Rossbach CPA Forestry Plantation in communication crisis
The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ second day of oversight in Vhembe district at the Rossbach Community Property Association (CPA) led to the revelation of a serious breakdown in communication between members of the CPA, the Land Claims Commission (Department of Rural Development and Land Reform) and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Machwene Semenya stressed that both DAFF and the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform need to come together as part of their accountability responsibility to engage with the Rossbach CPA members on the post-settlement processes, provide guidance and ensure that the challenges regarding the Rossbach Plantation claim issues are resolved.
The Chairperson of the Rossbach CPA, Mr Tshifhiwa Mutepe, said Rossbach CPA members are frustrated by the long wait for the finalisation of their land claim. “Since 2005 when the land claim was settled, the Rossbach CPA never benefited from the Rossbach Forestry Plantation as other necessary processes that accompany settlement of claims were not finalised,” Mr Mutepe said. He also mentioned that although the plantation is in the name of Rossbach CPA, they never received the title deed and post-settlement support. As the result, they cannot even use the land as collateral to seek financial assistance elsewhere.
The Committee also learned that there is another outstanding land claim within Rossbach Plantation, which was initiated in 1998 by the traditional leader of Shehe (Rossbach) village, Kgosi Mannda Ramaru, on behalf of the community.
The Committee was informed that the DAFF has been using the buildings and offices at the Rossbach forestry plantation to service other plantations without any benefit to the Rossbach CPA, the new owners of the Rossbach plantation. Mr Mutepe claimed that the community members don’t get a cent from this plantation, which is due for harvesting.
The Committee agreed to follow up the matter with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and establish what could be the challenge in finalising the Rossbach CPA land claim.
The Committee continues on its oversight visit to Sekhukhune and Capricorn District Municipality on Thursday and Friday.
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