Philippi is one of the largest townships in the Western Cape, and its history and progress is linked to apartheid policies. The area experiences substantial increases in numbers. In the last decade, the population is said to have doubled, with current estimates placing it at 350 000 people. As is the case in many South African townships; Philippi experiences severe degrees of poverty. There are high levels of unemployment and a high ratio of people living in collapsible ‘shacks’ as opposed to brick houses – often without adequate access to running water and toilets.
The community works hard to combat negative symptoms of poverty and unemployment, such as crime and gang related violence, alcoholism, drug abuse, and illnesses associated with insufficient health care and education such as HIV/AIDS and TB. Levels of crime are dangerous, with Philippi residents subject to one of the highest per capita rates for murder in the country.
Against this backdrop, iThemba Labantu strives to deliver excellent services in a warm and caring environment. Working in partnership with youth, job seekers and educators we aim to access the strengths and talents of our community to build a brighter future.
LIFE AT ITHEMBA
PHAKAMA PROJECT
Opportunities for Green Jobs in the Waste Sector: Waste as an Entry Point to Sustainable Development – View Project
RECENT NEWS
iThemba Labantu - Lutheran Community Centre
And we had visitors from Germany: former volunteer at iTL Nina, husband Tosh and baby Lukhanya and from Israel: Sabine and Shaul who sang a traditional song in Hebrew for us! What a blessed day!
Thank you for the interesting discussions and questions and - last but not least - for buying so many of our ceremic and bead work items!
