Land restitution programme never been so sweet
AMID the uncertainty over the expropriation of land without compensation bill, some previously disadvantaged communities have proved that a good relationship with commercial farmers could benefit the nation.
Several Kwazulu-natal rural communities in the sugar cane industry are reaping the benefits of a land restitution programme after enduring years of poverty and suffering brought by the loss of land rights by the apartheid government.
However, without the support from “originators” in the industry their restituted farms would have failed, they admitted. Thirteen communities who own over 6 000 hectares of sugarcane farms through their respective trustees partnered with Tongaat Hullets to bring about change on their restituted land. The partnership has strengthened the social and economic well-being of the claimant communities and created employment.
Makhosi Cebekhulu, 37, a member of the Ubizo Communal Property Association (CPA) in Empangeni said a lot has changed in her village since they became landowners in 2016. They formed a CPA after a successful land claimed which took over 20 years.
“The transition was very key to our success. We negotiated the terms with Tongaat Hulett which had a lease with the previous owners. We had to ensure the lease continued to keep the land productive but our lives had to change as well. So we asked for skills transfer and it is heartwarming that we are well presented in the whole value chain of the programme,” she said.
Cebekhulu believed that land restitution be accelerated to bring about change, particularly in rural areas where many people became victims of past injustices.
But she emphasised the importance of skills transfers and equipment.
She was critical of the land expropriation bill and challenged the government to prepare people to be owners of productive land, and sustain the production.
The bill aims to amend Section 25 of the Constitution to allow for land expropriation without compensation.
“When we took over I knew nothing about farming, as many of the members. But we gradually learnt, it’s a long way to go. We need land, but it is worrying that restituted farms are no longer productive because people do not have skills or capital. We need land but to embrace it we need skills and capital to work the land,” she added.
Cebekhulu said their lives have changed and the community uplifted.
“There has been job creation across the production and opportunities for people to become part of sugar cane production. We are grateful for the support from Huletts – they honoured our condition which was skills transfer.
“The farm is fully functional and we have a bigger vision which will benefit all of us in this village after many years of suffering.”
Mduduzi Nzuza, a trustee of Izindophi Community Trust at Eshowe, echoed the sentiments, adding that governance training should have been implemented a long time ago. His trust took occupation of the land in 2003. But in 2012, they entered into a working agreement with Tongaat Hulett to re-establishing the property as a productive sugar cane farming enterprise for the benefit of the community.
“A total of 436 hectares were re-established following the signing of the agreement. Last season, the farm produced 19 000 tons of sugar cane, created 80 employment opportunities in various parts of operation and paid R3.3 million wages,” he said.
Nkonzo Mhlongo, Tongaat Hulett Sugar corporate affairs executive, said the restitution projects had a strong local community element, and the company had allocated funds to assist beneficiaries in the sugarcane industry.
She said for the season, the sugar industry committed R14m to build the capacity of farmers and land reform beneficiaries on matters relating to governance and agronomy.
“Tongaat Hulett supports such initiatives as they contribute to the viability of the farmers and restitution projects. The capacity-building and training programme is conducted by Shukela Training Centre and targets a range of topics, including good governance, with focus on the barriers to good governance. It also focuses on the roles and responsibilities and the code of ethics of Trustees or CPA members.
“We have seen excellent results, with over R11 million being paid to restitution communities in 2019, representing about 3 000 beneficiaries. These restitution projects created employment opportunities for 1 059 individuals and paid about R44 million in the form of wages,” she said.