“Cooperative governance and a collective effort from government and the sector partners will take us where we want to go as a sector,” said Land Affairs director general Tozi Gwanya at the Agricultural Markets Trend (AMT) Outlook Conference in Pretoria recently. He pointed out that land reform can’t succeed without strategic partners who are willing and able to support it. He said the partners can help create an enabling environment for the ease, speed and sustainability of land reform interventions. “We have many opportunities for a brighter future provided we hold one another’s hands,” said Gwanya.
However, he said the department is not happy with the slow progress of land reform. “People the programme has helped acquire land aren’t making optimal use of it. We’ve identified the urgent need for post-settlement support for beneficiaries, hence our review of the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP).” Certain critical functions such as land and beneficiary identification, packaging of projects, post-settlement support, mentorship and AgriBEE are expected to be addressed through these strategic partners.
Gwanya also highlighted the department’s progress since the previous year’s conference including the review of the Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development (LRAD), the implementation of the Land and Agrarian Reform Project (LARP) and the review of several pieces of legislation and policies. He said the integration of CASP and LARP will lead to better results in terms of land reform sustainability, which will result in a better contribution to economic development.
The department will review the mandate, capacity and operations of institutions such as the Bank, the Industrial Development Corporation and the Department of Trade and Industry to provide support and capital for investment in the transformation of the agricultural sector and rural economy.
“The department is also looking at improving research and development and extension services appropriate to the development of the smallholder farming sector and the reviewing of the agricultural subsidies for such farmers,” said Gwanya.
He referred to the agri consultation in Polokwane in July, where the agriculture department and some agricultural unions agreed to join forces to build strong partnerships. “Important principles for the success of these partnerships include respect, trust, support and commitment,” said Gwanya. – Peter Mashala
