R2.5 billion goldmine for South Africa’s number one city

·8 Feb 2026

The Events Permit Office of the City of Cape Town—which was voted the top city in the world in 2025 by Time Out magazine—approved a total of 1,064 events from 1 January to 31 December 2025, with 15 of these events generating over R2.5 billion.

These events spanned a variety of occasions, including major international sports events, large festivals, and local community and cultural activities.

Collectively, they drew more than 3,472,000 spectators and participants throughout the year.

An assessment of 25 of these events indicates a comprehensive positive impact on the economy, including both direct and indirect economic contributions, benefits to the supply chain, and enhanced marketing value for the destination linked to these events.

“In addition, just seven of these events generated a combined PR and destination marketing value of more than R600 million, while creating trading and exhibition opportunities for over 2,000 SMMEs,” said Safety and Security Mayoral Committee Member, Alderman JP Smith.

“This underscores our determination to work closely with event organisers to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, foster social cohesion, and position the Mother City as a globally competitive destination for events of all scales,’ he said.

The City of Cape Town revealed the highlights from the 2025 events calendar, involving both sports and arts events, as seen below.

A sold-out Springboks vs Australia Test match

Barbarians first tour of South Africa

Two sold-out DHL Stormers United Rugby Championship fixtures

Proteas Women and Ireland

Proteas vs Pakistan New Year’s Test

FIM World Supercross Championship 2025 season finale

Red Bull Flugtag return to Cape Town

Speed Classic Cape Town

Blitzboks back-to-back victories at HSBC SVNS Cape Town

Heineken F1 World Tour

Lebo M Live in Concert

Sold out Comic Con Cape Town

Springbok Women vs Black Ferns XV

Over 100,000 people at Festive Lights Switch-On

Cape Town Carnival 15th anniversary edition

Cape Town has established itself as Africa’s top events destination by effectively hosting a wide range of events, from local community gatherings to national and international signature occasions over the years.

This achievement is highlighted by Cape Town being named the World’s Leading Festival and Event Destination in 2018, 2020, and 2021, in addition to being recognised as Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination on three occasions.

Global appeal

Cape Town’s global reputation has made it a sought-after destination for international sports athletes, conference delegates, and concert attendees to participate in events.

“Through its Special Events Support Process, the City provided support to scores of events in 2025, reinforcing our commitment to growing the events sector and strengthening its long-term economic sustainability,” said the City of Cape Town.

In addition to boosting tourism, the events provide many people with job opportunities, which also decreases the high unemployment rates of the country.

“Our review of the calendar year shows that 25 events collectively created approximately 40,900 employment opportunities, spanning both permanent and temporary jobs,” said the City of Cape Town.

Cape Town has started 2026 with a vast array of events, such as the Cape Town Street Parade, two sold-out DHL Stormers matches, and a full-house SA20 Final at Newlands Cricket Ground.

The city is set for another year filled with popular annual festivals and the Springboks vs. All Blacks Test at DHL Stadium.

In February, the people of Cape Town can expect the EFC’s Knox Legacy Series at GrandWest’s Grand Arena.

In addition to sports and culture, the City of Cape Town hosts important summits, such as the Africa’s Green Economy Summit, which showcases investment-ready projects across sectors including renewable energy, waste, sustainability, and climate technology.

Click here to read article