Beyond a Gilded Cup: How the V&A Neighbourhood Awards Transform Trophies into Purpose-Driven Works of Art

Now in its second year, the V&A Waterfront Neighbourhood Awards will once again present bespoke works of art as trophies to celebrate retail excellence among its tenants.

These awards go far beyond traditional recognition – they embody the precinct’s purpose-led philosophy and create ripple effects across Cape Town’s creative community.

From Symbols of Glory to Symbols of Purpose

Trophies have always symbolised achievement and identity. At the V&A Waterfront, this symbolism is redefined. The Neighbourhood Awards commission local artists and designers to create handcrafted trophies that honour not just retailers, but also the creative voices that shape the precinct.

“The trophy becomes a symbol of shared purpose,” says Mandla Mkhwebane, Senior Marketing Manager: B2C and CX at the V&A Waterfront. “It honours the retailer, but also the creative talent that defines our precinct. It’s recognition with ripple effects.”

A Legacy of Local Craftsmanship

In 2024, the V&A Waterfront commissioned Diana George of Lerato Design Consultancy to curate a collection of bespoke ceramic trophies crafted by acclaimed Cape Town creatives:

• Clementina van der Walt, celebrated for bold use of colour and pattern
• N’Sele Adonis Mumpango, known for textured, hand-engraved detail
• Brigitte Lilley and Antoinette du Plessis, bringing distinct artistic voices

George challenged the group to reimagine the vessel shape with a modern twist, resulting in pieces that blurred the line between trophy and artwork.

For winners, these pieces become more than accolades. As Laurence Brick, curator of the design store AAFRICAA, explains:
“These awards go beyond recognition; they celebrate the vibrant talent and innovation within the South African design community. We proudly display ours in-store, where both local and international visitors engage in conversations about African creativity and craftsmanship. These trophies are keepsakes that tell a story.”

Impact Beyond the Awards Stage

The commissions also create meaningful economic opportunities for artists. “This kind of commission is always beneficial in terms of broad exposure and, of course, remuneration,” says Van der Walt. “It’s also heartening to see big business support local crafts. It keeps our practices visible and viable.”

Looking ahead, George reveals that the 2025 edition will expand to include beadwork, woodwork, and more vibrant colour palettes to distinguish award categories.

Returning makers include Clementina Ceramics, alongside Studio Ananta, Modern Gesture, and Zizamele Ceramics – the latter with a store at the V&A Watershed.

Recognition as a Force for Growth

With 21 trophies commissioned in 2025, the scale of celebration continues to grow. The Neighbourhood Awards will culminate in a ceremony on 1 October 2025, where the trophies will be presented to outstanding retailers.

For the V&A Waterfront, this initiative reflects a broader philosophy. “Retail goes beyond transactions,” says Mkhwebane. “It’s about creating value – value for customers, for tenants and for the communities that surround us. Recognition is one of the ways we live out what we believe in.”

Art That Tells a Story

These trophies don’t gather dust. They spark conversations, shine a spotlight on local artistry, and serve as reminders that retail, at its best, is bold, creative, and deeply human.

For more information on the awards, visit awards.waterfront.co.za.
For more on the V&A Waterfront, visit www.waterfront.co.za.