People's Environmental Planning

Building new relationships was key to collaboration, as PEP ventured into settlements they hadn’t worked in before. Small communities of about fifty households were carefully chosen to support focused research and deeper connections. Over four weeks, students conducted interviews, mapped settlements, and assessed services while adapting to new methods and environments. Sharing sessions allowed for reflection, feedback, and transparency, fostering trust and mutual learning with community members. 👉 Click the link to read the full article 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dujMJKv9 #SouthAfrica #PEP #communitydevelopment #housing #community #activecitizens

Over four Wednesdays and two sharing sessions in early 2022, the team explored four small settlements in Khayelitsha's Site B. This collaboration between PEP and UCT’s ACC brought together students, staff, and community partners to foster mutual learning. Guided by a people-centred approach, the focus was on understanding and building community relationships—the goal: is to create research that is relevant, responsible, and rooted in long-term connections. 👉 Click the link to read the full article 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dujMJKv9 #SouthAfrica #PEP #communitydevelopment #housing #community #activecitizens

Celebrating the end of a successful year with the incredible PEP team 🎉 Here's to continuing our journey and making an even greater impact in 2025! 🏡✨

We acknowledge the appointment of Minister Thembi Simelane to the Human Settlements portfolio. However, we raise serious concerns about unresolved allegations and their impact on governance and public trust. We call on President Ramaphosa to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership to address challenges like corruption and stalled projects. #SouthAfrica #SALeadership #EndCorruption #HumanSettlements

Over one billion people globally live in slum conditions without necessities like clean water, sanitation, or electricity. A new GSG report highlights the need for $6 trillion in impact-led investment to transform informal settlements and improve lives—critical to achieving the SDGs by 2030. The report showcases innovative ways to channel private capital into upgrading urban slums. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/etYj_zHy

In 2017, Habitat SA and People’s Environmental Planning (PEP) partnered to bring innovative Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) solutions to 49 households in Ruo Emoh, Mitchells Plain. This project demonstrates how environmentally sustainable technologies can transform low-cost housing into eco-friendly, water-wise communities. From greywater recycling systems and water-saving fixtures to a thriving community garden, Ruo Emoh is a model for sustainable living that could inspire low-income housing solutions across South Africa. 👉 Read the full article by clicking the link. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dTeU4EmH!

Vukuzenzele is a housing development located in Philippi on the Wetton-Lansdowne corridor. Since 2010, PEP has worked to unblock the project, securing approvals, handing over services to the council, and facilitating title deed transfers for residents. To date, 132 title deeds have been secured, and PEP continues to support the community in clearing all blocks and resolving outstanding issues. 👉Read the full article by clicking the link! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dsJ47pAN

Asivikelane is a national campaign empowering residents of informal settlements to report on basic service delivery in their communities. Their feedback contributes to a comprehensive national database. In 2020, PEP joined the Western Cape branch of the campaign, training six facilitators and gathering reports from over 100 community members. Although PEP's participation was paused due to funding cuts, we remain hopeful for future involvement. Read the full article here:

PEP, in partnership with the City of Cape Town, is committed to supporting Langa by assessing blocked stormwater drains beneath informal structures. Gaining access to repair these pipes is a crucial step in helping the community mitigate winter flooding. Want to learn more about PEP’s projects? Click the link! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dPNCnepF

Following the success of the PJS project, Peoples Environmental Planning (PEP) partnered with local communities and stakeholders to bring lighting to four nearby informal settlements. In a participatory approach, community members—many women—played a crucial role in planning and installing the lights, receiving training and daily payment for their work. Their efforts have created a lasting sense of pride and ownership in the community. 👉Learn more about PEP’s solar lighting work and its impact by reading the article below ⬇️. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eEFCr__8