More farms to be restored to North West communities
Twenty-three more farms located within the jurisdiction of Ratlou Local Municipality in the North West province are to be restored to communities who suffered land dispossession as part of celebrating 20 years of Freedom and reversing the legacy of the 1913 Land Act.
North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono welcomed the assurance made by the Department of Land and Rural Development at the handover of titled deed for four farms purchased at a cost of R12,3 million held on Saturday.
MEC Mohono urged beneficiary communities not to sell restituted land but to use it profitably to address food security and the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment.
"The recapitilisation and development of the four farms for which we are handing over title deeds today will ensure that the farms are run as sustainable and profitable business enterprises," said MEC Mohono in congratulating the 2304 beneficiaries on behalf of Premier Thandi Modise.
The land claims process for Railway Block consisting of 20 farms, Dover, Buckreef and Leyland to be finalised before the end this month are part of Croydon 201, of Portion 2 of Croydon 210 JO, Freedom 211 and Uplands 207 JO claimed by the Barolong Boo Makgobi Community Property Association (CPA).
Chairperson of the CPA, Lawrence Oageng said that the appointment of Pieter Beukes, an experienced farmer as a strategic business partner and mentor will ensure that the CPA takes sound business decisions for the benefit of the community.
Oageng said that the settlement grant of R3,075 million received from government has been used to purchase 188 cattle which include pure bred Bosmara bulls, farming equipment ,bush encroachment, fencing.
water reticulation and basic infrastructure .
Fifteen people have thus far been employed on a temporary basis and two on a permanent basis since the project started.
"We intend diversifying and expanding into game farming for tourism and chicken farming," added Oageng.
"Freedom has been given meaning with the restoration of our land and dignity. It is up to make sure that government's efforts and investment is not wasted," an excited 82-year -old Nkagisang Lekgotla who is a father of 7 and 26 grand children.
Chief of Barolong Boo Makgobi Traditional Council, Kgosi Sandy Motseokhumo expressed confidence that the four farms will assist in addressing youth unemployment and development in his community.
One hundred and thirty nine farmers who are leasing 197 000 hectares of state farms in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District also stand to benefit from the recapitalisation programme.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
