R1 billion per annum pledge for land reform not agri-parks
Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform Mr Gugile Nkwinti would like to clarify that an in-principle commitment of R1 billion per annum for the next 15 years from the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA) is to support the land reform program of the department NOT the Agri-parks initiative as has been reported in the media.
The minister says he has noted the inaccurate media reports following his announcement of the pledge by BASA at the Economic Sectors, Employment and Infrastructure Development Cluster media briefing in Cape Town on Wednesday 28 October. Minister Nkwinti welcomed the support by the Banking Association aimed at advancing the land reform program.
Minister Nkwinti is pleased with the support by the Banking Association and is confident of a strong and lasting partnership that will benefit and advance the land reform program in South Africa into the future.
It should however be noted that government has allocated an amount of R2billion for the Agri-parks program for the current financial year, this is not to be confused with the in-principle commitment by BASA as indicated above.
