The Western Cape has always been more than a destination; it’s a story of grit, grace, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. While the world may see our mountains, oceans, and vineyards, our true power lies in our people—the champions who, day after day, are turning challenges into new beginnings. This is a story of resilience, and it’s being written across every sector of our province.
Business and Trade
In business and trade, our champions are steadily reshaping the economy. The Port of Cape Town, once marked by challenges, is showing strong signs of recovery. New, high-tech cranes and improved systems are beginning to ease bottlenecks, helping to restore efficiency and reliability.
This means that everything—from juicy pears to sun-ripened grapes—can reach international markets with greater certainty, providing stability for farmers, protecting jobs, and maintaining the Cape’s global reputation for quality produce.
The inaugural South African Tourism Investment Summit and the upcoming in November are unlocking billions in opportunities, while new global trade partnerships are putting “Made in the Cape” products on shelves from Mumbai to London. These milestones show how resilience and ambition are driving fresh opportunities for growth.
Wine and Heritage
From the vineyards of the Cape, champions are shaping a story of both heritage and innovation. Wine farms are redefining their traditions for a new generation, while the world’s best airlines are serving Cape wines at 40,000 feet. CapeWine 2025, held in September, further cemented the region’s global reputation, with international buyers and experts praising the creativity and quality of our winemakers. This October brings an especially proud moment: the centenary of Pinotage, South Africa’s homegrown varietal. Celebrated nationwide with tastings, festivals, and masterclasses.
Tourism
Tourism is thriving like never before. A booming cruise industry has contributed nearly R1.8 billion to the economy, with Cape Town’s Cruise Terminal ranking among the world’s finest. From bustling restaurants and hotels to small towns like Mossel Bay and Saldanha Bay, the ripple effects of this growth are reaching communities across the pro-vince and strengthening livelihoods. This year also marked a milestone for Cape Town Air Access, which celebrated 10 years of connecting Cape Town and the Western Cape to the world.
Agriculture
Agriculture remains a pillar of resilience. The sixth NAMPO Cape Expo, held in September in Bredasdorp, drew a record-breaking 49,326 visitors. The event showcased the power of innovation—from autonomous tractors to precision irrigation—while also serving as a platform of hope for farmers facing tough weather conditions.
Sport
And in sport, the Cape continues to inspire the continent. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has sold out entries as it bids for World Marathon Major status, while the Two Oceans Marathon embarks on a bold new chapter. On the global stage, Alan Hatherly defended his UCI World Champion title, proving once again that the Western Cape is a breeding ground for greatness.
Health
Excellence also thrives in science and medicine. At Tygerberg Hospital, surgeons recently performed South Africa’s first robotic kidney donor surgery, a groundbreaking achievement that set a new benchmark for healthcare innovation and showcased the extraordinary skill of local professionals.
Lifestyle
The Cape’s story is also one of creativity and natural beauty. A leading wine estate recently welcomed members of the Ameri-can Society of Botanical Artists, highlighting the treasures of the Cape Floral Kingdom and showing how art and conservation converge in the Western Cape. At the Chelsea Flower Show in Stanford, local experts once again brought home gold, showcasing the splendour of our floral heritage on an international stage.
As you turn the pages of this edition, you will discover the stories behind these achievements. They are the stories of farmers, winemakers, entrepreneurs, doctors, artists, and athletes who are shaping the future, safeguarding traditions, and carrying the Western Cape’s spirit of excellence to the world.
