HippySA has two model sites in Winterveldt and Diepsloot because the specific characteristics of those communities offer us the opportunity to develop the program under highly supervised conditions. HippySA is also preparing to support other organisations to implement the programme through service partnerships.

Diepsloot is situated just north of Johannesburg and originated from a land invasion. In 2001, its size dramatically increased when it was formalized and dwellers on the banks of the caving Jukskei River in Alexandra were moved to Diepsloot. It is estimated that there are upwards of 800,000 people living in Diepsloot, an area of 2km2.

In 2009, the Diepsloot site has served 40 vulnerable families living around St Mungo’s Church. Through 2010, this will increase to 100 families in the 4-5 year programme and will incorporate 60 families for the 0-3 programme and a Parenting Programme (180 registered families).

HIPPY Diepsloot has organized HIPPY parents into a cooperative who successfully own and manage a food garden on the church grounds.

Winterveldt is a semi-rural traditional area on the northern boundary of Soshanguve in the Pretoria area. It is very poor and isolated as a result of its distance from any viable employment or income opportunities. Most working adults are out of town and the village is largely populated by children, teenagers and the elderly.

Most notably the Winterveldt site has had to deal with child-headed households which the team has grouped into a community of support (a broader group of CHH). The team does concentrated work with this group.