Unveiling the Powerpuff Girls Safe Space Bench, Phillipi Village, Cape Town
In a vibrant celebration of girl power, community spirit, and creativity, the new Powerpuff Girls Safe Space Bench was unveiled at Philippi Village’s Daughter Thembi Garden. This bold piece of public artwork was conceived through a partnership between Cartoon Network, girl-led non-profit BRAVE, and Philippi Village, a collaborative hub for entrepreneurship, education, culture, and community.
It stands as a symbol of safety, resilience, and possibility for girls and young women in Philippi, and across South Africa, reminding us that change often begins in local communities, where young voices lead the way. The unveiling coincides with the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, offering a hopeful, youth-led moment to reflect on what safety means to girls today, and how creativity, storytelling, and community can help shape safer futures. The Safe Space Bench is a physical and creative anchor for these conversations, a bold, public symbol of dignity, safety, and the power of young women to shape their own futures.
Cartoon Network, South Africa’s favourite kids’ channel*, is known for its empowering characters and imaginative storytelling. “Cartoon Network is proud to support the incredible work being done by BRAVE and Philippi Village,” said Sarah Jane Morgan, Director, Brand, Marketing and Digital, Kids Networks EMEA, Warner Bros. Discovery. “The Powerpuff Girls Safe Space Bench embodies our commitment to inspiring young people, especially girls, to be courageous, creative, and agents of real-world change.”
The initiative draws inspiration from the iconic Powerpuff Girls, Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, who embody the courage, collaboration, and bold self-expression of the girls at BRAVE and Philippi Village. The bench itself was designed by local artist Lovell Friedman, and joins other community art landmarks in Philippi Village, transforming public spaces into hubs for storytelling and collective hope.
BRAVE, a girl-led organisation focused on leadership and resilience, played a central role in shaping the campaign. “This bench is more than just a place to sit, it’s a safe space for children, where girls can be heard and not just seen,” said Zita Chaule, a BRAVE participant and youth spokesperson. “It’s about creating a world where girls can thrive, not just survive. Just like the Powerpuff Girls, we are stronger together!”
Philippi Village, as host and co-creator, helped bring the bench to life through its commitment to inclusive placemaking and youth empowerment. “At Philippi Village, our mission is to co-create a safe and vibrant space that connects people to the services, opportunities, and cultural activities that help communities thrive,” said Simphiwe Nikani, CEO of Philippi Village. “The Safe Space Bench represents this vision in action, a small yet powerful symbol of care, belonging, and safety. Together with our partners, we continue to reimagine a space that is healthy, connected, and compassionate, where no one has to sit alone. As a community, we are redefining what safety and connection look like, one space, one conversation, one act of kindness at a time. Through partnerships like this, we bring our vision of a safer, healthier, and more connected space to life.”
As part of the campaign, a powerful short video spotlighting one of the girls behind the bench. In these videos, a girl from Philippi Village reflects on what safety means to her and how she’s creating change in her communities. This story brings the spirit of the bench to life, bold, honest, and deeply rooted in lived experience.
Ncebakazi is upgrading her matric at Philippi Village and dreams of becoming a teacher. She thrives in spaces that challenge her to learn, grow, and lead.
The campaign continues until 10 December, aligning with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. While BRAVE and Philippi Village lead the on-the-ground work with girls and communities, Cartoon Network’s contribution is symbolic, offering a safe space through the Powerpuff Girls Safe Space Bench as a public anchor for conversations about dignity, resilience, and belonging. Together, the partners aim to spark dialogue, amplify youth voices, and inspire communities to reflect on what safety means for girls today.
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