History of Philippi

Background

Philippi is a new township. It only started in the early eighties during the power struggle in the Crossroads Township when there was much violence between different groups living in the area. To escape the violence, people relocated to the area now known as Philippi. The first area the people live in was called “Zinyoka” (Snake Park). They were living in fear of the snakes because there were many snakes in the area, which is why the township was named “Zinyoka” .

Shacks in the area formerly known as Zinyoka (Snake Park)

Purchase and Development of Brown's Farm

Development started in the early nineties, when the local municipality graded the area after buying a large farm from Mr. Brown (the owner of the the land). Philippi is often referred to still by the old name "Brown’s Farm." Further development went on quickly, and the first group that lived in Zinyoka was relocated in to what are called "serviced sites." They are called "serviced sites" because the munipality provides basic services (water and sanitation) but the people have to build their own homes (shacks or houses). Under the RDP, the municipality moved faster in building the small RDP houses called “Ovezinyawu” ("match box houses") after 1998. Now people living in this township are plus-minus 500 000.

RDP House: Small is Beautiful

Recent development of the Zinyoka village in Philippi

It is now a full developing township with the most of the infrastructures in place: community hall, libraries, stadiums, schools, clinics and hospitals. See Development. There is still a need of proper day hospitals, more bigger day hospitals to cater for the demands of the over-flowing population. There are schools that have been built in the Brown's Farm area: one high school that was built in the year 1997, and there three primary schools. See Education.

Small Business Entrepreneurs

In townships like Philippi, the people open their own small businesses to overcome unemployment and poverty. Here are some examples:

Zizamele Cash Store

Connies Hav-A-Bite Fast Foods

For other examples, see Philippi Life Style