CLEARLAKE CAPITAL
Our work focuses on creating meticulously designed developments that deliver sustainable value for investors, residents and the communities we serve.
WHO WE ARE
- Our Story
Relocating to the Western Cape, we evolved into a principal developer focused on partnerships with civic and social organisations such as churches and golf clubs, helping them unlock value from their land through structured, mutually beneficial developments.
- Our Purpose
To bring ideas into form – to take land, process
and capital and turn them into places where
people can live, work and belong.
- Our Philosophy
We believe that real estate development can be both profitable and done responsibly, where
financial discipline, respect for the environment
and thoughtful design coexist, creating lasting
value.
- Our Values
- Focus: We stay intentional and disciplined in every stage of development.
- Integrity: We do what’s right, even when it’s difficult.
- Grit: We persevere through challenges with determination.
- Optimism: The gift lies in imagining what can go right.
- Leadership
Ben Smit | Chief Executive Officer
Responsible for company strategy, deal origination, evaluation and structuring. Manages stakeholder relationships and oversees planning, legal and regulatory processes.
Werner Claassen | Chief Operating Officer
Oversees daily operations and project delivery. Manages professional teams, contractors and suppliers and negotiates agreements to ensure quality execution on every development.
- Our Story
Clearlake Capital began as a small building contractor in Johannesburg. After the challenges of the global financial crisis, we re-imagined what real estate development could be; both profitable and purposeful.
Relocating to the Western Cape, we evolved into a principal developer focused on partnerships with civic and social organisations such as churches and golf clubs, helping them unlock value from their land through structured, mutually beneficial developments.
- Our Purpose
To bring ideas into form – to take land, process
and capital and turn them into places where
people can live, work and belong.
- Our Philosophy
We believe that real estate development can be both profitable and done responsibly, where
financial discipline, respect for the environment
and thoughtful design coexist, creating lasting
value.
- Our Values
- Focus: We stay intentional and disciplined in every stage of development.
- Integrity: We do what’s right, even when it’s difficult.
- Grit: We persevere through challenges with determination.
- Optimism: The gift lies in imagining what can go right.
- Leadership
Ben Smit | Chief Executive Officer
Responsible for company strategy, deal origination, evaluation and structuring. Manages stakeholder relationships and oversees planning, legal and regulatory processes.
Werner Claassen | Chief Operating Officer
Oversees daily operations and project delivery. Manages professional teams, contractors and suppliers, and negotiates agreements to ensure quality execution on every development.
WHAT WE DO
Clearlake Capital manages the real estate development process holistically from concept to completion with a
commitment to excellence, partnership and sustainability. Our approach combines regional knowledge with
financial discipline and creative thinking to deliver developments that are both valuable and enduring.
Our Services
Real Estate Development
Managing every aspect of development from
planning through to delivery.
Project Structuring & Development Management
Balancing financial, legal and environmental
considerations for success.
Master Planning & Infrastructure
Designing functional, sustainable communities
built to last.
Investment Partnerships & Financial Structuring
Creating opportunities for investors through
selective, purpose-aligned ventures.
Projects
Heuningberg
A multi-generational, mixed-use, security development in Bredasdorp, Cape Agulhas, designed to bring people together across life stages in a shared community.
Struisbaai Retirement Village
The first life-right retirement complex in Struisbaai, Cape Agulhas, built to provide safety, comfort and community for residents in a coastal setting.
Future Projects
Our pipeline includes several partnerships across the Cape Overberg region, continuing our commitment to creating places of belonging and long-term value.
- Focus: We stay intentional and disciplined in every stage of development.
- Integrity: We do what’s right, even when it’s difficult.
- Grit: We persevere through challenges with determination.
- Optimism: The gift lies in imagining what can go right.
Ben Smit | Chief Executive Officer
Responsible for company strategy, deal origination, evaluation and structuring. Manages stakeholder relationships and oversees planning, legal and regulatory processes.
Werner Claassen | Chief Operating Officer
Oversees daily operations and project delivery. Manages professional teams, contractors and suppliers, and negoti ates agreements to ensure quality ex ecution on every development.