Established as an independent not-for-profit company in 2012, The Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) is a strategic implementation organisation mandated to promote and accelerate the regeneration of Bellville and surrounds, located 20 kilometers north of Cape Town.
GTP’s core operations are steered by a City of Cape Town-funded business plan, but its success hinges equally on private sector collaboration. Through strategic partnerships, Bellville is evolving into a dynamic commercial center for businesses, and a modern, inclusive hub that prioritises safety, accessibility and vibrancy for residents, students and visitors alike.
Under the leadership of CEO Warren Hewitt the GTP has flourished, and has emerged as a model of innovation in the non-profit sector. Drawing on his corporate acumen, financial expertise and passion for community development, his strategy focuses on three pillars: economic diversification, sustainable land use and social integration by attracting investment.
By generating extensive working relationships with the private, public and academic sectors, Hewitt has unified stakeholders around a shared vision to revitalise the Bellville CBD while preserving its community identity. These collaborations have enabled GTP to implement targeted infrastructure projects, skills development programs, and safety initiatives that address systemic challenges holistically.
The success of the GTP exemplifies how private sector collaboration and community-centric strategies can revitalise urban areas. As Hewitt notes, “Nothing is possible without financial support—but nothing lasts without community buy-in.”
Bizmag chatted to Hewitt to draw on his insights, advice and experience:
Bizmag: Why is private sector involvement so critical for urban upliftment in South Africa?
Hewitt: The public sector’s capacity to deliver services is severely constrained throughout the country, especially in financially distressed municipalities. Cape Town is fortunate that the municipality is well run, however our local private sector still has an opportunity to both enhance and supplement the support of service delivery into the communities in need. Without this partnership, addressing systemic social challenges becomes exponentially harder.
Bizmag: How can private companies collaborate with entities like GTP to integrate CSI into their strategies?
Hewitt: Although contributions to corporate social investment are currently legislated, much of this funding does not find its way to the communities that need the support. Corporates need to partner with credible organisations such as GTP to effect sustainable public private partnerships for impactful program implementation. Your local government would have details and references for these organisations and other NPO’s making lasting changes in our country.
Bizmag: Can you give some examples of recent successful private sector collaborations?
Hewitt: In Johannesburg an organisation called JoziMyjozi (formed by Anglo American and other private companies) has had significant social infrastructural impact in the Johannesburg inner city, implementing infrastructural repair and maintenance of public services with private money.
Closer to home, the GTP in collaboration with local companies have had a massive impact on the waste management processes in and around Bellville. And in the process this has provided employment for over 52 previously homeless and unemployed community members.
Bizmag: How do you ensure upliftment programs benefit marginalised groups?
Hewitt: The demographics of our country create an automatic demand for social development programs within marginalised communities. A significant amount of our work is focused on these communities, both in the creation of opportunities (employment and entrepreneurial support) as well as environmental improvement. Corporate funding will further enhance our ability to advance these programs whilst simultaneously lifting their ESG balance sheet.
Bizmag: What challenges arise when engaging the private sector, and how are they addressed?
Hewitt: Balancing shareholder expectations with social responsibility can be challenging. We believe that a “value-add” approach—where businesses see community investment as growth aligned with profit—is critical. The real challenge? Identifying decision-makers within corporates who prioritise social impact and who can make socially responsible decisions. We rely heavily on word-of-mouth and personal advocacy to share these opportunities.
Bizmag: What’s the “formula” for successful urban renewal?
Hewitt: I don’t believe that there is a hard and fast formula for successful urban renewal. I do, however, believe that people are the source of this solution and the creation of a sense of pride is a major catalyst in driving urban renewal. Understanding the fabric of an area and the pulse of its occupants is also critical in formulating a strategy to tackle urban decay.
Partnership with local stakeholders is also essential, as is commitment and perseverance. Of course, nothing is possible without financial support as well.
Bizmag: Has GTP’s model inspired others?
Hewitt: Absolutely. Multiple Western Cape municipalities and organisations have sought to get a deeper understanding of the work we do and the methodology behind it. JoziMyJozi reports similar interest. Spreading the news and success stories is essential to scaling impact.
Bizmag: And finally, how can small businesses, that do not have CSI budgets, do their part?
Hewitt: Start small. It is as simple as looking after your own ‘stoep’ or ‘front door’. It is incredible how effective a facelift or a coat of paint on one building, office, house, can be in inspiring the surrounding properties.
Peer pressure is also very effective in garnering support for the various programs. Just by showing that you support (financially or morally) a program can lead to a groundswell of participation, and before we know it there will be a block, community or ward all doing a small thing, yet making a big change!
To learn more about GTP and their urban renewal projects visit www.gtp.org.za or contact Warren Hewitt at ceo@gtp.org.za.
