Cape Town emerging artists shine at Comic Con Cape Town. The Mother City’s creative talent was on full display at this year’s Comic Con Cape Town 2026, where 10 emerging artists showcased their work to thousands of visitors this past weekend.

Cape Town emerging artists shine at Comic Con

Supported by the City’s Community, Arts and Culture Development Department, the artists formed part of the Emerging Artist exhibition in Artist Alley. They each hosted their own booth to present original work, build their brands, and connect directly with fans and collectors. The participating artists completed a training programme ahead of Comic Con, which helped them prepare their work for exhibition. The programme included workshops, mentorship, and hands-on preparation. This focused on presentation, audience engagement, and commercial viability.

Emerging artists at Comic Con Cape Town

The Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, says emerging artists bring fresh ideas and new energy to Cape Town’s creative sector. She says through this programme, they are helping artists build their skills, showcase their work, and connect with new audiences. The City is proud to support these artists and invest in the future of art, while fostering creativity and innovation. The Emerging Artists Programme not only provides a platform for young and new artists to grow, but also gives them a stage to show off their talent to an international audience.

Mural Meet Up Sessions in Cape Town

Artists were selected from three Mural Meet Up Sessions, held in public spaces across the City. The Mural Meet Ups were designed to attract a wide and diverse range of artists and creatives working across disciplines. Selected artists then participated in a one-month training and development programme which included workshops, mentorship and hands-on preparation, supporting participants to develop their artworks into products, strengthen their presentation skills, and engage confidently with the public.

Supporting training and skills development

Participating artists were further assisted by facilitators Clyde Beech and Robin Moodley, in preparation for Comic Con, through the review of their artwork, focused feedback and ongoing support.

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The Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says events such as Comic Con play a critical role in supporting training and skills development across a range of industries. These events also open doors for diverse communities by providing exposure, networking opportunities and pathways into creative and commercial sectors that may otherwise be difficult to access.”

The 10 emerging artists

This year’s emerging artists cohort at Comic Con included several multi-disciplinary creatives, mural and digital artists, illustrators, and some specialising in comics, anime and manga.

Malik Fredericks from Woodstock
Darney Marks from Mitchells Plain
Gabriela Valerio from Brooklyn
Kyle Murphy from Athlone
Logan Nathan from Kuils River
Sachin Parbhoo from Plumstead
Shadley Davids from Kensington
Simbarashe Machona from Blackheath
Thurston Jacobs from Kraaifontein
Bhongoletu Maholwana from Gugulethu

Don’t delay or skip donating blood this winter. That’s the call from the Western Cape Blood Service. The Public Relations Manager at WCBS, Marike Carli, says the supply of blood over the winter is a time when it is traditionally under strain. She says this is due to colds and flu, as well as school holidays.

Carli added, “Winter is one of the most difficult periods for maintaining a stable blood supply as a result of colds and flu, and school holidays.”

Don’t delay or skip donating blood this winter

Carli, however, added that although the winter period often sees a decline in blood donations, the hospital demand for blood continues to remain constant. She says when donation levels drop, it places a strain on their stock. This ultimately affects patients, who depend on and need blood every day. Carli says this is why they are encouraging donors to remain consistent throughout the winter, rather than to delay or to skip donations.

“Do something remarkable: donate blood.”

Donate Blood this Winter

According to a WCBS statement, a single blood donation takes approximately 30 minutes. It can save up to three lives. Carli added that only a small percentage of eligible individuals donate regularly. This makes donor retention and consistency particularly important during high-risk periods such as winter.

“While winter often leads to a decline in blood donations, the hospital demand for blood remains constant.”

Be a Lifesaver

WCBS has now appealed to both existing donors and first-time donors to respond to the call to action by donating blood. The organisation has also asked them to commit to ongoing donations throughout the cold winter months. Carli says, by continuing to donate regularly, donors help WCBS maintain a stable and sufficient blood supply to meet ongoing hospital needs.

“The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is calling on the public to prioritise blood donation during winter, a time when supply is traditionally under strain.”

Charitable organisations

The new beneficiaries from May to August are:

“Philisa Abafazi Bethu Women’s Centre, supporting vulnerable women and children through empowerment programmes and essential services.

“St Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care, providing specialised medical care and rehabilitation for children with complex health conditions.

Blood donation centres

Donors are always welcome at blood donation centres across the Western Cape. Carli says, if you are between 16 and 75, weigh 50kg or more, are in good general health, and lead a safe sexual lifestyle, you should be able to donate. She has advised people to eat a substantial meal within three to four hours before visiting a clinic and to increase their fluid intake before, during, and after donation.

“Blood donation only takes 30 minutes of your time, and you can donate blood every 56 days,” Carli added.