PRESS RELEASES
City of Cape Town promotes economic growth and development in Philippi
14 December 2018
The City of Cape Town Council today, 13 December 2018, approved funding support in the amount of R 2,6 million for the Philippi Economic Development Initiative(PEDI). This support will help PEDI continue with their catalytic programmes to promote economic growth and development in the area. It will also help unlock opportunities in the Philippi area and strengthen community partnerships with the City of Cape Town.
PEDI, a non-profit company established in 1998 by the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Provincial Government and community-based organisations, will enter into an extended Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the City of Cape Town for one year. As part of the MOA, PEDI will be tasked to develop a number of management and governance scenarios for the area which will allow the City to optimise development and economic growth.
For the past few years, PEDI, as part of its mandate from the City, has emerged as a critical player in the urban agricultural sector through activating portions of land in Philippi for urban agricultural usage.
According to Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, approval of this financial support will allow PEDI to continue with its positive contribution to the Philippi area. The City also has the responsibility to create economic opportunities in the urban agricultural sector and to ensure that programmes are aligned with economic growth indicators.
Furthermore, it will empower PEDI to build on the work that started in the three previous financial years. An additional mandate has been approved to research and develop a comprehensive feasibility study related to the remaining portions of the site that are reserved for long-term mixed-use transit-oriented development projects. As the site is an integral part of the PEDI footprint, all indications are that it may be used for urban agriculture in the short to medium term. This will, in turn, create additional job opportunities for the local community.
The extension of PEDI’s work and the potential incorporation of additional agricultural production under its management supports the City’s commitment to the original vision for PEDI and the Philippi fresh produce market enterprise. The City, through PEDI, will continue to promote the trading of organic produce and to facilitate market access as well as develop emerging and urban farmer supply channels.
In addition to the above initiatives, the City will continue with the development of an urban agricultural academy in Philippi.
‘This partnership shows that the City is serious about leveraging its assets to ensure economic development as it will be a stimulus for the formal and informal business sectors in the area.’
‘I am pleased that Council has approved the funding which will enable PEDI to fully explore the possibilities of economic growth and development for our existing and emerging farmers. Additionally, it will provide opportunities for business and skills development,’ added Alderman Vos.
