VPUU is an area-based community development organisation that aims at safe, sustainable, integrated communities, citizenship, pride and the improvement of quality of life for residents in their neighbourhoods through a comprehensive range of urban improvements and social interventions. Based on a structured, participatory approach, VPUU focuses on assisting with the improvement of the level of safety, social cohesion factors, community data and the willingness of the local community and other partners to cooperate in implementing a transformation programme. Cornerstones to our approach are human development and sustainability underpinned by a paradigm shift from where the state defines problems and assembles resources to one of partnership between community, state and civil society who jointly identify and tackle local problems. Key principles of the programme include: Trust Accountability Voluntarism Participatory and developmental approach Mutually beneficial partnerships Local ownership