About Fairlands
Helping People Help People
Fairlands is guided by a simple principle: helping people help people. We believe that retirement should be a stage in life where people can continue to live with purpose, independence, dignity and belonging.
Our Community
Fairlands Retirement Estate and Assisted Living and Frail Care is an established entity registered with the Department of Social Development. Our community accommodates over 370 residents across our continuum of care: over 190 independent cottage residents, assisted living residents, and those receiving 24-hour frail care nursing attention.
We have professional nurses, nursing assistants, and caregivers on staff who provide expert, professional health care for our residents when and as they need it. The East London Senior Citizens Association's Executive Committee, along with our Executive Director, Senior Management, and nursing staff, form the backbone of our organizational structure. Our administrative, nursing, maintenance, gardening, and support staff work together to create a caring, well-maintained community.
Planning Ahead for Peace of Mind
Many people only begin exploring retirement after a sudden health event or when independent living has already become difficult. However, making decisions earlier enables people to settle into a community while they are still active—forming friendships, enjoying their surroundings, and embracing a lifestyle of wellbeing.
Planning ahead also provides reassurance for the future. A well-established retirement estate such as Fairlands offers stability, security, and the confidence of a sound long-term investment with access to increased care if needed—all within the same trusted community.
Our History
Fairlands Retirement Estate is situated in the suburb of Cambridge West in East London, Eastern Cape. Our story began in the 1960s when local churches, service clubs, elderly residents, and local and national governments came together with a shared vision.
It is largely thanks to the passion and determination of a remarkable East London resident, Pauline Goldswain, that Fairlands came into being. Pauline started her crusade in the early sixties when she worked as a census taker, walking from door to door. She saw the need for quality retirement living and, after visiting a retirement community in Margate in 1965, she realized this was what East London needed.
After countless hours of walking—Pauline did not drive!—and advocating, the East London Senior Citizens Association (ELSCA) was launched. Pauline, together with several other prominent citizens, prepared a proposal for the City Council, applying for suitable building land. Seven months later, a 17-acre site in Cambridge West was found suitable and was sold to ELSCA for R2!
Our Location
Fairlands is perfectly positioned in Cambridge West, just a 5-minute drive from major shopping complexes, doctors, hospitals, and East London's beautiful beaches. Our estate is set in beautiful parklike grounds with walking paths, shade trees, and abundant birdlife—ideal for peaceful strolls or simply sitting and enjoying nature.
Life at Fairlands
Discover the vibrant community life, caring environment, and enriching activities that make Fairlands a special place to call home.
Community Connections
Book Club
Tea Time
Garden Walks
Personal Care
Bingo Fun
Wine Tasting
Adventure Outings
Reading Corner
Dining Together
Friendship
Professional Nursing Care
Compassionate Care
Supportive Environment
Creative Activities
Garden Therapy
Mind Games
Leadership Engagement
Caring Team
Holiday Celebrations
Special Occasions
Chapel & Spirituality
Our Leadership Team
Fairlands offers a continuum of care designed to support older people at every stage of life, while maintaining dignity, security, and peace of mind for both residents and their families.