iThemba Labantu - What we do

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.