What are the opening hours?

Monday 08:00 - 16:30 Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30 Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30 Thursday 08:00 - 16:30 Friday 08:00 - 16:30

VPUU- Violence Prevention Through Urban Upgrading

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VPUU- Violence Prevention Through Urban Upgrading

VPUU is a multidisciplinary organization. Our mission is to create safe, sustainable neighbourhoods

VPUU is a comprehensive area-based community development programme that aims at safe and integrated communities, citizenship, pride and the improvement of quality of life for the residents in local neighbourhoods through urban improvements and social interventions. VPUU aims to overcome the different levels of economic, cultural, social, institutional and spatial exclusion, in order to reduce and

prevent crime. Based on a structured, participatory approach, the focus is on improving safety, providing public services, and developing social cohesion factors, community data and the willingness of the local community and other partners to cooperate in implementing a transformation programme, through facilitating processes between communities, government departments and other organisations. This is done through 5 programmatic, integrated components, known as ‘workstreams’, complimented by a multi-disciplinary team, at the core of the programme. These include: Situational, Social and Institutional Crime Prevention, Community Participation and Knowledge Management. The success of crime reduction and the improvement of quality of life lies in the interaction and integration of all these elements. The back end support of these workstreams includes Project Management, Executive Support Services as well as strategic direction from CEO and Directors.

09/06/2026

Our latest policy brief on the implications of a just urban transition for informal settlements is informed by engagements held with key human settlements stakeholders between 2025 and 2026. It summarises an urban reform agenda focused on climate resilience, livelihoods, governance, and investment in informal settlement upgrading. It outlines priority reforms in governance, funding, and implementation, and sets out specific actions and institutional commitments required from - and committed to by - key national government stakeholders, namely the Department of Human Settlements, National Treasury, Departments: Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and Operation Vulindlela.

The project was executed in partnership with the Cities Support Programme and supported by UK in South Africa. Read the policy brief to find out more: https://isandla.org.za/en/resources/item/download/435_3ded11df63eb9203fd3ed14551f62588

; Development Action Group Built Environment Support Group - BESG Planact People's Environmental Planning South African SDI Alliance Presidential Climate Commission VPUU- Violence Prevention Through Urban Upgrading

29/05/2026

Before & after transformation – Active Box, Lotus Park.

This space in Lotus Park was once underutilised and felt unsafe. With the introduction of an Active Box, it has been transformed into a well-lit, accessible and activated community space.

Active Boxes bring everyday use, visibility and life into an area, helping turn an overlooked space into one that supports movement, connection and safety.

What was once a gap in Lotus Park is now a place where people pass through and spend time with greater confidence.

Small, intentional design interventions can have a big impact on how people experience their environment.

Transformation starts with collaboration between communities, designers and local partners.

A big thank you to everyone involved in making this transformation possible.

25/05/2026

Thank you to all the parents who joined us on Saturday for a constructive and open discussion at Thandiswa Educare Centre.

We covered important topics affecting our children’s daily experience at the Centre, including school fees, the impact of late arrivals on routines and practical solutions to address the issue of stagnant dirty water in front of Thandiswa Educare Centre.

It was encouraging to see parents engage openly and work together with the Centre and VPUU to find practical, community-led solutions.

When we work together, our children benefit.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment.

22/05/2026

Once part of our team, now back to train as an ECD teacher – welcome home, Nothemba! 💛

At Thandiswa Educare Centre, seeing former team members return to grow and give back to the next generation is a proud moment for us all.

We’re also celebrating Lwaluhle Mngcele and Athabongile Gotywa – two bright young stars whose parents worked with us as Change Makers from July 2023 to April 2024.

Watching Lwaluhle and Athabongile learn, laugh and grow in the very same space their parents once called home reminds us what family truly means at Thandiswa Educare Centre.

A little piece of Thandiswa Educare Centre history lives on in our Book Corner. 📚✨

14/05/2026

At Thandiswa Educare LP, the children spent time creating heartfelt Mother’s Day cards – a cherished tradition that celebrates the special bond between mothers and their children. 💐💖

With plenty of creativity and thoughtfulness, the children carefully selected colours, designs and messages to show their love and appreciation for their mothers.

Activities like these not only encourage creativity, but also help children develop fine motor skills and learn how to express their emotions in meaningful ways.

A simple card can carry so much love, making Mother’s Day even more special for both mothers and their little ones. 🌸✨

11/05/2026

Through creative arts activities, children at Thandiswa Educare (LP) explored colour mixing and basic science concepts in a fun and engaging way.

These hands-on sessions also helped them build new vocabulary, develop critical thinking skills and practise important social skills such as patience and taking turns to share. 🌈🎨🧠

Creating safe spaces for learning, growth and creativity remains at the heart of community development. 💙

06/05/2026

Urban upgrading isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about safety, dignity and opportunity.

At VPUU, we work with communities to improve public spaces, making them safer and more accessible for everyone.

From lighting pathways to creating shared spaces, every upgrade helps reduce risk and build stronger communities.

What does a safe community mean to you?

01/05/2026

Happy Workers’ Day!

Today we recognise and celebrate the dedication, resilience and hard work of workers everywhere.

At VPUU, we acknowledge the people who show up every day – keeping communities, services and systems moving, and contributing in ways that often go unseen but are deeply felt.

Here’s to every worker who builds, supports, creates and cares.

Wishing you a restful and well-deserved day.

29/04/2026

Reflecting on a powerful GBV awareness programme. 💜

We recently hosted a meaningful gender-based Violence awareness programme, where community members came together to learn, share, and stand united against GBV. The session created a safe space for important conversations, education and empowerment.

We appreciate everyone who attended and contributed to making the event impactful. Together, we continue to raise awareness and promote a safer, more supportive community for all.

If you or someone you know needs support, remember that help is always available – we are here to assist.

14/04/2026

Spotlight on Gail Anders - VPUU's Operations Manager. ✨

With over 20 years of experience in operations, project coordination and strategic leadership, Gail Anders is a driving force behind the work at Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading NPC.

Holding qualifications in Food Service Management and Project Management from the University of Stellenbosch Business School, Gail brings a powerful blend of operational excellence and strategic thinking to everything she does.

At VPUU, she plays a key leadership role in ensuring programmes are not only well-designed but effectively delivered. From managing multi-disciplinary teams to aligning strategy with on-the-ground impact, Gail’s work helps drive meaningful, sustainable change in communities.

Her expertise spans financial administration, proposal development, stakeholder engagement and strategic planning – always with a focus on improving systems and enabling organisations to grow and perform at their best.

Beyond her professional achievements, Gail is a proud mom of two girls and finds joy in the outdoors – whether that’s hiking, exploring nature, going on safari or diving.

A results-driven leader with a collaborative spirit, Gail continues to play an important role in strengthening community-centered development and advancing the mission of VPUU. 🌱

Address

215 Lower Main Road
Cape Town
7925

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday	08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday	08:00 - 16:30
Thursday	08:00 - 16:30
Friday	08:00 - 16:30

Telephone

+27 (0)21 447 0086

Website

http://www.vpuu.org.za/

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