Chumasande Matiwane|Published
Cape Town Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, with the community of the Protea Village Communal Property Association (CPA)
The historic Protea Village land restitution project in Bishopscourt, Cape Town, has reached a major milestone, with infrastructure works completed for the 86 homes earmarked for families returning to their ancestral land.
Construction of the homes is expected to begin in March 2027, pending approval of building plans by the City of Cape Town.
During a site visit by Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, the Protea Village Community showcased progress made since the sod-turning ceremony in March 2025, which marked the start of preparations for the community’s return.
Roads and essential services for all 86 homes have been completed, bringing families one step closer to returning home.
Mayor welcomes progress on restitution project
Speaking at the event, Hill-Lewis, who was joined by other senior government officials, welcomed the milestone.
“I am delighted to see the Protea Village project reach this important milestone. The City’s infrastructure work to provide services for all 86 restitution homes is just about complete, bringing us closer to the next phase: construction of the homes themselves,” he said.
Hill-Lewis said he looked forward to seeing families return to their land and move into their new homes.
“I cannot wait to see the Protea Village families return to their land, move into their beautiful new homes, and begin a new chapter in the place they have long called home. This is what meaningful land restitution looks like: restoring dignity, belonging and the opportunity to build a future together,” he said.
Protea Village Communal Property Association (CPA) chairperson Andre Maxwell also welcomed the progress.
“At our sod-turning ceremony last year, we celebrated the start of construction. Today, we can see just how far we've come. For a community that has waited decades for restitution, this progress means an enormous amount. We are now another step closer to rebuilding Protea Village and finally returning home,” Maxwell said.
History of the Protea Village community
The Protea Village community was forcibly removed from its land in Bishopscourt around 1959 and 1970 under the apartheid-era Group Areas Act.
After lodging a land restitution claim in 1995, 86 families decided to have their land rights restored, beginning a long journey towards reclaiming their ancestral home.
To make this possible, the project followed a cross-subsidisation model, using proceeds from the sale of residential plots in Bishopscourt Estate to help fund the construction of 86 free-standing homes for returning families along Kirstenbosch Drive.
The model aims to provide lasting financial support for the community through levies on future property resales within the estate, helping ensure Protea Village remains sustainable for generations to come.
Councillor Carl Pophaim, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, said the shared vision and unity among claimants had been critical to the project’s progress.
“This initiative restores land, dignity, and economic opportunity, integrating displaced families into this affluent suburb. The City will manage this municipal land to enhance environmental and community benefits,” he said.
City commits R83m to infrastructure
The Protea Village CPA is leading the project, with support from the City of Cape Town through bulk infrastructure, development facilitation and regulatory processes.
Bethel Partners is overseeing the project’s development, with teams of experienced professionals from across different industries.
Geordin Hill-Lewis with members and community of the Protea Village land restitution project in Bishopscourt
The City of Cape Town plans to contribute:
R83 million for bulk and link infrastructure, including civil works and electricity.
Assistance with planning approval processes.
Post-development support.
The total municipal land value is approximately R320 million. This includes Erf 212, with 50 serviced sites intended for market cross-subsidisation to help fund the 86 homes for returning families.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis with the Protea Village CPA