Restoring dignity &
rebuilding community, responsibly.
Following their historic land claim, the original residents of Protea Village are finally coming home. Find out more about the land and its history, take a look at prospective plans, and meet some of the people who have waited over half a century to return to their land.
Responsible Development
In a model that’s set to be the first of its kind in urban land restitution in South Africa, the Protea Village project is the culmination of over 6 years of planning and approvals towards responsible development.
The Protea Village community has planned a development that will maximise the value and investment potential of their land, while giving thorough consideration to the impact it will have on the environment, and surrounding community.
Responsible Development
In a model that’s set to be the first of its kind in urban land restitution in South Africa, the Protea Village project is the culmination of over 6 years of planning and approvals towards responsible development.
The Protea Village community has planned a development that will maximise the value and investment potential of their land, while giving thorough consideration to the impact it will have on the environment, and surrounding community.
Redressing History
For generations, the Liesbeek River and its lush surrounds was an integral part of the Protea Village community’s lives. Today, it is enjoyed as a public recreation space.
Take a closer look at the rich history behind the land, and learn more about how thoughtful developmental planning will allow for the preservation of both the river, and the greenbelt that surrounds it.
“On a typical springtime Sunday, the leafy pathways of what is now known as the Boschenheuvel Arboretum are filled with runners, cyclists, dog-walkers, picnic-goers, walkers and nature enthusiasts… but what most do not realise is that this seemingly pristine and untouched natural space holds a painful history.”
Anna du Plessis (Author of a dissertation on Protea Village, and a Fernwood resident)
Redressing History
For generations, the Liesbeek River and its lush surrounds was an integral part of the Protea Village community’s lives. Today, it is enjoyed as a public recreation space.
Take a closer look at the rich history behind the land, and learn more about how thoughtful developmental planning will allow for the preservation of both the river, and the greenbelt that surrounds it.
“On a typical springtime Sunday, the leafy pathways of what is now known as the Boschenheuvel Arboretum are filled with runners, cyclists, dog-walkers, picnic-goers, walkers and nature enthusiasts… but what most do not realise is that this seemingly pristine and untouched natural space holds a painful history.”
Anna du Plessis (Author of a dissertation on Protea Village, and a Fernwood resident)
Restoring Dignity
The people of Protea Village were the first community to settle on this land and lived here for generations before being forcibly removed under the Group Areas Act. Now, over 50 years later, 86 of these families will be returning home. To learn a little more about them, listen to some of their stories.
“One of the residents, named Victor, was at sea at the time of the forced removals, so when he came back , he noticed that there was nobody around.
He went to the house he stayed at – one of the stone houses still standing there – and luckily he saw a note from his mother stuck on the window. It read, ‘Victor if you come home, we will be in Manenberg.’ And he thought to himself ‘Now where is Manenberg?’”
Cecil McLean, a former resident of Protea Village
