By Obed Makgoale and Maphuti Machabaphala
Setšhaba Nkoana, Treasure of Marobala o Itsoše CPA gives brief background of the CPA.
Accompanied by the Provincial Heads, Mr Melton Tshililo (Land Reform & Rural Development) and Mr Tele Maphoto (Regional Land Claims Commission), together with the Department’s Executive Management, the Portfolio Committee undertook a four-day (17-21 November 2025) oversight programme across the Limpopo Province.
Led by the Chairperson, Mr Mangeaqa Albert Mncwango, the Committee visited various projects to assess progress on initiatives supported under key programmes such as Tenure Reform Implementation, Land Redistribution, and the Restitution of Land Claims.
During this oversight, the Department used the opportunity to highlight, among other matters, notable success stories, future plans, major challenges facing land reform in Limpopo, and proposed interventions. A detailed overview of Restitution Business Processes was also presented, including the number of outstanding land claims and anticipated finalisation timelines.
Focusing on two projects per day, the Committee visited, among others, the Bela-Bela CPA, Mathy Family, Mahlaela, and Ledwaba Families (Tenure Reform Implementation), as well as the Marobala o Itsoše CPA, Mashemong a Molemole Cooperative, and Kranspoort CPA.
On Wednesday, 19 November 2025, Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) MEC Nakedi Kekana joined the oversight engagement at Zebediela Citrus in the Capricorn District—once known as the vibrant Zebediela Citrus Estate. She was accompanied by Lepelle Nkumpi Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Merriam Molala, and LDARD HOD, Ms Mpho Mashamba.
Zebediela Citrus Estate, one of the province’s most significant land reform projects, was a central focus of the delegation’s engagement.
MEC Kekana outlined provincial efforts to support the estate and emphasised government’s commitment to ensuring that investments yield sustainable and meaningful benefits for the surrounding communities. These engagements remain vital for strengthening collaboration between national and provincial structures and ensuring that land reform and rural development interventions lead to tangible development outcomes.
A Member of National Assembly, Honourable Andile Mngxitama addresses beneficiaries during an oversight visit at Marobala o Itsoše CPA, Dendron.
The Committee assessed key performance areas such as the compliance status of the Communal Property Association (CPA), governance matters, financial utilisation, and progress on the Master Plan intended to restore the estate to full productivity.
These oversight engagements are essential in enabling Parliament to evaluate the effectiveness of departmental support, identify challenges, and ensure that public resources invested in the estate are utilised efficiently. The Committee noted that the revitalisation of the Zebediela Citrus Estate carries significant economic potential—from job creation and improved household income to reducing poverty, unemployment, and inequality in the surrounding communities.
Findings from the visit will be formally submitted to Parliament, where the Committee will continue to monitor implementation and exercise its oversight role to ensure that recommendations are actioned for the long-term benefit of the people.
The infighting among beneficiaries affects the development of the project.
