By Pfumelani Tsedu and Maphari Machaka
The Inter-ministerial Committee (IMC) on Land Reform and Agriculture led by the Deputy President (DP), Shipokosa Paul Mashatile, as a chairperson, visited two farms – Ba-Phalaborwa ba Selwane CPA and Moletele CPA farms – as a part of outreach programme on 17 November 2023.
The visit was to strengthen partnership and foster a positive collaboration between government and social partners to accelerate the land reform programme and enhance agricultural productivity. This was further to assess progress achieved by government, in the implementation of the Land Reform programme.
Ba- Phalaborwa ba Selwane is a Nature reserve situated in Ba- Phalaborwa Local Municipality, whilst Moletele CPA, which is situated in Maruleng Local Municipality focuses on agriculture, mainly citrus production. Owners of the farms, which were previously disposed, are currently working in partnership with the previous owners (strategic partners) for transfer of skills thereby maximising production.
Community attended the land reform outreach.
DP Mashatile appreciated the partnership between the previous and the current owners of the farms while emphasising the importance of skills and knowledge transfer, which makes the establishment successful.
This was in response to the chairperson of the Moletele CPA, Albert Thabane who said with through the partnership they have, their children now access more benefits including bursaries.
Mashatile said the pace through which the redistribution and restitution is moving is worrying. He said the IMC need to fast-track this process for the benefit of the community.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile addresses the mass during the land reform outreach.
