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The V&A Waterfront, which is jointly owned by JSE-listed Growthpoint Properties and the Government Employees Pension Fund (via the Public Investment Corporation) has funded the development of a new Circular Maker Space at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal.<\/p>\n
This is where the Craft and Design Institute (CDI) will operate a facility designed to provide local designers, makers, and creative entrepreneurs with access to tools, networks, and business support as part of efforts to promote enterprise growth, sustainability, and inclusive economic development.<\/p>\n
Read:
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The facility, launched recently, places makers and designers within one of the country\u2019s busiest tourism destinations, which attracts more than 24 million visitors annually. It\u2019s aimed at helping entrepreneurs commercialise products, access networks, and expand their businesses through a dedicated workspace focused on circular production and enterprise growth.<\/p>\n
\nThe investment forms part of the V&A Waterfront\u2019s broader strategy to support small businesses and enterprise development.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
It also underscores the scale of CDI\u2019s contribution to the sector. Over the past decade, the organisation says it has leveraged more than R200 million in direct investment into small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and enabled a further R420 million in additional investment, which is focused on the creation of thousands of jobs across South Africa.<\/p>\n
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V&A Waterfront CEO Graham Wood says the initiative reflects the precinct\u2019s longstanding focus on entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe V&A Waterfront has long believed that investing in small business and creative enterprise is an investment in Cape Town\u2019s future,\u201d he points out.<\/p>\n
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The man with Cape Town\u2019s dream job<\/p>\nWood adds that the partnership with CDI is intended to create meaningful opportunities for makers, while encouraging more sustainable business practices.<\/p>\n
Najwah Allie-Edries, head of the Jobs Fund, says the project demonstrates the impact of long-term collaboration between public and private sector partners.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is what catalytic public finance is meant to achieve: Connected ecosystems of opportunity that create lasting economic participation and sustainable livelihoods,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
\nCDI chief executive officer Erica Elk says the facility is intended to serve as a national resource for entrepreneurs beyond Cape Town.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThis is not just a facility for businesses in Cape Town, it is a centre of excellence, a resource for creators all over the country and on the continent,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n
The development comes as policymakers increasingly look to the creative economy as a source of investment, employment, and small-business growth.<\/p>\n
* Phenyo Selinda is a Moneyweb intern.<\/em><\/p>\n
Listen\/watch: Localisation lifeline: Can manufacturing rescue SA\u2019s jobs crisis?<\/p>\n