Your Guide To Exploring Longkloof In The City Bowl

Posted on November 3, 2025 by admin

The Longkloof Precinct sits in the suburb of Gardens, just off Kloof Street in Cape Town’s City Bowl. Once historic buildings that originally served industrial and educational purposes, the area has been transformed into a dynamic mixed-use hub lined with trendy shops, restaurants, and a hotel.

Here’s everything you can enjoy in Longkloof on your next visit:

Things To Do

Shop At Rosey and Vittori

This South African fashion brand is redefining edgy sophistication. Founded by creative duo Isabella Rosa Bisogno and Steven Eddie Rosenbaum (whose grandmother’s surname, Vittori, inspires the brand’s name), the label began its journey a decade ago with a focus on menswear. At the Longkloof store, you will find statement dresses, tailored sets, pants, and jackets for men and women. And if you’re lucky, you might just catch a few coveted pieces on sale.

Website: roseyandvittori.com

Recharge At ShangriLa

You can’t miss ShangriLa; its green building stands proudly on Park Road. Step inside, and you’ll discover a thoughtfully curated selection of clothing, art and décor pieces that reflect creativity and calm. Beyond retail, ShangriLa is a space to breathe, move, and recharge. Join one of their yoga or meditation sessions (see their website for details), then relax at the cozy café for a cup of tea.

Website: www.shangrila.capetown

Get Sunshine-Ready At Ballo

Girlies who love sunnies, listen up! You will find the perfect pair at Ballo, a quaint little store with the season’s trendiest shades. There are fun, playful colours to match your mood.

Website: balloeyewear.com

Explore Innovation City

Innovation City is an exclusive workspace that brings together a community of startups, scaleups, corporates, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. This members-only space (application forms are available on their website) aims to drive collaboration and business growth in the city. When you need a break, the on-site coffee shop is the perfect place to connect, recharge, or spark your next big idea.

Website: innovationcity.co.za

Where To Eat

Vine and Dandy

Coffee shop by day, wine bar by night. Tucked just off Park Road, Vine and Dandy lets you enjoy the best of both worlds: freshly brewed coffee and award-winning wines. Vine and Dandy is pet-friendly, so bring your dogs along to relax on the pup sack beds while you catch up on work or hang out with your mates. Wine lovers, every Thursday, the restaurant hosts wine tastings from 5pm to 7pm, where you can sample a variety of wines and discover new favourites.

Website: vineanddandy.co.za

Cafe Sofi by tashas

Cafe Sofi by tashas is the brainchild of Natasha and Savva Sideris, the founders of Tashas Group, as an ode to their mother, Sophia Electra. Every detail is animated by Sophia’s spirit. Her loves, from cakes, cats and polka dots, to orchids, leopard print, and the Pink Panther, echo through the interiors and daily specials. Her fascination with flavour comes to life on a menu of simple, soulful dishes, including honey butter croissants, rosti and beef ragu, tiramisu, and a steak roll. Café Sofi is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Website: www.cafesofi.com

Custodian Pastry Bar

If you’re looking to enjoy delicious treats in a gorgeous setting, Custodian Pastry Bar, the latest edition from Hoghouse Brewing Company, is for you. Sip on freshly brewed coffee while indulging in baked pastries, rustic breads, and all-day toasties. There’s also a carefully curated selection of deli items and frozen goodies to take home and enjoy later.

Website: hoghouse.co.za/custodian-pastry-bar

Ongetem Restaurant & Bar

From the culinary brilliance of Chef Bertus Basson comes Ongetem Restaurant & Bar at Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof. “Ongetem,” Afrikaans for “untamed,” perfectly embodies the restaurant’s spirit. The menu celebrates bold, flame-cooked dishes bursting with flavour, perfectly paired with equally inventive cocktails.

Website: ongetem.com

Where To Stay

Canopy by Hilton Longkloof

Canopy by Hilton Longkloof brings bold design, local flair, and laid-back vibes to one of the city’s most exciting neighbourhoods. Just steps from Kloof Street, expect warm welcomes, a sweet Cape Town treat in your room, and epic views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. Dine at Ongetem Restaurant & Bar, sweat it out at the 24-hour gym, or bar-hopping nearby -it’s the perfect base for exploring the city.

Website: bit.ly/3L5oZCq

Note: You’ll find many guest houses and boutique hotels in the Gardens area, a short walking distance of the Longkloof Precinct.

The post Your Guide To Exploring Longkloof In The City Bowl appeared first on Cape Town Tourism.

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PRSM celebrates excellence in Malawi’s public relations industry

Posted on November 2, 2025 by admin

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) on Saturday night honoured outstanding practitioners and institutions for their exceptional contributions to the growth and professionalism of public relations in the country.

The awards ceremony, held in Lilongwe, celebrated both individual and institutional achievements that have advanced effective communication and strengthened public trust across various sectors.

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) was named Best Institution in Public Communication under the institutional category for its effective and transparent dissemination of information during this year’s General Elections.

MEC’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, emerged as the PR Practitioner of the Year (Public Sector) and was also crowned the Overall PR Practitioner of the Year.

Speaking in an interview with journalists,Mwafulirwa expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as both an inspiration and a challenge to continue striving for excellence.

He attributed the success to proactive communication and strong stakeholder engagement during the elections period.

In other individual categories, Akossa Hiwa of National Bank of Malawi (NBM) was named PR Practitioner of the Year – Corporate, while Blessings Phumisa of UNDP received the Development Communications Award.

Among institutions, the European Union in Malawi won the Excellence in Development Communication award, and FDH Bank was recognised for Excellence in Corporate Communications.

The event concluded with veteran broadcaster Alaudin Osman, formerly of Capital FM, being honoured with the PRSM Honorary Fellow Award for his significant contributions to the development of the public relations profession in Malawi.

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Malawi Central bank maintains policy rate at 26%

Posted on October 30, 2025 by admin

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s central bank, Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has maintained policy rate at 26.0 percent.

This means commercial banks will maintain interest rates.

In press statement issued on Thursday, RBM governor, Dr MacDonald Mafuta Mwale, justifies the decision following reviews on recent economic development in the country.

Dr Mwale said Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 28 and 29 October, 2025, to review recent economic developments hence the decision.

The statement however says inflation rose from 28.0 to 28.1 percent in the third quarter, with inflation projection for the year revised from 28.5 to 28.9 percent, mainly due to increase in fuel pump prices.

However, the economy is expected to grow by 2.8 percent from 1.7 percent last year.

This comes as the country’s forex base is picking barely a month after tripartite elections.

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Select Financial Services urges collaboration to boost financial inclusion

Posted on October 28, 2025 by admin

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Select Financial Services, one of Malawi’s lending institutions, has called for stronger collaboration between the government and the microfinance sector to sustain financial inclusion amid Malawi’s current economic challenges.

Founded in 2007, Select Financial Services provides credit and financial solutions to both public and private sector employees.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Akuzike Kafwamba said that despite inflationary pressures and currency fluctuations, the microfinance sector continues to play a vital role in helping Malawians build financial resilience, hence the need for collaboration.

“We have seen how access to affordable financial services can transform lives. Our focus remains on providing practical solutions that help individuals and businesses stay afloat, even in difficult economic times,” said Kafwamba.

Kafwamba said the institution’s 17 years of experience have deepened its understanding of Malawi’s financial realities, enabling it to serve clients often excluded by traditional banking systems.

“Our goal is not only to lend money but to empower people with financial knowledge and tools that promote stability and growth,” said Kafwamba.

He urged policy makers to establish frameworks that support innovation, reduce barriers to access, and promote collaboration between regulators and financial service providers.

“If we work together, government, private sector, and communities, we can build a more inclusive financial system that works for every Malawian,” added Kafwamba.

A finance expert and senior lecturer in accounting and finance at Millennium University, Richard Tembo commenting on the matter, stressed Select Finance Services’ call on the importance of collaboration between the government and microfinance institutions.

“The government provides policy direction and ensures financial stability, while microfinance institutions turn those policies into real financial access for people. Working together ensures support mechanisms like consumer protection, financial literacy programs, and responsible lending standards are well aligned.”

“During economic turbulence, timely access to small loans allows households to manage shocks, maintain consumption, and invest in small ventures. That’s where institutions like Select come in handy,” said Tembo.

Select Financial Services operates in all the four regions in Malawi and is part of the broader Select Africa Group, which offers microfinance products in multiple African countries including Lesotho, Eswatini, Kenya, Uganda, and Namibia.

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Standard Bank announces transition from Unayo

Posted on October 28, 2025 by admin

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)—Standard Bank has announced the de-commissioning of the Unayo payments platform effective October 31, 2025.

While Unayo is also undergoing de-commissioning in other African countries, the Malawi decision becomes effective from October 31, 2025.

Between June 2025 to the effective date of de-commissioning, Standard Bank Plc has been undertaking a seamless transition and transfer of our customers from Unayo to other payments channels available under the 247 Digital Banking ecosystem.

Unayo was launched in Malawi in September 2021.

Said Head of Brand and Marketing Tamanda N’gombe; “Our immediate priority is to ensure a seamless transition for all affected clients, merchants, and partners. A comprehensive closure plan was designed to minimize any disruption, including providing clear communication, guidance on alternative solutions as well as required support.”

Ng’ombe said in arriving at its decision, Standard Bank Plc put weighty and comprehensive consideration into consultations with key stakeholders, review of their feedback and needs, and exploring alternative approaches and solutions to maintain seamless digital payment services.

“We would like to reassure all our stakeholders that this decision will not deter Standard Bank Malawi from exploring new and more innovative solutions that will continue to benefit communities, businesses and many others,” she said.

The Head of Brand and Marketing added that Standard Bank remains deeply committed to the success of this nation and will continue to be guided by our purpose, which is Driving Malawi’s Growth.

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Fintech, agriculture lead Standard Bank SME awards

Posted on October 27, 2025 by admin

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-A fintech company, MoPay and agriculture manufacturing firm Thanthwe Farms emerged top winners of the 2025 Phuka micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) awards sponsored by Standard Bank Plc.

The Phuka awards came amidst calls by Standard Bank Plc and government for small businesses to step up efforts in contributing to much-needed foreign currency by intensifying the export drive.

MoPay and Thanthwe Farms dominated the awards by winning in their respective categories of technology and manufacturing before capping the glittering awards night on Wednesday in Lilongwe as overall winners in the Best SME and Best Woman-led business of year, respectively. Each received a total of K9 million.

Leading calls for export intensification, Chief Executive Phillip Madinga said the MSME sector which accounts for 47 percent of GDP, has the potential to reverse years of foreign currency shortages in Malawi.

He estimated its export value at U$2 billion annually if each of the country’s 1.6 million MSMEs exported a minimum of U$100 worth of goods monthly.

“We can only hope to achieve this if we work collectively to harness the potential of small business. Our decision to partner SMEDI and government for these awards aligns with our track record of supporting MSMEs in economic recovery and growth efforts,” said Madinga.

He said entrepreneurship thrives on responding to challenges and solving complex economic and societal problems.

“Through these prestigious awards Standard Bank Plc would like to recognize and partner those MSMEs rising to the occasion in helping address Malawi’s economic problems through innovative approaches,” he added.

New Principal Secretary in the reconstituted Ministry of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism Wiskes Nkombezi hailed the partnership by Standard Bank and the Small and Medium Enteprises Development Institute (SMEDI) Corporation to recognise the MSME sector through the Phuka awards.

“SMEs represent the backbone of our economy. They play a crucial role in employment generation, providing jobs and opportunities within our communities which promotes inclusive growth and social cohesion,” said Nkombezi.

For his part SMEDI Acting CEO Otaniele Chezani said the awards represented the power of turning every dream into reality and in the transformation of the country’s economy.

“The power to transform Malawi does not only rest in the ivory tower boardrooms, but in the workshops, farms, and small factories of the every day dreamers who don’t give up,” said Chezani.

Other category winners of the 2025 Phuka awards are Feco Investments (Agribusiness), Adventures by Colby (Tourism), Yami Gemstones (Mining), EnviroSolutions (Green Business), and Milanzi Interiors (Furniture and Joinery).

Category finalists each received K2 million and a certificate of recognition.

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Your Guide To Exploring Longkloof In The City Bowl