Over 700 people, primarily from the Tiervlei community, were buried there, but the cemetery was paved over for university expansion, and the stories of those buried were lost – until now.
A new book, Landscapes of Dispossession – Stories of Hardekraaltjie Cemetery as Told by People from Tiervlei-Ravensmead, was unveiled last week, breathing life into the largely forgotten history of the Hardekraaltjie Cemetery.
Published by Jacana Media, the book documents the deeply personal memories of descendants whose families were buried at the cemetery, now located on the grounds of Stellenbosch University’s Tygerberg Campus and Tygerberg Hospital.
The book is part of Stellenbosch University’s (SU) larger initiative to acknowledge the historical wrongs surrounding the cemetery, which was decommissioned in 1946.
Over 700 people, primarily from the Tiervlei community, were buried there, but the cemetery was paved over for university expansion, and the stories of those buried were lost – until now.
“This book is not just about remembering a cemetery; it’s about reclaiming the identity and memory of a community whose stories almost vanished from history,” said Dr. Leslie van Rooi, Senior Director of Social Impact and Transformation at SU.
“By documenting these narratives, we are reuniting a community with its past and opening a space for healing and dialogue.”
features the voices of 29 descendants who share personal recollections and family histories, providing an emotional and reflective look at their connection to the cemetery and the community.
Edited by Marietjie Oelofse and Chefferrino Fortuin, the book is filled with stories of childhood memories, grief, and resilience.
Jean Manuel, 60, who grew up in the community recalls the deep sense of loss she felt growing up, as the community’s history was erased.
“There are so many more stories – so many beautiful memories. I can still hear the voices of the people who lived here, and I’m so grateful that their stories won’t just disappear,” Jean said with emotion.
She remembers the pain her parents felt when they were forced to leave the area.
“My parents cried when they had to leave the place. I remember them asking, ‘Why, Lord, why?’
“The pain of it still stays with me, like a mental note that never leaves.”
Jean’s words reflect the community’s grief and the deep connection they had to the cemetery, a place that was integral to their lives before it was taken from them.
Professor Aslam Fataar, a researcher at SU, explained the significance of the book. "Within these pages, the descendants preserve not just the history of a cemetery, but the collective spirit of a community. These stories give voice to those who were silenced, reconnecting them with their roots and ancestors."
The book also serves as a powerful reminder of the injustice faced by the Tiervlei community, who were displaced by the apartheid-era Group Areas Act. The cemetery, which operated from 1910 to 1946, was part of a broader system of dispossession and forced removals. For many, the pain of losing this sacred space remains vivid.
“To read about all these people who tell their stories in the book—it just makes you feel good to know that our memories won’t just die,” Jean says.
“That the pioneers, the ones who came before us, won’t be forgotten. It’s such a relief to see their names and their stories brought back to life.”
Dr. Therese Fish, Vice-Dean of Clinical Services and Social Impact at SU’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, underscores the broader importance of the project.
“This book is a powerful call to recognise the voices of marginalised communities.”
For the Ravensmead community, Landscapes of Dispossession is not just a collection of stories—it is a lifeline to the past and a way to ensure the lives of their ancestors are remembered and honoured. For Jean, the book is deeply personal.
“The community is happy. This book is a gift, and we’re thankful for it. It’s proof that our history won’t be forgotten.”
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za