Philippi Village, a state-of-the-art smart centre that has been transforming the lives of communities in the Philippi area of Cape Town, has been awarded a 3-star grading by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA).
The TGCSA is the only officially recognised quality assurance body for tourism products in South Africa with a mandate to maintain and increase the standards and quality of tourism services, facilities and products. Quality assurance plays a critical role in the attractiveness of tourism facilities and destinations for both international and local consumers, as well as increasing the competitiveness of tourism products in the marketplace.
A TGCSA grading enjoys global recognition and is awarded only once an independent quality assessment has been completed and approved. The intention behind the grading is to help travellers and visitors know what to expect from establishments and facilities.
Marshe Abrahams, an Accredited Independent Assessor for TGCSA revealed that the council is committed to boosting unexplored and hidden tourism destinations like Philippi Village in South Africa’s villages, small towns and ‘dorpies’. The TGCSA’s villages, townships and small ‘dorpies’ (VTSDs) programme aims to ensure that tourism products adhere to the standard and quality that consumers have come to expect from TGCSA’s star grading system.
“We are delighted to award Philippi Village a 3-star grading, particularly as the work that Philippi Village is doing is very impressive and forward thinking,” says Abrahams. “As the Tourism Grading Council, we aim to promote all of Cape Town’s attractions and not only the ones situated in the city centre or the winelands. In the weeks and months ahead the council will be working with Philippi Village to investigate what improvements can be made to achieve a 4 or even 5 star grading in the future.”
Philippi Village is a distinct integrated community development hub and home to a diverse group of entrepreneurs and small business owners who utilise its safe collaborative workspaces daily. Situated on the site of an old cement factory, Philippi Village has transformed the site into a flourishing hub with office, retail and event space, as well as sporting, educational and cultural facilities and which has become a business catalyst for surrounding communities in the Cape Flats area.
A sought-after destination for photoshoots and film productions for both local and international clients, films and series shot at Philippi Village include Maze Runner, Resident Evil, Our Girl (series 2), Nkululeko, a local drama series by Mzansi Magic and adverts for Adidas and Jameson. Fashion houses, including TFG Group and Dunns, have also made use of Philippi Village’s facilities.
The trailblazing facility is fully equipped with high-speed internet and facilities include an amphitheatre, cutting-edge smart classrooms, a skate park, a veggie farm, as well as a bike and running track.
Philippi Village recently hosted Belgium King Philippe and Queen Mathilde who officially re-opened an 11 a-side football field, revamped with donations from the Belgian Chamber of Commerce.
The brainchild of philanthropic investors, the Bertha Foundation and The Business Place Philippi, the hub is breaking down the spatial divides so typical of South African townships. By their very nature, townships were never intended to become flourishing economic centres. As a result, most have high rates of unemployment, challenges with access to basic services and high rates of crime. Philippi, one of Cape Town’s most neglected townships, was no exception to this trend.
Working closely with its partners, Philippi Village is working to change the township narrative and create a safe and collaborative space. The hub has designed programmes and spaces that are relevant for the surrounding community. In addition to implementing a number of social responsibility projects and community outreach projects, it has been instrumental in promoting digital literacy programmes for young girls and women in the area and is working to support entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.
The success of Philippi Village can in large part be attributed to the visionary leadership of CEO Bushra Razack who saw an opportunity to use proximity to challenges as a way to reimagine creative solutions and create something magical, in the process transforming lives and creating opportunities for those in the community.
“I’m thrilled to have received this recognition from TGCSA which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team who are committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for entrepreneurs, small business owners and members of the community,” says Razack. “I’m also very excited to see where this opportunity will lead.”
Revealing that she is proud of the positive impact that Philippi Village has had on the Philippi area, Razack says the team remains committed to a vision of transforming lives and creating opportunities for those in the community and in the greater Cape Town region.
There are many exceptional attractions and offerings beyond the conventional gems in Cape Town, and now Philippi Village has been recognised as one of them.
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