Our Story

Between
the
Mountain
and
the
Sea

Communities are connected under the mountains watchful eye
Joy from Africa to the World (JFA) returns to enchant and delight
you and your loved ones. Join us to celebrate the magic that lies
between the mountain
and the sea.

Every festive season, our workshop of creatives and crafters work to create delightful large-scale installations all around our precinct. As a neighbourhood, we decided to do December differently, taking a proudly local and sustainable approach to holiday décor and have been charming visitors ever since.

This year, we pay homage to the wonder of the Cape paradise we call home. From the beloved landmarks and iconic landscape to the unique fauna and flora of this one-of-a-kind floral kingdom, the city’s artists & makers have handcrafted a feast for the senses and food for the heart and soul.

JOY FROM AFRICA TO THE WORLD IS IN IT’S 6TH YEAR!

Launched in 2019, JFA is a more relevant and representative festive season for Capetonians, South Africans and our international visitors to build cheerful memories around. Rooted in a better, kinder way of doing things, we turn waste into wonder and handcraft into holiday celebrations.

Our JFA Story
INSPIRING IMPACT
Joy from Africa is an example of our V&A people and planet philosophy in action.

We want you and your family to feel inspired as you enjoy eye-catching decor all around the neighbourhood. But creating meaningful, long-lasting impact is fundamental to everything we do with Joy from Africa.

This impact comes to life through a focus on job creation and skills development (in working with our community of makers) and sustainability (with repurposing, upcycling and conscious sourcing).

20M
+

Over R20 Million Investment
Since 2019

190
+

190+ Small Businesses and
Organisations Commissioned

1000
+

More than 1000 Crafters Involved

15
+

15+ Young Artists and Graphic Designers Mentored

03
+

Each Crafter Supports 3+ Indirect Beneficiaries

400

400 Tons Waste Repurposed Via Waste Recovery Plant

Discover the Faces behind Joy From Africa

Monkey Biz
BEADERS
Africa Ignite
WEAVERS
Agrippa Hlophe
GRAPHIC DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR & PATTERN DESIGNER
Lalela
SCHOOL LEARNER
Thabi Art Fusion/ Bikis & Alda
ARTISTS & OWNER
Bonolo Chepape
FOUNDER & DESIGNER AT LULASCLAN
Zuko Dolls
HANDMADE ARTISANS
Joh Del
ARTIST, ILLUSTRATOR & GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Our Workshop
EMERGING ARTISTS, DESIGNERS AND CRAFTERS
Linnet & Hlah
MACRAME, WEAVING & FIBER ARTISTS AT KNOT AGAIN
ASHANTI
WEAVERS
Bishop Tarambawamwe
OWNER & MAKER AT MASTER WIRE AND BEAD CRAFT
Ronel Jordaan Textiles / Peta Becker Projekt
HANDMADE ARTISANS
Sinenhlanhla Chauke
FOUNDER, DIRECTOR & MULTIDISCIPLINARY CREATIVE AT STUDIO 99 PERSPECTIVE
Zinhle Sithebe / Zee Feels
ILLUSTRATOR & PATTERN DESIGNER
Matthew Edwards
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY DESIGNER
Kyle Kemink
VISUAL ARTIST
Michael Prinsloo
SMALL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR & MASTER WEAVER AT CT SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND
Mathapelo "Maps" Ngaka
MASTER BEADER AT MONEKYBIZ
Mzukisi
EMBRACE COLLECTIVE (PREVIOUSLY WOLA NANI)
Installations THoughout the yEars

Discover the Legacy of Artistry and Community

“Joy from Africa to the World is more than just Festive Decorations. It is a leap of faith and labour of love fuelled by a belief that there is always a better way.”

Tinyiko Mageza
V&A WATERFRONT EXECUTIVE MANAGER OF MARKETING
Everyone’s Favourite Festive Photo

#VAFESTIVETREE

Our iconic festive tree is a cherished holiday icon in our neighbourhood, growing more spectacular with each passing year. Share your special moments at the tree, both past and present, by posting your photos now. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #VAFestiveTree for a chance to be featured on our social media platforms!

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