DEPUTY President Paul Mashatile has reiterated the government’s commitment to land reform and the transformation of the agricultural sector, emphasising the importance of ensuring equitable access to land for economic growth and food security.
He made these remarks during a Harvest Day engagement with farmers at Remmoho Agriculture Farm in Bethlehem on Thursday.
Addressing stakeholders in the agricultural sector, Mashatile acknowledged the significant strides made in land redistribution and agricultural development since the dawn of democracy.
“Since the inception of the Land Reform programme in 1994, a total of 5.3 million hectares of land have been acquired through land redistribution, benefitting over 315 000 persons, inclusive of labour tenants, farm dwellers and Extension of Security of Tenure occupiers,” he said.
The Deputy President’s visit was a follow-up to his previous engagement in March 2024, during which farmers raised concerns about land reform implementation and support structures.
“Let me also add that such engagements will become more frequent as we need to deal with both your challenges as well as to identify key opportunities to further grow the agricultural sector,” he assured.
The recently signed Expropriation Without Compensation (EWC) Act was a key point of discussion.
Mashatile acknowledged the contentious nature of the Act, emphasising the government’s efforts to strike a balance between land restitution and economic stability.
“The Expropriation Bill repeals the pre-democratic Expropriation Act of 1975 and sets out how organs of state may expropriate land in the public interest for varied reasons,” he explained.
Mashatile highlighted that Section 25 of the Constitution allows for expropriation with appropriate and equitable compensation and that the new Act includes mechanisms to ensure fair processes.
“This new Act has several checks and balances, including a clause that states that an agreement must be attempted before the state decides to expropriate,” he said.
“This includes an opportunity to object to the intention to expropriate.”
Mashatile reassured farmers that the government remains committed to working with them to foster an agricultural sector that is both inclusive and productive.
“As the Government of National Unity, we will continue to provide support through a combination of payments and other aids to the sector,” he said.
“We will continue to support small-scale farmers and integrate them into the economy.”
Mashatile lauded initiatives aimed at boosting agriculture and agro-processing, citing the Maluti Apple Packhouse and the Stead Apple Farm as prime examples of success stories.
He highlighted the increasing demand for apple juice concentrate as an opportunity for job creation and value chain expansion.
“The demand for apple juice concentrate presents numerous opportunities for localisation, the creation of employment opportunities and the broadening of industry value chains,” the Deputy President said.
Furthermore, he underscored the country’s strong agricultural exports, pointing out that South Africa ranks among the top 10 global exporters of citrus, table grapes, maize and wool.
The agricultural sector employs over 800 000 people, making it a crucial contributor to the national economy.
Mashatile acknowledged existing challenges in post-settlement support for land reform beneficiaries and outlined government efforts to improve the effectiveness of communal property associations (CPAs).
“Proper land management by communal property associations has the potential to alleviate poverty and unemployment for its members and communities, which it is meant to serve,” he said.
Mashatile encouraged land reform beneficiaries to leverage opportunities presented by BRICS and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area to expand agricultural exports.
“We want CPAs and land reform beneficiaries to use their land productively and capitalise on the possibilities of BRICS and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.
To support farming communities, Mashatile detailed infrastructure development projects across the country.
These include irrigation systems, mechanisation support, pre-schools, community halls, agri-parks, livestock handling facilities, clinics, dipping tanks, boreholes and fencing.
Recognising the safety concerns of farmers, Mashatile reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the National Rural Safety Strategy to combat farm-related crime.
“Rural safety is a key component of the country’s crime prevention strategy, as it ensures the long-term protection of our farming communities and food security,” he said.
Mashatile called for stronger partnerships between the government and farmers to achieve the objectives of the Agricultural and Agro-Processing Master Plan.
“We have to work together as social partners to reach the objectives of the master plan, which include increasing food security, improving access to local and export markets and promoting sustainable transformation in the agriculture and agro-processing sector,” he said.
As part of his commitment to ongoing engagement, Mashatile expressed optimism about the continued development of the agricultural sector in the Free State and across the country, pledging government’s continued investment in the sector’s growth and transformation. – Staff Reporter