Support Programme
25 June 2007
The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment has a great
concern about the handling of the deeds issue regarding the implementation of
the Gauteng Small Farmer Support Programme. The department is mandated to give
support to all agricultural programmes and the Gauteng Department of Public
Transport, Roads and Works is mainly responsible for the administration of the
land, including the issuing of title deeds.
Three-year lease contracts were signed between beneficiaries of the
programme and the Department of Public Transport, Roads and Works with the
understanding that a provision was made for the leaseholders to purchase the
properties at the end of the contract provided they had used the land for
agricultural purposes. The price of the land was determined during the signing
process of the lease contracts.
The Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment has
noted with concern the allegations of inclusion of clauses that were not part
of the original contract, requiring the sellers to sell and be compelled to
take membership of the said corporative.
The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment will engage with
the Department of Public Transport, Roads and Works and farmers or
beneficiaries to get to the root of the problem and try to find an amicable
solution.
For more information contact:
Sizwe Matshikiza
Tel: 011 355 1316
Cell: 082 778 9996
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, Gauteng
Provincial Government
25 June 2007
