In a township where dreams are often buried under the weight of poverty and violence, Bushra Razack has built a team that has spent almost a decade quietly rewriting what’s possible. She is the leader who turned a disused cement factory into Philippi Village, a thriving hub for business, culture, and community. Simply calling her a visionary misses the grit, courage, and relentless commitment that define her.
When she began the journey, danger was a daily rhythm. She survived a hijacking attempt with her son, was shot at multiple times, and endured over a dozen smash-and-grab robberies on her way to and from work. She steered the Village through Covid, devastating floods in 2022, a fire in 2024, and the disruptions of taxi riots, extortion challenges and attempted land occupations. All the while Razack ensured that the entrepreneurs, creatives, and community members who depended on the space could continue their work in a place of safety, without interruption.
Despite the risks, Razack kept returning. Year after year. Not because she had to, but because she believed in the people, in collective possibility, and in the mission that called her.
Why risk so much?
Philippi Village became her response to systemic failure, a space where dignity, creativity, safety, and opportunity could coexist. Under her stewardship, it became inclusive, ambitious, and grounded in community ownership.
Transformation begins at the perimeter
From the outset, Razack demonstrated her commitment to community listening and collaboration. Using Philippi Village’s proximity to community challenges she was in a position formulate solutions with the community. In her first week at Philippi Village, she encountered residents repeatedly attempting to pull down the newly built perimeter wall. Rather than respond with force, she chose to engage directly. Through conversations with community members, she learned that the open field surrounding the Village functioned as the only available ablution space for many households who lacked access to toilets. The wall, therefore, represented a barrier to a basic necessity.
A village that works
Under Razack’s leadership, Philippi Village grew into a thriving ecosystem. Between March and August 2025 alone, it supported:
- 73 permanent jobs;
- 193 temporary posts;
- Over 120 businesses.
Every year, more than 8,000 community members engage with its programmes in education, entrepreneurship, sports, arts, safety, and environmental action. During her time at Philippi Village, she has successfully established a host of facilities including a BMX pump track, pop up cinema, sound studio, micro farm, community kitchen and a sewing school.
Influence beyond the Cape Flats
Razack’s impact extends far beyond Cape Town. She has worked across Africa, the UK, and Europe through partnerships with global organisations including:
- Standard Chartered Bank
- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA)
- Right to Sight International
In 2023, she hosted a delegation during the state visit of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, using the opportunity to showcase Philippi Village as a model of community-led urban regeneration.
Recognition and accolades
Razack has been consistently honoured for her leadership and innovation, including:
- The Young Independents – Mzansi’s 100 (Healer category), 2017 & 2018
- Power of Woman Award – Innovation Woman 2018
- 40 Under 40 Africa Awards (Winner in the Social Innovation Category), 2024
- Este Lauder’s Vital Visionaries Programme – Global Female Leaders, 10th Cohort
- Three Cities Leadership Forum – Cape Town Emerging Leader, 2024
A new chapter, same commitment
Now stepping into a new chapter as a Non-Executive Board Member, Razack continues to guide Philippi Village while mentoring the next generation of leaders. Beyond the Village, she serves as:
- Non-Executive Board Member, Boschedal Wine Estate
- Trustee, Be The Earth
- Steering Committee Member, Bertha Centre for Social Innovation
- Non-Executive Board Member, Heartshine Foundation
- Lead Advisor on Social Strategy and Impact for a private Family Office in South Africa
Through these roles, she continues to champion social innovation, community development, and ethical leadership across sectors.
Bushra Razack did more than build a Village
She built hope, resilience, and possibility — proving that even amid poverty, gangsterism, and systemic challenges, one committed leader and meaningful community dialogue can transform a community.
Her journey is a testament to quiet resilience, persistent optimism, and the transformative power of empathy-led leadership.
About Philippi Village
Philippi Village is an integrated, mixed-use development located in the historic township of Philippi, in Cape Town’s Cape Flats. The precinct is home to a diverse community of entrepreneurs and small business owners, alongside sporting, educational, and cultural facilities. Its retail area — built from over 120 upcycled shipping containers — offers a unique and sustainable shopping experience, featuring exhibitions from local artists and designers who gain access to new commercial opportunities. Regarded as a township business catalyst, Philippi Village provides collaborative workspaces, skills development, and holistic training to help small and micro business owners grow, while offering a vibrant and safe space for social engagement. Philippi itself is known for its agricultural sector and diverse community, and Philippi Village has become a hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive economic development in the area.
Philippi village – An integrated community development hub in Philippi, South Africa
The post From breaking down walls to community building on the Cape Flats Bushra Razack’s journey of grit and grace appeared first on The Home Of Great South African News.
In a township where dreams are often buried under the weight of poverty and violence, Bushra Razack has built a team that has spent almost a decade quietly rewriting what’s possible. She is the leader who turned a disused cement factory into Philippi Village, a thriving hub for business, culture, and community. Simply calling her a
The post From breaking down walls to community building on the Cape Flats Bushra Razack’s journey of grit and grace appeared first on The Home Of Great South African News. Read More
