The Protea Village Community has finally begun construction on their ancestral land in Bishopscourt, Cape Town, nearly 30 years after they lodged their land claim, where 86 families will benefit.
The community's journey to restitution has been marked by numerous delays, including two court challenges and multiple appeals, but they have persevered and now can build on their land.
The Protea Village Community was forcibly removed from their land between 1959 and 1970 under the Group Areas Act.
After a successful land claim in 1995, 86 families opted for the restoration of their rights to the land. However, it would take another two decades for the project to come to fruition.
The project is a first of its kind, with the community retaining ownership of the land and partnering with the private sector to develop the property.
"This is more than just a housing development; it is the restoration of dignity, history, and generational wealth for families who were unjustly displaced," said Protea Village CPA Chairman Andre Maxwell.
"After decades of struggle, we are witnessing the rebirth of Protea Village – a place where past injustices are being corrected, and a new legacy is being built,” Maxwell added.
The project has been made possible through an innovative public-private partnership, which has seen the community partner with the City of Cape Town, the National Department of Public Works, and the private sector to develop the land.
Maxwell said the partnership has enabled the community to access funding and expertise, which has been critical to the project's success.
Reform and Rural Development Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso, during his keynote speech at the sod-turning ceremony on Tuesday, applauded the community for sticking together.
“Our humanity is related to our connectedness with other human beings, with our environment, and with our history. As a tightly knit community, you remained connected, nurturing the bonds of neighbourliness that you built over generations.
“I must applaud you for transforming this spirit of good neighbourliness into a well-functioning Communal Property Association or CPA. I am told (it’s) one of the best CPAs in the country.
“There is much to be said about CPAs and why many of these entities have failed. It is, however, a spirit of cooperation, respect for the members and their interests, and staying focused on the ultimate goal that assures success,” Nyhontso said.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson stated the importance of the project in promoting inclusive communities.
“As we ceremonially break ground on this important project... we celebrate the act of building inclusive communities that bring the past and present together in harmony. It is my sincere hope that the model of land restitution showcased here today will inspire similar efforts across the country, which brings dignity and opportunity,” Macpherson said.
Executive Mayor of Cape Town Geordin Hill-Lewis praised the community's perseverance and commitment to the project.
“This is certainly one of the most extraordinary land restitution projects in the country. The City of Cape Town is proud to be helping in seeing it come to fruition,” he said.
The community has also chosen to retain 4 hectares of the returned land as a publicly accessible greenbelt, which will run along the Liesbeek River. This decision reflects the community's commitment to preserving the natural environment and promoting social cohesion.
“As the community begins construction on their new homes, they are filled with a sense of hope and excitement. After decades of waiting, they are finally returning to their ancestral land, and they are determined to make the most of this opportunity.
“With construction soon starting on the engineering services for the Protea Village development, our community looks forward to the day when the 86 families can finally return home, reclaiming not only their land but also their rightful place in history,” Maxwell concluded.
mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za