrated Marketing Council (South Africa).
West Africa: Seyi Ademola-Adeoye, Senior Research Fellow, Pierrine (Nigeria); Kwame Senou, Executive Director, THOP (Côte d’Ivoire); Steve Babaeko, CEO & Chief Creative Officer, X3M Ideas (Nigeria); Ade Adefeko, Vice President, Corporate & Government Affairs, Olam International (Nigeria); Sharon Mills, Lead Consultant, SMC Consulting (Ghana); Daniel Kojo Soboh, Executive Director, EMY Africa (Ghana).
East Africa: Malik Shaffy Lizinde, Founder & CEO, 63 INC (Rwanda); William Kalombo, Marketing Africa Magazine (Kenya); Melvin Mwakugu, Independent (Kenya); Jacquie Muhati, Deputy Marketing Director, NCBA (Kenya); Barian Shah, Managing Director, Evolution Events (Tanzania); Aron Simeneh, Creative Director, Kin Creatives (Ethiopia); Joseph Kanyamunyu, Chief Executive Director, Publicis Africa Communications (Uganda); Frakline Kibuacha, Marketing Director, GeoPoll (Kenya).
Diaspora: Omar Ben Yedder, Publisher, African Business (UK/Tunisia); Denver Phiri (UK/Zimbabwe); Kamil Olufowobi, Founder & Chairman, MIPAD (USA/Nigeria); Moky Makura, Executive Director, Africa No Filter (UK/Nigeria); Terhas Asefaw Berhe, Managing Director, Brand Comms (UK/Eritrea); James Woods, Globiq International (UK/Malawi); Akin Naphtal, Founder & CEO, InstinctiveWave Group (UK/Nigeria); Cyrille Djami, Founder & Manager, Comms of Africa (France/Cameroon), and Ndeye Diagne, Chief Client Officer, Kantar (France/Senegal).
“The ACMO Review Committee brings together some of the sharpest and most experienced minds on the continent. Their role is to ensure that every name on the ACMO100 list has truly earned their place through impact, influence and integrity.” — Omar Ben Yedder — Publisher, African Business
Brand Africa is the continent’s leading brand-led platform to inspire an African renaissance founded on the conviction that brands drive the growth, reputation and competitiveness of nations. Since 2011, its flagship initiative, the Brand Africa 100 | Africa’s Best Brands®, has tracked brand performance, consumer perception and brand equity across the continent – providing the most authoritative pan-African brand intelligence. Brand Africa convenes leaders, shapes narratives and advances the case for branding as a driver of Africa’s prosperity. www.brand.africa
ABOUT AFRICAN BUSINESS
African Business is Africa’s foremost pan-continental business magazine, providing authoritative journalism, analysis and intelligence on business, finance, trade and policy across Africa and the global African diaspora. Published by IC Publications, it reaches a senior readership of business, government and civil society leaders across Africa and internationally. www.africabusiness.com
ABOUT MIPAD
MIPAD (Most Influential People of African Descent) is a global civil society organisation that recognises, celebrates and networks the most influential people of African descent across the world. Its annual recognition spans business, politics, culture, science and civil society, with a mission to advance the social, economic and political empowerment of people of African descent globally. www.mipad.org
ABOUT AFRICAN MEDIA AGENCY
African Media Agency (AMA) is the trusted pan-African communications agency helping organisations connect with African audiences. Founded by Eloïne Barry, AMA integrates public relations with digital and creative communications to establish clients as market leaders across the continent. AMA’s services span press release distribution, PR strategy, digital creative and media training through its not-for-profit AMA Academy. A member of IPREX and the PRCA. www.africanmediaagency.com
NAIROBI, Kenya, 26 March 2026 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/ – BFA Global and FSD Africa today announced $273,000 in follow-on funding and venture-building support for four early-stage alumni of previous Triggering Exponential Climate Action (TECA) venture-building program cohorts. The four early-stage small and growing businesses (SGBs) had previously participated in the TECA program, which seeks to grow climate solutions from concept to investment, fostering resilience and protecting the most vulnerable communities in East Africa. The small and growing businesses have demonstrated early traction in advancing solutions in clean energy, cold storage, carbon market access, and food systems.
The new financial support will provide these businesses with operational capital to scale, as well as technical support, including operational guidance, model refinement, and investment-readiness preparation. The businesses are already making waves in improving the lives of East Africans, especially in the energy and agriculture sectors.
The four are:
Africa Renewables Katalyst (ARK) connects East African renewable energy developers to global renewable energy certificate markets through data systems, verification services, and market access tools.
Plas-tech Energies converts plastic waste into clean cooking gas and distributes it through refillable cylinders, offering a safer, more affordable alternative to charcoal and kerosene.
Samaking operates a solar-powered cold chain infrastructure and a decentralised fish distribution network that reduces post-harvest losses and strengthens market stability for small traders, particularly women.
Sunwave provides solar-powered ice production and cold storage solutions designed to reduce post-harvest losses and increase incomes for small-scale fishers and fish traders.
Such financial support is especially critical for early-stage businesses that have proven their viability but need more capital to reach commercial readiness and scale, a stage typically associated with constrained capital. A report by Sightline Climate shows, for instance, that in 2025, early-stage deal counts fell by roughly 20 per cent to a five-year low, as investors concentrated capital into fewer companies. This shift has made follow-on capital harder to secure, particularly in emerging markets.
“Early-stage climate ventures face a critical funding cliff just as they are ready to grow,” said Tyler Ferdinand, Director of the TECA program at BFA Global. “Our follow-on support gives them the capital, time, tools, and evidence base they need to build credible, investable businesses that improve resilience in vulnerable communities.”
Mary Kashangaki, Early-Stage Finance Manager at FSD Africa, added: “At FSD Africa, we have for years supported novel financing structures for small and growing businesses, especially those building resilience against climate change in Africa. We are proud to partner with BFA Global to provide additional support to these deserving businesses doing such important work. Access to capital, especially for this category of businesses, remains challenging, yet they are the majority and provide most employment on the continent. As an organisation that works to make finance work for Africa, enhancing flows to small and growing businesses and tackling climate change remain key priorities for us.”
BFA Global is an impact innovation firm that combines research, advisory, venture building, and investment expertise to build a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient future for underserved people and the planet. We partner with leading public, private and philanthropic organisations, global and local, to catalyse innovation ecosystems for impact across emerging markets. Since 2006, we have completed 646 projects completed in over 104 countries, supported 118+ ventures in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, who have collectively raised $815M+ in follow-on funding, and have a survival rate above 80% (global average is ~20%), and built a network of 100+ global and African investors, innovators, and funders focused on climate resilience. Learn more at https://bfaglobal.com/. TECA (Triggering Exponential Climate Change Action) is an initiative by BFA Global that supports climate-focused startups in emerging markets.
About FSD Africa
FSD Africa is a specialist development agency funded by the UK’s Department for International Development, operating in more than 30 countries and working to help make finance work for Africa’s future. Based in Nairobi, FSD Africa’s team of financial sector experts works alongside governments, business leaders, regulators, and policymakers to achieve policy and regulatory reform, capacity strengthening, and improving financial infrastructure to address systemic challenges in Africa’s financial markets. In its new strategy (2025-2030), the organisation targets mobilising GBP 10 billion, with GBP 2 billion channelled towards adaptation initiatives, thereby improving access to basic financial services for 80 million people and creating 200,000 jobs. FSD Africa – previously known as Financial Sector Deepening Africa – was founded in 2012 and is based in Nairobi, Kenya. For more information, please visit : https://www.fsdafrica.org
Comedy legend Marc Lottering is no stranger to the spotlight, bringing laughter to households across Cape Town. With his signature funky Afro and infectious laugh, the Woodstock local is known for his hit solo shows, including After the Beep, Marc Eugene Lottering, and My Fellow South Africans. His widely popular Aunty Merle productions have drawn in more than 800,000 theatregoers.
His deep love for Cape Town is evident in his comedy, as he brings the city’s quirks, characters, and everyday moments to life with unmistakable Cape Malay flavour.
This is typically how he would spend a day in Cape Town:
Stellski Café
You would often find Marc at Stellski Café, usually with his beloved dog, Hamilton, by his side. The cosy café is dog-friendly (with treats available for furry friends) and provides the ideal spot for him to ease into the morning.
Stellski’s exclusive coffee blends are brewed from high-quality African beans and go perfectly with selections from the all-day breakfast menu. Marc’s go-to order is a croissant with cheese, paired with a cortado.
“There’s a gentle energy here, and the staff are always so friendly. It helps that it’s close to home,” he said.
When he’s not providing comic relief, Marc enjoys visiting a museum to learn about our culture and heritage.
One of his favourite places to visit is the Cape Heritage Museum at the Castle of Good Hope, where an unfiltered story of South Africa’s past comes alive. The museum highlights the diverse communities that have called the Cape their home, including the Khoi, the San, the Malays, and others. The museum’s founder, Igshaan Higgins, who is also one of Marc’s close friends, carefully curated each item on display, each with its own compelling story to tell.
On your next visit, you may even spot some of Marc’s photographs among the exhibits.
For budget-friendly meals full of flavour, Marc recommends Vagabond Kitchens on Kloof Street. The cafe is renowned for its breakfast, wraps, and burgers, and Marc typically chooses a juicy beef burger loaded with all the trimmings, washed down with one of their signature smoothies.
“Everything’s affordable, the portions are generous, and it’s right in the heart of the city buzz,” he says.
Location: Shop G16B, Lifestyle on Kloof, 50 Kloof St, Gardens Price: From R35 Website: www.vagabondkitchens.co.za/
Wembley Roadhouse
Wembley Roadhouse is another must-visit, famous for Cape Town’s popular fast-food favourites.
“It’s an institution. They serve everything from curries and samoosas to grills and pizzas… You name it!” Marc says. Dine under the roadside umbrellas or unwind in the sheltered garden while the staff takes care of everything. With ample parking, it’s even easier to enjoy a meal in the comfort of your car.
“I’ve been coming here for years. The food is lekker!” he adds.
The Cape Flats is fast becoming a must-visit attraction in Cape Town and continues to play a significant role in shaping the city’s unique identity. With its appealing offerings focussing on art, history, culture, food and adventure, a trip to one of the many Cape Flats areas is worth adding to your must-see neighbourhoods the next time you’re in the Mother City.
The Cape Flats is vast, with each area offering unique charm. Travellers visiting the Cape Flats can explore Athlone, Khayelitsha, Mitchell’s Plain, Strandfontein, and Langa. We recommend booking tour guides who know the area well to help you make the most of your visit.
Anita Hermanus from the popular Aunty Nita’s Tours, hosts tours in the Cape Flats daily.
She said: “The Cape Flats is dynamic and ever-changing. Its people are vibrant, musical and passionate and exhibit a tenacity that comes from the trials they have endured. There’s an indescribable vibe on the Cape Flats that you can’t find anywhere else in Cape Town.”
Art, Culture and History
Langa Pass Museum in Langa
Go back in time when you visit the Langa Pass Museum. The museum houses a collection of memorabilia documenting the history of Cape Town’s oldest township and what life was like for black South Africans during the Apartheid era. The museum aims to inform and educate present and future generations.
Visits to the museum are by appointment only.
Location: Corner of King Langalibalele and Lerotholi Avenues, Langa Contact: Call 084 949 2153 or 021 694 8320
Gugulethu Seven Memorial in Gugulethu
The Gugulethu Seven Memorial consists of seven granite statue-like constructions sculpted by South African artists Donovan Ward and Paul Hendricks. The memorial was built to commemorate the murder of seven young black activists from the Cape township who were killed by the South African Apartheid police in 1986.
Location: Gugulethu Memorial, Corner of NY1 and NY111, Gugulethu
RLabs (Reconstructed Living Lab) in Athlone
RLabs is an award-winning non-profit company that started on the Cape Flats in 2009. The main aim of RLabs is to create environments and systems where people are impacted positively through hope, innovation, and opportunity. RLabs hosts regular events like First Thursdays in and around the Cape Flats areas. The events aim to showcase local talent and bring together the community.
Wajid’s Chicken Tikka and Takeaways in Strandfontein
Catering to “all those who love good food”, Wajid’s Chicken Tikka and Takeaways in Strandfontein serves up an assortment of delicious fast-food options. For an authentic Cape Town experience, grab a few friends and tuck into one of their mouthwatering gatsbys.
Location: No 2 Admirals Drive, Strandfontein Contact: Call 073 110 1106 or email wajidtikka@gmail.com
Rands Cape Town in Khayelitsha
Rands Cape Town is a popular lifestyle space in Adventure through Khayelitsha”>Khayelitsha, known for its live entertainment, delicious dining, and one-of-a-kind events featuring top South African artists. Officially launched by brothers Mfundo and Mshayi Mbeki in 2015, Rands has fast become one of Cape Town’s most sought-after hangout spots for those planning an unforgettable night out.
Anita created Aunty Nita’s Tours in 2017 with the aim to put the Cape Flats on the map. Born and raised in the area, Aunty Nita is passionate about sharing the Cape Flat’s culture, history and compelling stories with travellers. Her tours, which include full day and walking tours, showcase the untapped aspect of Cape culture and food.
Khayelitsha’s first one-stop bicycle shop offers guided cycling tours for anyone eager to explore the area on two wheels. If you want to improve your skills before hitting the road, try their learn-to-cycle classes for adults and teenagers. Try the half- or full-day Coffee, Art, and Bikes tour, or let the team create a personalised package for you.
Access to electricity in Africa was a central topic at the recent World Governments Summit in Dubai. While hundreds of millions of Africans still live without power, new solutions are emerging, particularly around solar-powered micro-grids.
December international arrivals climb 11% as CTT’s campaigns turn inspiration into bookings.
In the same week that the Matric Class of 2025 received their results and a new wave of Grade 1 learners took their first steps into school, Cape Town is celebrating a milestone of its own: a powerful festive season surge that signals a city in demand and a tourism strategy that’s working.
According to Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), 1.12 million two-way passengers travelled through Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) in December 2025, an 8% increase on December 2024. International arrivals rose 11%, with regional arrivals up 13% and domestic arrivals 6% over the same period.
“Campaigns don’t just win awards, they fill planes” – Enver Duminy.
Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, says the festive performance is the result of many years of dedicated effort, much like the matriculants whose success the country is celebrating this week.
“Our Matric Class of 2025 didn’t pass because of one good exam paper; they got here through years of hard work, support and sacrifice,” says Duminy. “Tourism is the same. An11% jump in December international arrivals doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of long-term planning with the City and our partners, and of campaigns that move people from dreaming to booking.”
“Campaigns don’t just win awards, they fill planes. MyCapeTown and 50 Things to do in Cape Town for Under R50 show locals and South Africans that they can have a world-class holiday without a world-class budget. One Small World puts Cape Town on screen alongside New York and Berlin. Go All Out and Limitless Cape Town tell LGBTQ+ travellers and visitors with different access needs that this is a city that sees them, welcomes them and designs for them.”
Duminy says the start of the school year is a reminder that tourism’s actual test is long-term:
“As Grade 1 learners (the Class of 2038) walk into classrooms this week, we are very conscious that the decisions we make today must open doors for them twelve years from now. A strong festive season is good news, but our real goal is a tourism economy that is still creating opportunities when they matriculate.”
Beyond the runway: millions in motion
The airport numbers are only one part of the story. Over the festive period:
Table Mountain welcomed 6% more visitors than in December 2024, despite challenging wind conditions.
Robben Island arrivals increased by 10%.
Chapman’s Peak Drive recorded an 11% rise in visitors.
Cape Point reached capacity on several peak days.
Add to this cruise passengers docking in the harbour, road-trippers driving in from across South Africa and the region, and thousands of Capetonians playing tour guide for visiting friends and relatives. The picture is clear: millions of people were out in the city, spending their time and limited funds in restaurants, attractions, shops and neighbourhood experiences.
For travellers, the emotional connection is what lingers.
“There is no place like Cape Town,” says Ciali Browne, a visitor from New Zealand. “The scenery is unreal, but honestly, the people made my trip. Everyone is warm, welcoming and proud of where they’re from. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave, and I’m already planning a return trip.”
For local entrepreneurs, the festive season is both a payoff and a launchpad.
“We had days where we were fully booked, with many guests from the Netherlands,” says Buntu Matole, co-founder of ABCD Concepts in Khayelitsha. “People loved getting out of the city centre and into local neighbourhoods – homes, schools, everyday life. Bookings for the months ahead are already looking strong. Our focus now is to deepen partnerships, so visitors stay longer and invest more in the community.”
Every new route, every campaign must translate into real customers for our hotels, restaurants, attractions and small businesses.
“This growth is no accident, it’s by design” – Alderman James Vos.
The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, Alderman James Vos, says these early festive-season figures, together with the city and airport’s recent awards, reflect a tourism economy that is being purposefully developed.
“An 11% increase in international arrivals in December, a record 11.1 million passengers over the past year, and global recognition for both the city and the airport show that nothing happens by chance, but by design,” says Vos. “Through the Choose Cape Town campaigns, our partnership with Cape Town Tourism, and the Cape Town Air Access initiative, we are shaping demand that supports airlines, investment, and job creation. Tourism already employs nearly 7% of Cape Town’s workforce, and my focus is on achieving at least one tourism-related job in every household across our city.”
A full high-season performance update, including accommodation and spend data, will be shared in Quarter 2 of 2026. Still, the early signs are clear: demand is strong, the brand is resonating, and the benefits are being felt from the CBD to Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Langa, the Winelands and beyond.
With Central Africans set to vote in presidential, legislative, regional and long-delayed municipal elections this weekend, the United Nations has appealed for calm and restraint, warning that the credibility of the process will be critical to consolidating peace after years of conflict and instability.
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