Article re-cap
- Cape Town events generated over R5 billion for the local economy during the 2025/26 financial year.
- Six flagship events in Cape Town accounted for approximately R4.5 billion of the total economic contribution.
- Major events in the city created more than 31,000 temporary and permanent employment opportunities.
- The City of Cape Town Events Permit Office approved 983 permits for sporting fixtures, community celebrations, and festivals.
Cape Town events generated over R5 billion for the local economy during the 2025/26 financial year, according to new figures from the City of Cape Town.
The City of Cape Town Events Permit Office processed 1,540 event permit applications during the period, with 983 permits approved for various international sporting fixtures, community celebrations and major entertainment festivals.
An analysis of the city's 30 largest events showed they contributed more than R5 billion to the local economy, with just six flagship events accounting for approximately R4.5 billion of that total. These events attracted an estimated 4.1 million spectators and participants.
The economic impact extended to hotels, restaurants, transport providers, retail businesses and tourism operators across the city. An assessment of 20 major events found they created more than 31,000 temporary and permanent employment opportunities for event crews, hospitality staff, security personnel, transport operators and vendors.
High profile sporting occasions included the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, which earned Abbott World Marathon Major status, and a sold out Springbok Test against Australia at DHL Stadium. Other notable events featured the Betway SA20 Final at Newlands, the FIM World Supercross Championship finale and Comic Con Cape Town.
The 2026/27 financial year is scheduled to include the Springboks vs All Blacks clash at DHL Stadium, the Proteas Women hosting India in T20 cricket and the inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon in October.
Frequently asked questions
How much did Cape Town events contribute to the local economy in 2025/26?
Cape Town events generated over R5 billion for the local economy during the 2025/26 financial year. The 30 largest events accounted for this total, with just six flagship events contributing approximately R4.5 billion of that amount.
How many event permits did the City process and approve in 2025/26?
The City of Cape Town Events Permit Office processed 1,540 event permit applications during the 2025/26 financial year, with 983 permits approved for international sporting fixtures, community celebrations and major entertainment festivals.
What employment opportunities did major events create in Cape Town?
An assessment of 20 major events found they created more than 31,000 temporary and permanent employment opportunities for event crews, hospitality staff, security personnel, transport operators and vendors across the city.
Which major sporting events are scheduled for 2026/27 in Cape Town?
The 2026/27 financial year will include the Springboks vs All Blacks clash at DHL Stadium, the Proteas Women hosting India in T20 cricket and the inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon in October.
Source: capetownetc.com
