Bushra Razack, Philippi Village CEO, wins 'Forty Under 40 Africa' award in Kenya

Clarence Ford speaks to Bushra Razack, Philippi Village CEO, about this phenomenal feat. 

Held on 30 March in Kenya's capitol Nairobi, the award ceremony honoured the continent's most influential young business leaders under the age of 40, across various industries.

After careful evaluation by a panel of prominent African business and thought leaders, Razack emerged as the winner in the highly competitive category of Best Leader in a Social Enterprise.

With Razack at the helm of Philippi Village, the project has become a beacon of hope for under-resourced communities, and a model for social enterprises across the continent.

Clarence Ford hails Razack as somebody who 'brings light' and 'transformation' to beleagured areas.

Started in an abandoned cement factory, Philippi Village has grown into an integrated, mixed-use business development hub. 

It's home to a diverse community of entrepreneurs, small and micro-business owners, which includes retail, office and event space, while also housing sporting, education and cultural facilities. 

Regarded as a business catalyst for township communities on the Cape Flats, Philippi Village’s primary focus is providing collaborative workspaces, and creating employment opportunities.

The village also aims to upskill local community members, amid a vibrant and safe place for social engagement.

"Social entrepreneurship is increasingly important in South Africa's economy. The country faces so many social injustices, environmental issues. Social entrepreneurs have such an opportunity to start businesses that center the most affected in their design. It's a great opportunity to effect change in a relevant way. It's not always the easiest approach or thing to do, but I didn't feel like I had any other option."

- Bushra Razack, CEO - Philippi Village

"When we connect community with opportunities and solutions that work for the emerging needs of the community, it becomes relevant and works."

- Bushra Razack, CEO - Philippi Village

What keeps this 'Forty under 40' winner motivated?

Two words: "Outcome and opportunity," says Razack.

"I think what social entrepreneurship does and allows is... knowing that we are so close to both the opportunities and the challenges. We and the communities we work with, know best how to design solutions and what they should look like."

- Bushra Razack, CEO - Philippi Village

Razack says social entrepreneurship is designed to create a positive impact, rather than being focused only on profit.

"The more people-centric our design is, the more we see the strength in the project, and the strength to build a commercial return on it. It's about understanding that the community are the experts and we are there to support, integrate and collect."

- Bushra Razack, CEO - Philippi Village

Razack's key to success is... listening!

"It's not an easy job for myself or the team. The hardest part is managing outside responses. It's been the most time-consuming part of it, but also the driver of the project's success. The more we listen, the more we get buy-in and can respond with effective solutions."

- Bushra Razack, CEO - Philippi Village

Winning this prestigious award, has inspired Razack and her dedicated team to continue remaining focused on doing more for the community they serve. 

"I was so inspired and blown away by the incredible people that were in the room with us."

- Bushra Razack, CEO - Philippi Village