Marking the end of a remarkable tenure, long-serving Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bushra Razack is transitioning into a mentorship role and joining the advisory board of Philippi Village—the pioneering community hub and business catalyst in the Cape Flats. The organisation’s former General Manager, Simphiwe Nikani, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer. Outgoing CEO Bushra Razack defied the odds by transforming an old cement factory, in arguably one of the poorest townships in South Africa, into a safe space where entrepreneurs flourish, creativity abounds and sport and recreation are accessible to the broader community. During her almost decade long tenure, Razack has implemented one of South Africa’s most recognised models of inclusive urban regeneration. Philippi Village, as highlighted in its 2024 Impact Report, now
accommodates more than 1,200 businesses. The Village also provides employment for a total of 36 permanent staff members and 149 temporary employees. The Village also interacts with approximately 8,400 community members annually. Its reach is made possible through a diverse portfolio of programmes, services, and strategic partnerships These initiatives encompass: education, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, safety, and other community-driven projects. In 2019, Philippi Village operated with a core team of just five members. By 2025, the organisation had doubled its core team to ten, and expanded its support staff threefold, now including 15 Space Activators, 10 Caretaking Department staff, and three interns. This growth reflects Philippi Village’s commitment to building local talent and ensuring the sustainability of its operations as it continues to serve and empower the community.
However, the success of Philippi Village did not materialise overnight; it took years of hard work, visionary perspectives on social development and a strong sense of duty to South Africa —something Razack holds dear. Razack explains, “What drew me toward the prospect of being involved in the inception of Philippi Village was the audacity of it, the chance to build something that challenged conventional thinking about township development. I believed deeply that regeneration could be done differently — through
dignity, creativity, and partnership.”
Reflecting on her tenure as the CEO of Philippi Village, Razack identified five key highlights of her career in chronological order. The first was laying the foundation for the establishment of Philippi, which involved turning her vision into a reality. Razack recounts, “It was all about establishing partnerships, renovating the old cement factory, and setting up systems that would carry the organisation forward.”
Razack’s initial work focused on the community, allowing local voices and needs to guide the development of the Village.
The second was creating an ecosystem that went beyond the traditional landlord model. This meant building trust, cultivating cross-sector relationships, and using the Village’s proximity to real challenges to reimagine what inclusive, locally driven development could look like. “As we grew, we began attracting small businesses, social enterprises, and NGOs — creating the energy and sense of community that gave life to the Village,” says Razack.
The third highlight was growing the recognition of the Village locally and internationally. A case in point is Razack’s recent invite to Sweden where she was part of a cohort that collaborated with Swedish municipalities on community-led development. Here Razack had the opportunity to share insights from the Philippi Village model — something she says she could never have imagined.
Fourth, Razack’s leadership was shaped by navigating tough challenges, from attempted extortion and protests to taxi strikes and a hijacking, giving her deeper insight into Philippi Village’s socio-economic challenges and ecosystem. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she and her team transformed the Village into a community support hub, providing food relief, Wi-Fi, mental health care, and safe spaces, demonstrating resilience and solidarity.
Finally, Razack focused on building for the future. “My recent work centers on sustainability, succession, and community partnerships to ensure Philippi Village stays strong and connected for the future,” says Razack. Whilst Razack has built her own ‘village’ with her colleagues, her career growth and next chapter are perfectly set up to begin.
After almost ten years, Razack is now taking a new turn in her career, by handing over the baton to Nikani. An Architectural Technician by trade, Nikani started his tenure at Philippi Village as the Facilities and Maintenance Manager and then moved up the ranks to General Manager. According to Razack, “I’m especially proud because I am handing over to Simphiwe, who has been with me through every step of this journey. I have watched him grow, learn, and shine — stepping into operational leadership, then becoming the General Manager, and now the incoming CEO.”
Nikani expressed his gratitude and commitment to continuing the Village’s mission, “The work that Bushra has led for almost a decade is truly foundational to Philippi Village, not only in the sense of what lies beneath, but in the very character of what people can see and feel today. Philippi Village stands as it does because of her courage, her imagination, and her deep belief in this community. Foundations are not
hidden work; they are enduring work. Everything we build going forward will stands on the strength of what she has already built.” Nikani will provide continuity as he takes over and will also be continually supported by Razack in a mentorship capacity. Razack will also serve on the Advisory Board of Philippi Village ensuring her ethos remains and her achievements set the stage for future success and development.
