Cape Town’s Philippi Village marks ten years of impact while strengthening leadership to support long-term sustainability and growth.
This milestone coincides with the transition of long-serving Chief Executive Officer Bushra Razack into a mentorship role and her appointment to the organisation’s advisory board. Former General Manager Simphiwe Nikani has been named the new Chief Executive Officer.
A decade of transformation in Philippi
Razack’s tenure reshaped an old cement factory in one of South Africa’s most economically challenged townships into a thriving community hub. Under her leadership, Philippi Village became a safe and inclusive space where entrepreneurs grow, creativity flourishes, and sport and recreation remain accessible to the wider community.
Her work delivered one of South Africa’s most recognised models of inclusive urban regeneration. According to the 2024 Impact Report, Philippi Village now hosts more than 120 businesses. The organisation employs 73 permanent staff members and 193 temporary employees, while engaging with around 8,400 community members each year through education, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, safety, and community-focused initiatives.
Building local capacity and sustainable teams
Growth has remained people-centred. In 2019, Philippi Village operated with a core team of five. By 2025, this doubled to ten, supported by 15 Space Activators, 10 caretaking staff, and three interns. This expansion reflects a commitment to developing local talent and strengthening operational resilience.
The values behind the vision
The Village’s success emerged through years of sustained effort and a strong sense of social responsibility.
“What drew me to Philippi Village was the audacity of the idea,” says Razack. “The opportunity to challenge conventional thinking about township development through dignity, creativity, and partnership.”
Five defining leadership milestones
Reflecting on her tenure, Razack identified five career highlights.
The first focused on laying foundations. This phase centred on partnerships, renovating the cement factory, and establishing systems guided by community voices and needs.
The second involved creating an ecosystem beyond a landlord model. Trust-building, cross-sector collaboration, and local problem-solving attracted small businesses, social enterprises, and NGOs, forming a vibrant community.
Third came growing recognition. Razack’s recent invitation to Sweden led to her collaboration with municipalities on community-led development, sharing insights from the Philippi Village model on an international stage.
The fourth phase involved navigating complex challenges. These included extortion attempts, protests, taxi strikes, and a hijacking. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Village served as a support hub, providing food relief, Wi-Fi access, mental health services, and safe spaces.
The final focus centred on the future. “My recent work focuses on sustainability, succession, and partnerships to keep Philippi Village strong and connected,” Razack explains.
Leadership transition with continuity
After nearly ten years, Razack hands leadership to Nikani, who joined Philippi Village as Facilities and Maintenance Manager before progressing to General Manager.
“I am proud to hand over to Simphiwe,” says Razack. “He has grown with the organisation and understands every layer of this journey.”
Nikani acknowledges the foundation laid before him. “Philippi Village stands as it does because of Bushra’s courage, imagination, and belief in this community. Everything we build next rests on that work.”
Nikani steps into the role with Razack’s ongoing support through mentorship and her advisory board position, ensuring continuity of values and vision.
About Philippi Village
Philippi Village is an integrated, mixed-use development in the historic township of Philippi on Cape Town’s Cape Flats. The precinct supports entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community members through workspaces, skills development, and training.
Its retail area, built from more than 120 upcycled shipping containers, offers a sustainable shopping experience and an exhibition space for local artists and designers. Widely regarded as a township business catalyst, Philippi Village plays a key role in entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive economic development in the area.
