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Cape Town packed a whole season’s worth of feelings into one week.
A leopard returned to the West Coast for the first time since the 1800s, a farmer quietly spent 17 years turning his land into a biodiversity paradise, the country turned purple ahead of a national shutdown, and a couple in Westlake literally broke their own walls to save trapped kittens.
And now after the chaos, the cuteness, and the conservation wins, we roll straight into a fully loaded week ahead with concerts, markets, theatre, raves, sushi nights, sunsets, and rooftop madness across the city.
The Lineup:
🗞️ The Headlines – A historic leopard comeback, a 17-year rewilding victory, SA prepares for a national shutdown, and a couple literally demolish their home to rescue kittens.
🧭 What To Do Now – Kloof Konbini, the Japanese pop-up causing three-hour sellouts. Sandos, onigiri, bliss.
💎 Hidden Gems – A Taste of Belgium Market, Brad’s Grill returns, and Kloof Konbini’s cult status (again).
📅 What’s Happenin’ – Comedy, concerts, raves, fashion shows, wine nights, ballet, rooftop rituals, summery markets and more from Friday 14 Nov to Thursday 20 Nov.
🖼 Meme of the Week – The N2: Mordor or just… fine?
First let’s take a look at our latest sponsor 👇
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🗞️ The Headlines
LEOPARD SPOTTED IN WEST COAST PARK FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 170 YEARS
A leopard has been photographed in the West Coast National Park for the first time since your great-great-great-grandparents were around, and conservationists are (rightfully) losing their minds.
Why this is the comeback story of the century:
This isn't a relocation; this is a natural return. The big cat just casually strolled back into its ancestral home like, "Yeah, the 170-year vacation was great, thanks for asking." It’s the ultimate sign that maybe, just maybe, we’re getting some things right.
This is the result of years of painstaking work to reconnect ecological corridors. Basically, a bunch of very dedicated people have been building a wildlife highway so creatures like this leopard don’t have to play a real-life game of Frogger across the N7.
JP Louw from SANParks called it a "triumph." Understatement of the year. This is a full-blown, confetti-cannon-worthy victory for patience, coexistence, and not completely wrecking the planet.
Click Here: To witness the historic comeback!
MOUNT DAVID NATURE RESERVE IS THE COMEBACK KID WE NEED
An 800-hectare farm, once known as Diepgat, has been officially declared the Mount David Nature Reserve after 17 years of relentless rehabilitation by owner Antony van Hoogstraten.
Why this story will restore your faith in humanity:
The man bought a farm in 2008 and spent the next 17 years not just chilling with a sundowner, but actively rewilding it. He kicked out the invasive plants, welcomed the native fynbos, and basically turned the land into a 5-star hotel for endangered species. Goals.
The plot twist? After a wildfire, botanists discovered a Critically Endangered Erica species thought to be nearly extinct. Then, conservationists found a healthy population of the elusive Moonlight Mountain Toadlet.
This place is like a magical ark for things we thought we’d lost.
As Minister Anton Bredell said, this is about "clean water and healthy soils." It’s not just a pretty place for a hike; it’s fundamental infrastructure made of dirt and life. What a concept.
SA TURNS PURPLE AHEAD OF NATIONAL SHUTDOWN
This week, your social media feed likely turned a shade of royal purple as the non-profit Women for Change called for a one-day national shutdown next Friday, demanding an end to gender-based violence and femicide.
Why this is more than just a profile picture change:
The action is stark: women and LGBTQI+ community members are being asked to stop all paid and unpaid work and refrain from spending money for a day. It’s a powerful, symbolic gesture to show what happens when we literally and economically disappear.
The message: "Until South Africa stops burying a woman every 2.5 hours, the G20 cannot speak of growth and progress."
This isn't about a public march; it's about a distributed, powerful absence. At 12pm, participants are asked to lie down silently for 15 minutes, wearing black. It’s a sombre, visceral reminder of the human cost.
COUPLE BREAKS WALLS, HEARTS, AND THEN THE COMMUNITY FIXES IT ALL
A couple in Westlake, Louise and Enrico Hanslo, heard meows from their ceiling and, without a second thought, embarked on a DIY demolition spree to rescue five stranded kittens.
Why this is the feel-good story we all needed:
These people don't even have pets. Yet, when they found kittens trapped in their walls, Enrico grabbed a hammer and said, "Drywall can be replaced, tiny lives cannot." I’m not crying, you’re crying.
The best part? Their community rallied. Aid4Aid started a fundraiser to repair the damage, and the target was smashed in 48 hours. The extra cash went to help other strays.
It’s a perfect, purring circle of karma that makes you want to be a better person.
🧭 What to Do Now?
This week’s pick from the What To Do Now app is the one, the only, Kloof Konbini.
This Japanese-style convenience store pop-up sold out of their legendary sandos and onigiri in three hours on opening day. You read that right. The hype is real, the flavours are authentic, and the FOMO is palpable. Get there early, thank me later.
It’s a taste of Tokyo right on Kloof Street, without the 14-hour flight.
💎Stop wondering what to do this week, we already found it for you.
Tap below to get your own free custom itinerary in 20 seconds.
PS: Want to join our What To Do Now app as we expand worldwide? Secure your spot in the database here.
💎 Hidden Gems
A TASTE OF BELGIUM MARKET (Newlands)
Waffles, beer, mussels, and chocolate. If that sentence doesn't make you immediately check your calendar, I don't know what will. This Saturday, the Belgian Residence in Newlands transforms into a little slice of Brussels, complete with live music, kid-friendly activities, and a free shuttle from Kirstenbosch. It’s a vibrant, family-friendly day out that proves the best things in life are, in fact, Belgian.
BRAD'S GRILL IS BACK (Sea Point)
The beloved neighbourhood steakhouse has risen from the ashes, teaming up with the vibrant Que Linda. Imagine Brad’s classic, no-nonsense steaks now sharing a menu with Que Linda’s Latin-inspired small plates and killer cocktails.
It’s the culinary equivalent of your favourite old leather jacket getting a stylish, modern redesign. Old-school comfort meets Sea Point cool.
KLOOF KONBINI (Kloof Street)
As featured above, because a place that sells out in three hours isn't just a gem; it's a phenomenon. Get your Japanese convenience store fix while you can—this pop-up is only here for 10 months!
📅 What’s Happenin’
✨ Want your event featured in Cape Town Brew? Secure a top spot here
FRIDAY 14TH NOVEMBER
🎤 Dillan Oliphant LIVE
Sharply awkward, quietly savage, consistently hilarious, one of SA’s sharpest comics.
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! | 20:00 (Tickets)
🍣 Sushi Social + DJ
Good sushi, good music, beautiful people, Camps Bay classic.
Café Caprice | 18:00 (Free)
🎸 Jacques Moolman — The Great Valley Redemption
Raw, intimate, goosebump acoustic storytelling.
The Alma Café | 18:30 (More info)
🎧 Invaderz Drum n Bass
If your chest doesn’t vibrate, you’re not close enough to the speakers.
Club Paradise | 21:00 (Book now)
🎄 Cape Gift Market
A festive maze of crafts, treats, and early Christmas shopping energy.
Sea Point Civic Centre | 09:00 (More info)
SATURDAY 15TH NOVEMBER
🎶 Watershed 25th Anniversary Concert
Sunset nostalgia at one of the most beautiful venues in Cape Town.
Cape Point Vineyards | 15:00 (Tickets)
🍛 Curry Tasting Nite
A full spice tour without leaving Durbanville.
Durbanville Town Hall | 17:00 (Book now)
🕺 999:RAVE
Pure techno mayhem until your knees give in.
Alley Cape Town | 20:00 (Details)
👗 Emelia D Fashion Show
Runway + couture inside a gallery courtyard.
Norval Foundation | 16:00 (More info)
🎶 The Soulful Reunion
A huge feel-good concert with some of SA’s finest soul voices.
GrandWest Grand Arena | 18:00 (Tickets)
🎸 The DeadBeats LIVE
80s alternative rock at a buzzing brewery.
Woodstock Brewery | 18:00 (Details)
SUNDAY 16TH NOVEMBER
🎺 Richard Pryor’s Blues Explosion
Soulful Sunday swing with a proper groove.
Café Roux | 17:00 (Tickets)
🎭 Tripolee in Harmony
Local talent, warm theatre, wholesome vibes.
Masque Theatre | 19:30 (Details)
🩰 Giselle (Matinee)
One of ballet’s great tragedies, performed beautifully.
Baxter Theatre | 15:00 (Tickets)
🎸 Gipsy Kings Tribute at De Grendel
Flamenco guitars + vineyard lunch atmosphere.
De Grendel Wine Estate | 12:00 (More info)
MONDAY 17TH NOVEMBER
🧘 Somatic Bodywork + Chi Nei Tsang
A nervous-system reset disguised as a workshop.
Glencairn | 13:00 (Details)
🎬 Finding Sathima’s Windsong
Iconic SA jazz documentary screening.
Bertha House | 18:15 (Tickets)
🎸 Righard Kapp — Ghost Notes Solo
Poetic ambient guitar in a bookshop.
OBZ Books | 19:00 (Details)
🧠 Dan Brulé — Professional Breathwork Training (Day 1)
High-level breathwork for practitioners.
Lotus Hall | 10:00 (Details)
TUESDAY 18TH NOVEMBER
🎶 Turn Back The Track
Throwback vibes + good wine + coastal energy.
Café Roux | 18:00 (More info)
🌍 International Commodity Summit 2025
Serious global brainpower. Suits, graphs, deals.
CTICC | 09:00 (Details)
🎸 Roan Ash LIVE (Strand)
Country-pop storytelling with local charm.
Kapstadt Brauhaus Strand | 19:30 (Book now)
🎶 New Talent Showcase
Discover Cape Town’s next stars.
The Blue Room | 19:00 (Details)
🎭 Riaad Moosa LIVE
One-night Baxter run — sharp, funny, honest.
Baxter Theatre | 20:00 (Tickets)
WEDNESDAY 19TH NOVEMBER
🎙️ Mark Sham: Happiness Isn’t What You Think
Funny, sharp, and surprisingly uplifting.
The Tryst, Woodstock | 17:30 (Tickets)
🥂 Expat & Nomads Rooftop Drinks
Rooftop sunset + global accents + good energy.
Grand Daddy Rooftop | 17:30 (More info)
🎭 Papa Hemingway — One-Man Show
A witty, dramatic tribute to the chaotic legend himself.
Alma Café | 18:30 (Tickets)
🎷 Soul Soundz
Silky, late-night jazz in a velvet lounge.
Athletic Club & Social | 20:00 (Details)
🎸 Roan Ash LIVE (Durbanville)
Second show of the week, this one always fills fast.
Kapstadt Brauhaus Durbanville | 20:00 (Tickets)
THURSDAY 20TH NOVEMBER
🎙️ Desmond Tutu Peace Lecture
Powerful annual reflection + social leadership conversations.
CTICC | 15:00 (More info)
☕ Plato Coffee Founder Story — Stephan Bredell
Behind the scenes of a Cape Town coffee empire.
Innovation City | 13:00 (Details)
🎻 Salsa Baroque (CTCS)
Baroque + Latin fusion at its finest.
Baxter Theatre | 19:00 (Book now)
🎭 Mel Malisch — The In-Between
A poetic, emotional one-woman show.
Café Roux | 18:00 (More info)
🖼 Meme of the Week
“Is the N2 actually Mordor… or are we just dramatic?”
This week’s favourite from r/capetown:
The comments were peak Mother City energy:
“It’s fine… until your car breaks down.”
“Often enough to call it Mordor.”
“Coming from the real Mordor (Johannesburg)… the N2 into CT is the scariest stretch of highway I’ve driven.”
“Hot take: drivers on the N1 are worse.”
Between rock-throwing horror stories and “it’s just another road, relax,” Cape Town is clearly split.
Your turn:
Are you Team Mordor or Team It’s-Fine-Just-Don’t-Stop? Hit reply with your hottest N2 take (or your wildest commute story) and we might feature it next week.
📊 How Was the Newsletter This Week?
And that’s a wrap on this week’s brew.
See you next Thursday, same chaos, new stories.
🍷 Team CPT Brew
