Isivivana Centre Celebrates Ten Years Of A Remarkable Journey From Dream To Reality

Khayelitsha civic hub marks a decade of community, partnership and social justice

Isivivana Centre marked its 10th anniversary on 14 October 2026 with a commemorative dinner in Khayelitsha, celebrating a decade since the Centre opened its doors as a home for public benefit organisations and a hub for community life.

Held under the theme “The Remarkable Journey from Dream to Reality”, the celebration brought together partners, tenants, funders, community leaders and friends of the Centre to reflect on the vision and collaboration behind its creation, and to consider how it can serve Khayelitsha in the decade ahead.

The journey began in 2010, when Equal Education started looking for a permanent home in Khayelitsha. GAPP Architects and Platform Architecture began developing the vision in 2011. The Khayelitsha Youth & Community Centre Trust (KYCC Trust) was established in 2013 to acquire the land, receive funding and govern the project. The Trust registered as the land’s owner in 2015, and Isivivana Centre officially opened on 14 October 2016.

“Isivivana began as a dream that many people were willing to carry together. Ten years on, its value lies in the space it gives organisations and residents to meet, learn and advance the work of social and economic justice. We honour everyone who added their stone to this shared achievement.” – Ms Phumeza Mlungwana, Chairperson of the Khayelitsha Youth & Community Centre Trust.

The Centre is owned and managed by the KYCC Trust. It provides office space for registered public benefit organisations and offers community facilities including a library, the Bertha Movie House, a hall, a classroom, a café and an outdoor amphitheatre.

“A community grows stronger when people have places to organise, exchange ideas and build a future together. Isivivana has become one of those important places for Khayelitsha.” – Mr Ndithini Tyhido, former Chairperson of the Khayelitsha Development Forum.

“For organisations working alongside communities, a secure and accessible home matters. Isivivana brings organisations and community life together, helping create conditions for sustained advocacy and learning.” – Ms Tshegofatso Phala, Executive Director of the Equal Education Law Centre.

A recurring reflection during the dinner was that Isivivana Centre stands as a testament to the promise of South Africa’s Constitution: that it belongs to all communities, including those often marginalised and overlooked in townships and rural communities. Participants affirmed that these communities deserve the best, that public spaces matter, and that seeds planted through investment, care and partnership can grow and flourish in these communities.

The evening’s programme included community and tenant reflections, a discussion on business partnership, and a keynote address by Mr Christopher G. Oechsli, former President and CEO of The Atlantic Philanthropies. His address explored “Giving While Living” and how philanthropy can contribute to a lasting legacy.

“Giving while living asks us to make generosity count in people’s lives now, while trusting the vision and agency of the communities it is intended to serve. Isivivana’s story shows how philanthropic support can help create a platform for lasting community work.” – Mr Christopher G. Oechsli, former President and CEO of The Atlantic Philanthropies.

The Atlantic Philanthropies provided funding for the land and construction, as well as an endowment to help support maintenance and long-term refurbishment. The Harry Crossley Foundation supports books for the Centre’s library, while the Bertha Foundation supports a rich film programme at the Bertha Movie House.

“No single partner can build lasting community infrastructure alone. Isivivana is a reminder that when community commitment is joined by philanthropy, business and other partners, a shared vision can become a lasting asset.”

– Mr Luvuyo Rani, Executive Director of Africa Forward, social entrepreneur and co-founder of Silulo Ulutho Technologies.

The anniversary was a milestone for Isivivana and Khayelitsha, demonstrating the township’s potential as a host destination within Cape Town’s visitor economy. Collaboration with SAPS and the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement helped deliver a successful, incident-free event, showing how coordinated planning can support future township events. From Isivivana Centre’s director and staff to the event’s décor company, chef, waiting team, MC and entertainers, the celebration drew on the skills and services of people born in or living in Khayelitsha. This local participation demonstrates the depth of talent and enterprise in the community and helps connect Khayelitsha businesses to the tourism value chain, ensuring that more of the event’s economic benefits remain in the local economy.

During the Gala Dinner the Centre also recognised three employees for 10 years of dedicated service: Mr Zwelixolile Sifumba (Head of Security), Ms Vathiswa Mgadi (Head of Housekeeping) and Ms Olwethu Mduma (Library Coordinator).

Looking ahead, the Centre’s priorities are to sustain and maintain the asset, support its tenants and community-facing facilities, and strengthen partnerships across civil society, government, philanthropy and business.

“The first decade showed what partnership can make possible. Our next task is to care for this asset, support the organisations and community facilities that give it purpose, and build partnerships that keep Isivivana accessible and impactful for Khayelitsha.” – Mrs Bulelwa Ndibongo, Centre Director of Isivivana Centre.

For more industry-related news, click here.