Towns and suburbs

Philippi

Philippi, located in the Cape Flats of Cape Town, is known for its horticultural farms, thriving local communities, and easy access to nearby suburbs. Get practical info on schools, transport, and what makes this area unique.

philippi

Philippi is a suburb in the Cape Flats region of Cape Town, situated southeast of the city centre. It is known for its agricultural activities, particularly the Philippi Horticultural Area, which produces vegetables and flowers for local markets. The area is largely residential, with informal settlements and established communities. Key features include schools, small businesses, and transport links connecting Philippi to surrounding suburbs such as Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, and Lotus River

History of Philippi

The area was originally grazing land used by the Khoisan peoples and was among the first areas where the Dutch settlers encountered them. Currently, it is a large township that is sparsely populated and consists of small, fairly rural holdings and farms. It was predominantly used as grazing for Farms in the area. Today, it is still home to small-scale Farms that produce around 80 per cent of Cape Town’s vegetables.

The Cape Aquifer

German immigrants arrived between 1860 and 1883. When the area was previously called Springfield or “Die Duine” (The Dunes), the name was later changed to Philippi. These settlers quickly learned to grow vegetables in the extreme weather conditions and sandy soil on the Cape Flats. The area is atop The Cape Aquifer, a 630 square kilometre underground water system which enables farmers to grow multiple crop cycles.

The postal codes are 7750 (streets) and 7781 (boxes)

Transport

Philippi is served by Metrorail,  Golden Arrow Bus Services, and minibus taxis. See linked pages for details. Other options for getting around the Western Cape.

Things to see and do in Philippi

Resources

Practical information for the Western Cape, Regulations, permits and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide

local WEATHER TODAY

Browse businesses and places to visit in Philippi

 

Useful Numbers

Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities

  • Emergency Services

  • Police: Philippi East Police Station – 021 370 1903
  • Saps -021 690 1500
  • Fire: Mitchell’s Plain Fire Station-021 444 3085
  • Ambulance:10177

  • Medical

  • Clinic-Animal Welfare Society of Sa021 692 2626
  • Pharmacy;Clicks Pharmacy – Watergate-021 371 0653

  • Municipal & Utilities

  • Water: 0860 103 089
  • Electricity: 0860 103 089

  • Transport & Roads

  • Traffic department: 021 370 1531
  • Road Emergencies / SANRAL: 0800 204 204

  • Community & Safety

  • Childline-116
  • 24-hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape:  0861 555 777.
  • NSRI 087 094 9774
  • SPCA: Animal Welfare Society of Sa -021 692 2626

  • Local Contacts and Community Resources 

  • Library: Philippi East Public Library-021 444 6952
  • Post office; 021 590 5617
  • Philippi East sports centre: 021 372 4506

  • Schools in Philippi

  • : Entshona Primary School 021 371 5543
  • Philippi High School-071 945 2263
  • Sinethemba High School-084 697 1177
  • Bongolethu Primary School-044 274 923
  • Mzamomhle Primary School-021 901 0008
  • Zanemfundo Primary School-021 023 0883
  • Vuyiseka Secondary School-061 120
  • Klipfontein Met Primary-021 370 0161
  • Find a comprehensive list of Cape Town Emergency numbers HERE

Other Cape Flats towns and suburbs include: Athlone; Atlantis; Belhar; Blue Downs; Crawford; Eerste Rivier; Epping;  Grassy park; Hanover Park; Khayalitsha; Kuils River; Langa; Lansdowne; Lotus river; Macassar; Mannenberg; Mitchells Plain; Nyanga; and Ottery;

 

  • Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
    Learn more about the project HERE

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