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Celebrating Excellence at the V&A Waterfront

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We are shining a spotlight       on remarkable individuals and businesses in our neighbourhood       who embody resilience, innovation,       and an unwavering dedication to the extraordinary.

Explore Our Categories

Discover the diverse range of award categories that celebrate excellence within the V&A community. Each category highlights unique talents and contributions, making every entry a chance to shine.

Sustainability & Impact
Celebrating tenants making meaningful strides in sustainability, community empowerment and social impact, as judged by our panel.
Brand & Store Experience
Celebrating standout marketing, activations, new store experiences and visual merchandising that transforms how we shop.
Service Excellence
Based on our Mystery Shopper programme, these awards honour outstanding service across retail, food and small business.
Store Talent
Honouring the front-line stars who bring magic, energy and exceptional service to life, every single day.
Neighbourhood Champion
Awarded to tenants who proudly represent the Waterfront spirit, both within our neighbourhood and to the world.
The People's Choice Award
Voted for by the public, these awards spotlight the most beloved store and eatery in our neighbourhood.
Special Recognition
We honour icons, community builders and long- service tenants through the CEO Award, Most Engaged Award and Evergreen recognition.
Retail Excellence
Awarded to a retailer whose commercial strength, customer experience and leadership sets the benchmark for retail excellence.
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30+ Judges

Our esteemed panel of over 30 expert judges brings diverse perspectives and deep industry knowledge, ensuring that each award recipient is chosen with the utmost care and fairness.

08 Categories

With 8 distinct categories, the V&A Tenant Awards celebrate a wide range of achievements, recognising excellence across various sectors and setting a benchmark for innovation and creativity.

20 Awards

Each award celebrates performance and contribution across the V&A Waterfront’s retail sector; recognising excellence in service, innovation, impact and sustainability. These accolades highlight the best of the best.

R20million+ PR Value

Last year’s awards generated over R20 million in PR value. This year, we plan to take it further; because celebrating tenant excellence is a story worth sharing far and wide.

8000 Public Votes

Last year, over 8,000 public votes were cast for favourite stores and eateries. This year, we’re inviting even more voices to help crown the People’s Choice. Will it be you?

Award-Winning Stories from Our Past Winners

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It was a great achievement. You know, for a small, local store competing with big, international brands, but yet, people come from all around the world to our little kiosk and support it. It’s amazing to see. It’s such an honour to be recognised.

Malikah Kyritsis from Afrika Joe

Retail Excellence Award 2024

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Being a finalist for People’s Choice and Best Marketing, and winning for Best Activation, means alot to us as a team. Our team works incredibly hard at creating authentic, fun and engaging experiences. Being nominated in so many categories, and winning one, is recognition for the hard work that every person in our business puts in.

Dino Paulo from HintHunt

Best Activation Award 2024

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For mom and I, it’s all about the work and the impact it can have. We want to see improvements in our community. Receiving recognition, from a place like the V&A Waterfront, it tells you that people are watching. Sometimes, you can feel really unseen. And with winning, we felt really seen.

Tamburai Chirume from One of Each

Empowerment Award, Global Brand Ambassador Award 2024

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It’s very humbling. It reflects our dedication to our clients and the city of Cape Town. Winning this award is a testament to what we do and the service we provide to our clients. Going the extra mile. Always delivering on our promises. We make sure that we always do in-house training and look for ways to put ourselves a step ahead.

Carmen Roussouw from Shimanksy

Retail Service Excellence Award, Marketing Alchemy Award 2025

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Our particular award was judged by the customers. And for us, the customer is the number one thing. It’s the reason we’re here. We want to make customers happy. So for us to be awarded as the customer’s favourite retail store, I can say I am really proud of it.

Luntu Lolonga from Woolworths

People’s Choice - Favourite Store 2024

Trophies

Designed with Meaning, Made with Heart

Our tenants turn the retail experience into a fine art. That’s why every trophy we hand out is more than just a symbol. It’s a piece of art in its own right. Every year,we meticulously curate a collection of trophies crafted by talented local artists, reflecting the attention and effort that our winners put into their stories. Every trophy is unique and embodies one-of-a-kind excellence.

Meet Our Esteemed Panel of Judges

Alex Kabalin

Executive Director: Retail

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V&A Waterfront

Amanda Dilima

Strategic Projects Manager

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V&A Waterfront

Anele Mbane

Leasing Consultant

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Anlo Neethling

Interior Architect

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One Design & Development

Debra Barnes

Managing Director

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Ignite Talent Lab

Deidré Vrede

Senior Manager: CSI and Wellness

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Diana George

Founder and Creative Director

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Lerato Design Consultancy

Donald Kau

Head of Comms and PR

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Dr Judy Mann-Lang

Executive Strategic Projects

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Two Oceans Aquarium

Fabio Longano

CEO

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TouchFoundry

Gavin Jones

Head of Asset Management

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GrowthPoint

George Moolman

Senior Manager: Events and Entertainment

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Heather Parker

Consultant: Solve

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Henry Mathys

Strategic Programme Manager

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V&A Waterfront

Ian Calvert

Founder

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Further Impact

Jenni Lombard

Certification & Technical Manager

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Green Building Council SA

Lauren Shantall

Director

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Scout PR

Marcus Zandhuis

Founder

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Cape Town Magazine

Margot Molyneux

Founder

|‎

Design Week South Africa

Miles Kubheka

Founder

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Wakanda Food Accelerator

Monika Iuel

Chief Tourism Officer

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Wesgro

Ngcebo Mabizela

Retail Manager

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V&A Waterfront

Niaz Ahmed

Development Manager

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Nimi Pretorius

Creative Director

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The Nimble

Nisha Maharaj

Senior Manager: Marketing

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Petro Myburgh

Senior Manager: Sustainability

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Preteesh Sewraj

CEO

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The Loeries

Ross Volk

Managing Director

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MSC Cruises

Sabine Lehmann

CEO

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Curiositas

Sylvia Tekanyo

Senior Manager: Digital Marketing

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Alex Kabalin

Executive Director: Retail

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Amanda Dilima

Strategic Projects Manager

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Anele Mbane

Leasing Consultant

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Anlo Neethling

Interior Architect

|‎

One Design & Development

Debra Barnes

Managing Director

|‎

Ignite Talent Lab

Deidré Vrede

Senior Manager: CSI and Wellness

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Diana George

Founder and Creative Director

|‎

Lerato Design Consultancy

Donald Kau

Head of Comms and PR

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Dr Judy Mann-Lang

Executive Strategic Projects

|‎

Two Oceans Aquarium

Fabio Longano

CEO

|‎

TouchFoundry

Gavin Jones

Head of Asset Management

|‎

GrowthPoint

George Moolman

Senior Manager: Events and Entertainment

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Heather Parker

Consultant: Solve

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Henry Mathys

Strategic Programme Manager

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Ian Calvert

Founder

|‎

Further Impact

Jenni Lombard

Certification & Technical Manager

|‎

Green Building Council SA

Lauren Shantall

Director

|‎

Scout PR

Marcus Zandhuis

Founder

|‎

Cape Town Magazine

Margot Molyneux

Founder

|‎

Design Week South Africa

Miles Kubheka

Founder

|‎

Wakanda Food Accelerator

Monika Iuel

Chief Tourism Officer

|‎

Wesgro

Ngcebo Mabizela

Retail Manager

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Niaz Ahmed

Development Manager

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Nimi Pretorius

Creative Director

|‎

The Nimble

Nisha Maharaj

Senior Manager: Marketing

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Petro Myburgh

Senior Manager: Sustainability

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Preteesh Sewraj

CEO

|‎

The Loeries

Ross Volk

Managing Director

|‎

MSC Cruises

Sabine Lehmann

CEO

|‎

Curiositas

Sylvia Tekanyo

Senior Manager: Digital Marketing

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Sylvia Tekanyo

Senior Manager: Digital Marketing

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Sabine Lehmann

CEO

|‎

Curiositas

Ross Volk

Managing Director

|‎

MSC Cruises

Preteesh Sewraj

CEO

|‎

The Loeries

Petro Myburgh

Senior Manager: Sustainability

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Nisha Maharaj

Senior Manager: Marketing

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Nimi Pretorius

Creative Director

|‎

The Nimble

Niaz Ahmed

Development Manager

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Ngcebo Mabizela

Retail Manager

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Monika Iuel

Chief Tourism Officer

|‎

Wesgro

Miles Kubheka

Founder

|‎

Wakanda Food Accelerator

Margot Molyneux

Founder

|‎

Design Week South Africa

Marcus Zandhuis

Founder

|‎

Cape Town Magazine

Lauren Shantall

Director

|‎

Scout PR

Jenni Lombard

Certification & Technical Manager

|‎

Green Building Council SA

Ian Calvert

Founder

|‎

Further Impact

Henry Mathys

Strategic Programme Manager

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Heather Parker

Consultant: Solve

|‎

V&A Waterfront

George Moolman

Senior Manager: Events and Entertainment

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Gavin Jones

Head of Asset Management

|‎

GrowthPoint

Fabio Longano

CEO

|‎

TouchFoundry

Dr Judy Mann-Lang

Executive Strategic Projects

|‎

Two Oceans Aquarium

Donald Kau

Head of Comms and PR

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Diana George

Founder and Creative Director

|‎

Lerato Design Consultancy

Deidré Vrede

Senior Manager: CSI and Wellness

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Debra Barnes

Managing Director

|‎

Ignite Talent Lab

Anlo Neethling

Interior Architect

|‎

One Design & Development

Anele Mbane

Leasing Consultant

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Amanda Dilima

Strategic Projects Manager

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Alex Kabalin

Executive Director: Retail

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Alex Kabalin

Executive Director: Retail

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Amanda Dilima

Strategic Projects Manager

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Anele Mbane

Leasing Consultant

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Anlo Neethling

Interior Architect

|‎

One Design & Development

Debra Barnes

Managing Director

|‎

Ignite Talent Lab

Deidré Vrede

Senior Manager: CSI and Wellness

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Diana George

Founder and Creative Director

|‎

Lerato Design Consultancy

Donald Kau

Head of Comms and PR

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Dr Judy Mann-Lang

Executive Strategic Projects

|‎

Two Oceans Aquarium

Fabio Longano

CEO

|‎

TouchFoundry

Gavin Jones

Head of Asset Management

|‎

GrowthPoint

George Moolman

Senior Manager: Events and Entertainment

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Heather Parker

Consultant: Solve

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Henry Mathys

Strategic Programme Manager

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Ian Calvert

Founder

|‎

Further Impact

Jenni Lombard

Certification & Technical Manager

|‎

Green Building Council SA

Lauren Shantall

Director

|‎

Scout PR

Marcus Zandhuis

Founder

|‎

Cape Town Magazine

Margot Molyneux

Founder

|‎

Design Week South Africa

Miles Kubheka

Founder

|‎

Wakanda Food Accelerator

Monika Iuel

Chief Tourism Officer

|‎

Wesgro

Ngcebo Mabizela

Retail Manager

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Niaz Ahmed

Development Manager

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Nimi Pretorius

Creative Director

|‎

The Nimble

Nisha Maharaj

Senior Manager: Marketing

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Petro Myburgh

Senior Manager: Sustainability

|‎

V&A Waterfront

Preteesh Sewraj

CEO

|‎

The Loeries

Ross Volk

Managing Director

|‎

MSC Cruises

Sabine Lehmann

CEO

|‎

Curiositas

Sylvia Tekanyo

Senior Manager: Digital Marketing

|‎

V&A Waterfront

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ’s

We Are here to Help

What are the V&A Neighbourhood Awards?
The V&A Neighbourhood Awards celebrate excellence in retail and food-and-beverage tenants, including small retail businesses. There is a diverse range of awards on offer, ranging from metrics-based awards to awards where tenants can nominate themselves.
What is the purpose of the awards?
The awards aim to recognise and reward tenants who demonstrate exceptional quality, creativity, customer service and contribution to the overall visitor experience at the V&A Waterfront.
When do entries open?
Monday, 23 June 2025 at 12h00 South Africa Standard Time (GMT +2
When do entries close?
Sunday, 27 July 2025 at midnight South Africa Standard Time (GMT +2)
Who can enter the V&A Neighbourhood Awards, and what can be entered?
All Retail and Food & Beverage tenants who are part of the V&A Waterfront can enter the awards across all categories they qualify for. Click here for a detailed list of categories that tenants can enter.
Can I enter more than one category?
Yes, as long as you qualify as per the criteria set out for the award. There is no limit on how many categories you can enter.
Is there a time frame on the work I can enter?
Yes, only work that is 12 months old or less can be entered, starting from June 2025 to July 2025.
I have been a tenant for less than a year at the V&A Waterfront. Do I still qualify to enter any awards
Yes, you can still enter the awards. However, to qualify, you need to have demonstrated results for at least six months.
What is the qualification to enter the Best New Store Experience Award?
Any new or newly revamped tenant is eligible to enter this award. However, the criteria require some demonstration of results, so you must provide at least six months’ worth of results to qualify.
Are there any fees payable for entries?
No, entry to any category is completely free. You can enter any category as long as you meet the criteria set out for the award.
Are there awards that have no nominations?
Yes, there are metric-based awards, like the Service Excellence Awards, or other Special Recognition Awards. The Service Excellence Awards are based on mystery-shopper or diner results.
Who are the judges for the awards?
We have assembled a distinguished panel of judges who are highly respected experts in their fields. We have taken every care to ensure that any conflict of interest is avoided. Here is a full list of judges.
How will the awards be judged?
The awards will be judged anonymously, remotely and independently by a panel of up to five judges per award. Entries will be evaluated based on the criteria provided prior to submission. This panel size helps ensure impasses are avoided, and winners are selected based on merit by majority vote.
What are the award categories?
We have eight award categories made up of 19 individual awards. The categories are as follows: • Sustainability & Impact Category • Brand & Store Experience Category • Store Talent Category • Neighbourhood Champion Category • Service Excellence Category • Retail Excellence Category • Special Recognition Category • People’s Choice Award
How can tenants be nominated for an award?
Tenants need to nominate themselves, except for metrics-based awards, based on the set criteria. This can be done through an online form available here or on the awards page https://www.waterfront.co.za/tenant-awards/. There are two exceptions: 1) for the Staff Talent Category, store managers or/and management or/and colleagues can nominate fellow deserving colleagues; 2) for the People’s Choice Awards, the public will nominate and vote for their favourite shop and eatery through an online survey.
What are the criteria for judging?
Judging criteria vary by awards categories, but they generally include: • Quality and uniqueness of initiative • Measurable results including revenue growth, footfall, sales conversion and engagement. • Improvement on customer experience and feedback • Innovation, creativity & originality • Positive contribution to the V&A Waterfront’s visitor experience and alignment with neighbourhood values
Who selects the winners of the V&A Neighbourhood Awards?
Winners are selected by a panel of judges comprising V&A Waterfront staff, industry experts, and external advisors with relevant expertise.
When and where is the award ceremony held?
The award ceremony will be held within the V&A Waterfront neighbourhood on the 1st of October 2025. The date is subject to change and location will be announced in due course.
What do winners receive?
Winners will receive a handcrafted trophy from a curated artisanal range along with a certificate as a mark of excellence for display. They will also receive a R5,000 voucher. Additionally, winners will be recognised on the V&A Waterfront’s digital platforms and benefit from enhanced visibility through the V&A’s PR efforts.
How can I get more information about the V&A Neighbourhood Awards?
For more information, please visit the V&A Neighbourhood Awards landing page on our website or contact the V&A Neighbourhood Awards team at anjokweni@waterfront.co.za or dlavigre@waterfront.co.za or contact your Property Coordinator directly.
What should I do if I have technical issues with the nomination form?
If you encounter any technical issues with the nomination form, please contact Asanda Njokweni at anjokweni@waterfront.co.za or on 076 168 1888 and Delmaine Lavigre at dlavigre@waterfront.co.za or on 064 022 8440
Can I attend the award ceremony as a guest?
Attendance at the award ceremony is strictly by invitation. Finalists from all categories will receive invitations. If space allows, interested non-finalist tenants will be considered and notified.

Celebrating Excellence at the V&A Waterfront

© 2025

V&A neighbourhood Awards

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED