The value of public spaces like the V&A Waterfront (pictured here) and Philippi Village for the physical and mental wellbeing for residents is increasingly recognized in Cape Town. © Ashraf Hendricks
Philippi village has undergone a number of changes, including a stronger focus on social impact along with its commercial function. © Ashraf Hendricks
Landfill sites like the Coastal Park landfill in Muizenberg are not often thought of as public space, but they are one of the best mirrors of our relation to the public realm. © Ashraf Hendricks
Informal reclaimers play a crucial role in diverting waste from landfills but are often not acknowledged or compensated. © Ashraf Hendricks
While the residents of Witsands and nearby Atlantis battle high levels of unemployment, lack of housing and crime, the growing environmental challenges are less visible: soil degradation, industrial dumping and water pollution. © Ashraf Hendricks
Local resident Qhamani Mbunge says there are many challenges in the Atlantis area; but that promoting the green economy can create jobs and help prevent environmental degradation and pollution. © Ashraf Hendricks
Public space could be used to prioritise nutritious food, but efforts are needed to recognise and support informal traders like Monica Mrwashule in Worcester. © Ashraf Hendricks
David Daniels’ NGO feeds nearly 500 people a day. He leases a small plot of land in Riverdale, Worcester from the municipality, but inputs are still insufficient to take it to scale. © Ashraf Hendricks
The town of Belville is on track to creating a Zero Emissions Area, with plans to upgrade the Belville Central Business District to prioritise walking and cycling. © Ashraf Hendricks
Valuable green public spaces such as Elizabeth Park in Belville are not easily accessible and despite security personnel, the heavy fence gives a message of insecurity. © Ashraf Hendricks
Lynette works with the Grabouw Informal Business Association to ensure that vendors at the Grabouw central market are supported enough to trade. © Ashraf Hendricks
Drakenstein Municipality is running an innovative pilot project integrating waste-pickers – known as wastepreneurs – into the formal waste management system. © Ashraf Hendricks
Protecting the Western Cape’s natural assets – including the pristine coastline along Betty’s Bay – has the potential to create jobs while ensuring planetary survival. © Ashraf Hendricks