This is according to DRDLR deputy minister Joe Phaahla at the recent launch of the Mphiwe Siyalima farming project in Bronkhorstspruit, east of Pretoria. The Mphiwe Siyalima project is sponsored by McCain Foods, SamQuarz – a silica mining company based near Delmasand.
The DRDLR supports this land reform project of Gift Mafuleka on the farm Leeuwfontein in Bronkhorstspruit.Phaahla said emerging farmers should seek to enter into these types of partnerships and warned the DRDLR can only provide assistance for a limited amount of people. Mafuleka, who holds a B. Tech degree in crop production from the Tshwane University of Technology, was appointed caretaker of the 342ha farm until he was awarded a five-year lease with an option to renew.
The project supplies peas and sweetcorn to McCain Foods, which bought a 30ha centre pivot for the operation. Mafuleka said he’s determined to have a positive influence on the local community by increasing job opportunities. Lebo Mogotsi, deputy chairperson of the silica mine’s holding company, which has already invested R1, 3 million in farming equipment for the project, said the partnership is an example of how businesses across sectors can cooperate in creating sustainable and commercially viable development projects.
