About The Legacy

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The Story of Claremont: A Community Displaced, A Legacy Restored

A History Rooted in Diversity and Resilience

Claremont, a leafy suburb in Cape Town, is rich in history and memory. Once a vibrant, diverse neighbourhood, Claremont — especially Lower Claremont, now known as Harfield Village — was home to a tight-knit, multicultural community of Coloured, Black, White, Christian, Muslim and Jewish residents. Its streets echoed with music, laughter, faith, and neighbourly bonds that made it far more than just a place to live.

Lower Claremont thrived on its strong infrastructure: bustling avenues lined with family-run stores, a dozen schools including the historic Livingstone High, and deeply rooted cultural and religious life. From the musical parades on 2nd Avenue to interfaith celebrations, the community embodied unity in diversity.

But this harmony was shattered by apartheid.

Forced Removals: The Wounds of the Group Areas Act

In 1969, under the cruel logic of apartheid’s Group Areas Act, Lower Claremont was declared a “White Area.” Families who had lived there for generations were forcibly removed, uprooted from homes they had built with care and memories.

Those evicted were relocated to distant Cape Flats suburbs such as Hanover Park, Manenberg, Lavender Hill, and even as far as Atlantis — areas lacking infrastructure, employment, or schools. The trauma was more than physical. The psychological scars were deep. Friendships fractured. Social networks collapsed.

Increased transport costs, high rents, crime, and poverty replaced the stability they once knew. The elderly were particularly vulnerable. Many suffered in silence. Some died of sheer heartbreak. The cultural fabric that made Claremont unique was systematically torn apart.

Rebuilding Lives, Honouring Legacies

Despite these hardships, former residents rebuilt their lives with courage and dignity. Some maintained ties to Claremont through continued attendance at churches, mosques, and schools like Rosmead Primary and Livingstone High. The community spirit endured, even in exile.

The dawn of democracy brought a new chapter. With the Restitution of Land Rights Act in 1994, the long road toward justice began. In 1999, the first land claims in Harfield Village were settled. But for many, returning remained financially impossible due to skyrocketing property prices.

One symbolic and tangible act of restitution is now underway: the transfer of the former Claremont Bowling Club to the Claremont Beneficiary Trust. Nearly 70 families have lodged claims over two decades. Though delayed, this return represents more than land — it represents healing, legacy, and a homecoming.

“We Are Coming Home”

Trust leaders like Neville Hendricks and Mogamad Esau speak powerfully of the significance of this return. “It’s not about money,” one Trust member says, “it’s about restoring dignity.”

The Claremont Beneficiary Trust, formed by descendants of those displaced, is committed to creating a future that honours the past — not just for those who remember it, but for the generations to come.

As the Trust finalises plans for the site, including THE LEGACY development, they do so with a vision of community, justice, and remembrance. The same spirit that once filled the streets of Claremont is now returning — stronger, prouder, and ready to write a new chapter in its long, remarkable story

A Home with Heart and History

The Legacy Estate is being developed on the historic grounds of the old Claremont sports fields — land that holds the memories of a community displaced by apartheid-era laws. This project is about restoration. About justice. About returning not only land and value, but dignity, belonging, and opportunity to the families who deserve it most.

Each apartment is generously sized at 70 square metres with a 5 m2 Balcony, furnished, and designed for comfort, beauty, and community living.

Built for Today. Rooted in Legacy.

Legacy Estate is a vibrant, mixed-use development with 480 units, centrally located and nestled in the leafy suburb of Claremont, with stunning mountain views and easy access to the best of Cape Town.

For You and the Generations to Come

In the spirit of healing, we see this moment not only as restitution — but as a new beginning. A place for families to grow, thrive, and build a future rooted in hope, memory, and pride.

We will be reaching out soon with more details, timelines, and next steps. In the meantime, know that you are part of something historic and deeply meaningful.

Welcome home.
– The Legacy Development Team