Rural plan yields results

Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti recently handed over 904ha of land to the Gallawater Farm beneficiaries near Komati in the Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape.

These farm residents are living proof of the implementation of the Freedom Charter clause that says the land shall be shared among those who work it. Furthermore, chapter 6 of the National Development plan sets the tone towards Vision 2030 that agricultural development should introduce a land reform, job creation and livelihoods strategy that ensures rural communities have jobs for their own sustainability.

The land reform strategies of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform are yielding good results for the beneficiaries and creating employment in rural areas.

The 102 beneficiaries, who are residents of Gallawater Farm, are now part of the department’s One Hectare, One Household, Five Sheep programme, which is aimed at combating poverty and recreating a class of black smallholder farmers while creating sustainable employment in rural areas.

Beneficiaries will share 350 ewes and 14 rams to bolster their herd of livestock. The department has already delivered a tractor, a bakkie and other agricultural equipment to the beneficiaries. It has also allocated about R2.5m, which will be mainly used for 7km of fencing, the renovation of sheds, machinery and the preparation of 70ha for the production of vegetables.

Mpho M Rammutla

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