Philisa Abafazi Bethu Expands Impact with New ECD Centre
Thu, Mar 26 2026
Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages is proud to announce the opening of the Philisa Young Minds Academy in Retreat, a R3.2-million Early Childhood Development Centre.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 25 March 2026
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – At Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages (CCPB), our purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. Today, we are proud to see that purpose in action with the official opening of the Philisa Young Minds Academy in Retreat.
In a powerful collaboration with the Rotary Club of Newlands (RCN), Breadline Africa, and Corobrik, this new R3.2-million Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre has been established at the Philisa Abafazi Bethu (PAB) Family Centre. The Academy serves as a beacon of hope, providing a safe, nurturing environment where up to 100 young children can learn, play, and develop during their most critical early years.
“We continue to live our purpose of making a difference through community heroes like Lucinda Evans,” says Priscilla Urquhart, Head of Public Affairs, Communication, Sustainability, and Philanthropy at CCPB. “When the call came to fund this Academy, it was an easy decision to donate R2-million toward creating a safe, proactive environment for our youth.”
More Than Just a Classroom
The Academy is specifically designed to be "trauma-informed," acknowledging that many children in the community are exposed to hardship and violence. Under the leadership of activist Lucinda Evans, the centre ensures that children are not silent victims, but are instead empowered to grow in a place of protection and healing.
This milestone builds on a deep-rooted partnership between CCPB and PAB that began in 2019. Over the years, this relationship has blossomed from co-funding the original family centre to establishing sustainable vegetable gardens and providing essential resources like computer equipment and thousands of cases of hydrating beverages for community events.
A Sustainable Ripple Effect
To ensure the long-term impact of this project, the Rotary Club of Newlands has launched the R99 per month campaign. We encourage individuals and organizations to join this movement, providing the sustained support needed to help these children thrive.
“This Academy provides foundational education where it is needed most,” adds John Winship of RCN. “Through our networks, we are proud to support the R99 per month campaign to help sustain its impact as the school grows.”
About Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages
Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages (CCPB) is the local bottler and distributor of The Coca-Cola Company in the Western and Northern Cape. Operational for 85 years, CCPB is committed to sustainable development and community partnership. For more information, visit www.cocacolapenbev.co.za.
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