Philippi Village

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Philippi Village
View from Philippi Village over Browns Farm
General information
Construction started2015
Completed2017
Opened2017
Design and construction
ArchitectRLR Architects
DeveloperBertha Foundation, CCDI, The Business Place Philippi
Website
philippivillage.co.za

Philippi Village is a mixed‑use social enterprise and community development hub in Philippi, Cape Flats, in Cape Town, South Africa.[1] The Village provides shared workspaces, business incubation, community infrastructure, education, and recreational facilities, aiming to support local economic development and social cohesion.[2]

History and Development

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Philippi Village was developed on a site that formerly housed a cement factory and underutilised industrial land[3] and headed by Bushra Razack, the CEO.[4] In November 2025, the organisation appointed Simphiwe Nikani as the new Chief Executive Officer.[5]

Its establishment involved a partnership between The Business Place Philippi, the Bertha Foundation, and the Cape Craft + Design Institute (CCDI).[6] The project received a capital investment of approximately R80 million, sourced from the Bertha Foundation and the Jobs Fund.

Mission and Objectives

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The mission of Philippi Village is to co-create a safe and vibrant space that connects the Philippi community and surroundings to necessary services, employment and educational opportunities, and cultural activities.[7][8]

The Village supports micro and small enterprises through affordable rental of offices, workshops, and container-based workspaces, paired with mentorship and business development support.[9] It also provides community assets such as an amphitheater, library, and green open spaces to strengthen social infrastructure and civic life.[10][11]

Facilities

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  • Container Walk: repurposed shipping containers for offices, studios, and retail.[12][13]
  • Film Studio: production studio for local and international projects.[14]  
  • Amphitheater: an outdoor venue for performances, markets, and events.  
  • Sports Facilities: soccer pitch, BMX track, skate park,running course.  
  • Education & Innovation: University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (GSB) Solution Space.[15]
  • eCentre: public internet access and digital skills training.[16]
  • Green and Community Spaces: landscaped public areas and urban greening projects.[17]

Urban Planning and Community Engagement

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Philippi Village employs participatory and design-led planning, emphasizing placemaking, community inclusion, and walkable infrastructure.[18] Through negotiated “conscious contracts” with local informal settlements ensured employment opportunities and access to facilities.[19] Philippi Village sits within the Philippi Horticultural Area (PHA), a site of urban development pressure, land rights debates, and food security concerns.[20][21]

Academic studies also highlight the role of informal production and township economies in shaping Philippi's urban landscape.

Impact

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Philippi Village is cited as a model for inclusive urban regeneration, supporting entrepreneurship, youth programs, and community engagement.[22] Greening initiatives by organizations like Greenpop improve ecological sustainability and community well-being.[23]

Awards

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In 2024, Philippi Village received the Best Social Enterprise in Africa Award at the Forty under 40 at an award ceremony held in Nairobi, Kenya.[24][25]

References

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  1. ^ "Climate Stories: Philippi Village". Bertha Foundation. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  2. ^ Talk, Tech (14 October 2022). "PHILIPPI VILLAGE: A SUSTAINABLE MODEL TO HELP DRIVE TOWNSHIP ECONOMIES". Tech Talk. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  3. ^ "PHILIPPI VILLAGE Phillipi". Sujean Property Investments. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  4. ^ "Bertha Centre". gsbberthacentre.uct.ac.za. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  5. ^ Phiri, Eric (15 November 2025). "Cape Town's Philippi Village strengthens leadership for sustainable growth". STOKVEL TALK. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
  6. ^ https://www.thecdi.org.za/news/260845/A-vibrant-hub-for-small-businesses-in-the-heart-of-Philippi.htm  
  7. ^ "Philippi village – An integrated community development hub in Philippi, South Africa". Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  8. ^ "Philippi Village Project: Empowering local entrepreneurs and creating jobs". Cape Town ETC. 9 April 2023. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  9. ^ https://www.thecdi.org.za/news/260845/A-vibrant-hub-for-small-businesses-in-the-heart-of-Philippi.htm
  10. ^ Robertson, Klara. "This Cape Town 'village' hub on reimagined land gives township entrepreneurs a chance". News24. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  11. ^ "Innovation and growth in Cape Town's Philippi Village - Property24". www.property24.com. Archived from the original on 5 August 2024. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  12. ^ "Philippi Container Walk | Rossouw Le Roux Architects". RLR Architects. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  13. ^ Gontsana, By Mary-Anne (16 May 2016). "More shops for Philippi Village". GroundUp News. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  14. ^ "Philippi Village | Stills | TVC | Film location". Shoot My House. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  15. ^ Dlamini, Thabiso (27 July 2017). "UCT launches GSB Solution Space in Philippi Village". Transform SA - The leading Transformation Magazine. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  16. ^ "Philippi Village WCG eCentre | Western Cape Government". www.westerncape.gov.za. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  17. ^ Greenpop (16 July 2025). "The Intersection of Community and Conservation: Transforming Philippi Village Through Urban Greening". Greenpop. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  18. ^ Gontsana, By Mary-Anne (16 May 2016). "More shops for Philippi Village". GroundUp News. Retrieved 20 November 2025.
  19. ^ Robertson, Klara. "This Cape Town 'village' hub on reimagined land gives township entrepreneurs a chance". News24. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  20. ^ "Wayback Machine". journals.ufs.ac.za. Archived from the original on 4 March 2021. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  21. ^ "Philippi Horticultural Area". Nexusing Water, Energy and Food to Increase Resilience in the Cape Town Metropolitan Area. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  22. ^ Dlamini, Thabiso (27 July 2017). "UCT launches GSB Solution Space in Philippi Village". Transform SA - The leading Transformation Magazine. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  23. ^ Greenpop (16 July 2025). "The Intersection of Community and Conservation: Transforming Philippi Village Through Urban Greening". Greenpop. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  24. ^ "Profile". UCT Graduate School of Business. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
  25. ^ Gierdien, Tasleem. "Bushra Razack, Philippi Village CEO, wins 'Forty Under 40 Africa' award in Kenya". EWN. Retrieved 19 November 2025.