Philippi, Cape Town

Philippi at a glance

Philippi is a large, historically significant township located in the Cape Flats region of Cape Town. Philippi plays a vital role in the agricultural and economic landscape of Cape Town, while also being home to a diverse population with a rich history.

Lifestyle - A Community Forging Ahead

Life in Philippi is marked by a strong sense of community and resilience. Despite the socio-economic challenges, residents exhibit a spirit of self-reliance and actively work towards improving their environment. The area is a hub of informal businesses and entrepreneurial activity, reflecting the drive and determination of its people.

Phillipi is home to small-scale farms that produce around 80 percent of Cape Town’s vegetables (100 000 tonnes annually), despite the immense residential growth and the pressure for space. Known as The Philippi Horticultural Area (PHA), this farming area plays a critical role in the city’s food security. But it finds itself amid a serious battle to maintain its hold on the land. The farmers, for whom the vegetables are a means of income (sold to local supermarkets and to households on The Flats) are campaigning to have their produce recognised as ‘local’ and branded in shops, to create awareness. In the PHA is the only remaining uncovered section of the Cape Flats Aquifer - a 630 square kilometre underground water system, most of which is covered by tar and concrete.

History of Philippi

The nomadic Khoi pastoralists once used the land for grazing their animals and hunting for food. The first community of local residents was recorded in 1833 during which time it was known as "Die Duine" (The Dunes). The settlement of Springfield was established sometime before December 1896, and in August 1898 its name was changed to Philippi. Philippi is one of Cape Town’s Townships formed, in the 1980s, at more-or-less the same time as Khayelitsha and Delft. It lies sandwiched between Ottery, Hanover Park, Grassy Park, Mitchells Plain and Manenberg on what is known as The Cape Flats.

The Philippi Germans arrived in Cape Town in three groups between 1860 and 1883, and became known for their ability to grow vegetables in the sandy soils of the Cape Flats

The history of Philippi is intertwined with the broader history of forced removals and the establishment of townships during the apartheid era. The area was developed to house people who were displaced from other parts of Cape Town. As resistance to apartheid grew in the 1980s, Philippi increasingly became a place of refuge from the political unrest in the former homelands.

Over time, Philippi has grown into a large and complex community, facing challenges related to infrastructure, housing, and service delivery. Despite these hurdles, Philippi has a rich history of community activism and resilience, with residents actively participating in shaping their future.

Location - Accessibility

Philippi is situated in the central part of the Cape Flats, east of the Cape Town’s city centre. It is bordered by other townships and industrial areas and lies sandwiched between Ottery, Hanover Park, Grassy Park, Mitchells Plain and Manenberg on what is known as The Cape Flats.

While not directly on major transport routes, Philippi is accessible via various roads and public transport options, including buses and taxis. Its central location makes it a significant hub for commuters and workers traveling to and from different parts of the city.

Philippi’s train stations are being upgraded and PRASA has extended the Cape Town to Mandalay “blue train” services on the Central Line to Nolungile station – which has provided Phillippi residents access to these affordable and efficient services at the Phillippi stations since September 2024.

The MyCiTi public transport network are also being expanded. This major upgrading phase of MyCiTi – known as Phase 2A – is currently underway in the most densely populated part of Cape Town. A major transport corridor will link town centres in Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain with Claremont and Wynberg, and Phillipi forms part of that route. Of the 16 routes criss-crossing the city of Cape Town, no fewer than seven are scheduled to go through the heart of Philippi.

Climate

Philippi shares Cape Town's Mediterranean climate, experiencing warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The area can be subject to the strong winds prevalent in the Cape Flats.

Schools

Philippi has several schools catering to different age groups. These include primary and secondary schools, serving the local community and providing educational opportunities for its youth.

Philippi Childrens Centre – Pre-School Education,

• Primary Schools : Vukani Primary School , Bongolethu Primary School , Zanemfundo Primary School , Masivuke Primary School , Heinz Park Primary School , Weltevreden Valley Core Primary School , Siyazakha Primary School
• High Schools :  Philippi High School , Vuyiseka Secondary School , Phakama Secndary School , Sinethemba High School , Sophumelela Secondary School ,  Intsebenziswano Senior Secondary School ,

Healthcare Availability

Access to healthcare is a significant focus in Philippi. The area has clinics and healthcare facilities providing essential services to residents. Efforts are continuously being made to improve healthcare access and address the specific health needs of the community.

• State Medical Care : Philippi Clinic, Mitchells Plain Hospital, (aligned with the UCT’s medical school) ,  Phumlani Clinic, Weltevrede Valley Clinic , Brown Farm (Inzame Zabanthu) Community Health
• Private Medical Care : Netclinic Watergate, Renalmed Watergate Dialysis, Elaco Pathology, Melomed Gatesville Private Hospital

Shopping Convenience

Philippi offers a mix of shopping options, ranging from informal traders and small local shops to larger retail outlets and shopping centres located on the periphery of the area. These provide residents with access to groceries, clothing, and other essential goods.

The most comprehensive shopping experience is at The Junxion Mall , a brand new Community Shopping Centre offering convenient shopping hours and a wide range of retail stores, such as Pick & Pay, Boxer, Mr Price, Ackermans, Clicks, Pep Clothing, Markhams etc., banks (ABSA, Capitec, Nedbank, Standard Bank and FNB) and also restaurants and take-away food outlets such as Fisc Co, Pedros Chicken, McDonalds, King Pie, Portuguese Fast Food, Debonairs Pizza and Fish & Fries.

Philippi Village is an old cement factory in Philippi has been given new life, re-purposed into an entrepreneurial and recreational/retail hub with office and event space as well as sporting, educational and cultural facilities – including a state-of-the-art film studio that caters for film production, photoshoots and stills for national and international clients. Retail stores include The Department of Coffee coffee shop, 2nd Take Clothing, Afri-Can Cafe, Ethical Co-Op, Haute Couture Dressmaking, Luv Hair Salon and others.

Philippi Shopping Centre is a very busy Centre situated on Lansdowne Road with anchor tenants such as Shoprite, Cash Build, Ackermans, Shoprite Liquor, Hollard, PEP, Post Office and World Sports Betting.

Restaurants + Coffee Shops

While not known for high-end dining, Philippi has a variety of local eateries and takeaway spots that cater to the community's tastes. These establishments offer a taste of local cuisine and provide social spaces for residents.

Eateries: C-Grill House , Taste Lovers Chicken

Coffee shops : Gangstar Café, Phunga Café,

Things To Do – Philippi Attractions

1. Philippi Horticultural Area: This large agricultural area within Philippi plays a crucial role in supplying fresh produce to Cape Town. While not a typical tourist attraction, it offers a glimpse into the agricultural heart of the city and the importance of urban farming.
2. Community Events and Markets: Philippi is a vibrant community, and there are often local events, markets, and gatherings that offer a chance to experience the area's culture and spirit.
3. Educational and Development Initiatives: Various organizations and initiatives operate in Philippi, focusing on community development, education, and empowerment. Visitors interested in social issues and development can learn about these projects.
4. Art and Cultural Expressions: Philippi is home to artists and cultural groups who express their creativity through various mediums. Exploring local art initiatives can provide a unique perspective on the area.

Residential Property Market

Property options in Philippi are diverse, ranging from older established homes, smallholdings, and farms, to more recently developed housing projects, reflecting the area's ongoing evolution.

There are 6 areas within Phillipi – Schaapkraal, Phillipi East, Brown’s Farm, Knole Park, Heinz Park and Highlands Estate (includes Springfield).

Philippi Residential Property Sales 2024

147 Residential and agricultural properties sold in Philippi during 2024 – at a total value of R99 492 497. Only 1 sectional title (apartment) property, 15 vacant land (plots) and 10 agricultural properties sold during 2024.

121 Houses sold in Philippi during 2024.

The total property sales during 2024, in the 6 areas of Philippi, was:

1. Brown’s farm          – 35 sales  – Total Value R10 138 665 – Average price R289 676 (Full title)

2. Heinz Park             –    4 sales  – Total Value  R    921 000 – Average price R230 250 (Full title)

3. Highlands Estate  –   15 sales  – Total Value  R28 301 119  

4. Knole Park              –   4 sales  – Total Value  R 3 825 000 

5. Philippi East        –    74 sales – Total Value  R28 553 713 

6. Schaapkraal         -    14 sales – Total Value  R27 750 000   

Contact a local CCH member agent today to explore property opportunities in Philippi and learn more about the community.