By Obed Makgoale
From left: Dr Sigqibo Mfuywa (Director Waterberg District), Sebolaeshi Letta Lekoto (Tittle Deed holder), PSSC Acting Chief Director Mr Melton Tshililo handover title deed and Madila Nakeng (From the office of the Deeds Register Limpopo Department of Land Reform and Rural Development
Sebolaeshi Letta Lekoto 81-year-old granny is the latest beneficiary to receive one of the most valuable assets the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) had to offer – a Title Deed for 8.5653 hectares (ha) of land.
Lekoto, who stays with 28 family members including children and grandchildren, could not hold back her joyful tears as she occupied the farm Portion 2 of the farm Buffelsfontein 55 KR as her own, 30 years later. She and her husband, who has since deceased, worked under various owners where they have experienced the infringement of tenure rights until the good samaritans, Johannes de Villers and Rachel Vermas came to their rescue by purchasing the farm. The owners provided the basic services such as water and electricity to the family.
However, the department has in 2024 swiftly responded to the alert that the owner is relocating where the acquisition of the farm to secure tenure for Lekoto family unfolded following the agreement after valuation price. The process was done through NKUNZI development trust whose role is to protect the rights of the farm workers and dwellers.
The official handing over of the farm was held at Trecson (Melkrevier), Waterberg District on 02 June 2025.
Upon handing over, Dr Sigqibo Mfuywa, Waterberg District Director for Department of Land Reform and Rural Development congratulated Lekoto family for this great achievement of their lifetime. He encouraged them to work the land, saying, “We are currently in conversation with South African Poultry Association. They have already visited this farm, and our aim is to support this family to commence with poultry production”.
“We will constantly visit the project and provide the required technical guidance, said Melton Tshililo, the acting Provincial Shared Services Centre (PSSC) Head of the DLRRD in Limpopo Province. Tshililo reiterated that the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will share amongst others, extension services and all the required technical aid”.
Securing Tenure Rights for vulnerable farm dwellers is part of the departmental flagship programme and mandate that stems from the Extension of Security of Tenure Act no 62 section 4 which seeks to protect tenure rights of the farm occupiers.
Dignity of Sebolaeshi Letta Lekoto and her family members is restored through Tenure Reform Implementation intervention.
