The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms. Makhotso Sotyu, will lead the handover ceremonies of the Kei Mouth and Qolorha plantations on 30 January 2024, followed by the Wilo and Ntlangaza plantations on 31 January 2024, in the Eastern Cape Province.
The activities will include amongst others, plantation tours, ceremonial tree planting and the official handover of the signed Community Forestry Agreements (CFAs).
The plantations, with predominantly eucalyptus, play a vital role in sustainable forestry management and are essential for the transformation agenda that is emphasised in the Forestry Masterplan. This initiative aims to empower communities living around these plantations, enabling them to manage these assets effectively and participate meaningfully in the market.
The ceremonies mark the culmination of successful negotiations and agreements between the department and the Nqabe and Imidushane Traditional Councils under the National Forest Act, 1998 (NFA).
Members of the media are invited to attend the ceremonies as follows:
- Kei Mouth and Qolorha Plantations Handover:
- Date: Tuesday, 30 January 2024
- Time: 09:30 – 13:00
- Venue: Centane, Nontshinga, Nontshinga Sports Grounds (next to KwaNontshinga Traditional Hall), Mnquma Local Municipality
- Wilo and Ntlangaza Plantations Handover:
- Date: Wednesday, 31 January 2024
- Time: 09:30 – 13:00
- Venue: KwaNtlangaza, Mxambule Sports Ground (next to Mxambule Junior Secondary School), King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality
To RSVP, please contact Merle Carol Van Diemel on +27 83 301 9400 / mvandiemel@dffe.gov.za
For media enquiries, please contact Peter Mbelengwa on +27 82 611 8197
