Deputy Minister on Department of Rural Development & Land Reform Strategic Plan & Budget 2010
NCOP Land Reform, Environment, Mineral Resources and Energy
12 April 2010
Chairperson: Ms A Qikani (ANC, Eastern Cape)
Meeting Summary
The Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform briefed the Committee on the Department’s Strategic Plan for 2010 -2013. The Committee was briefed on redistribution, land tenure and land reform, rural infrastructure development and the deeds office and cadastral surveys. Attention was drawn to a new and fundamental shift towards the incorporation of job creation in land reform. This would include targeted training and development in identified job creation areas and profiling households to determine their needs skills and employability. The Department aimed to place one member per household per job on a two-year contract in line with the Expanded Public Works Programme and contributing a percentage of income to households. Questions asked included concerns about the numbers of stakeholders involved in redistribution, if the budget was sufficient for the strategic plan, how were plans on paper translated into action to ensure job creation and development in rural areas.
Meeting report
Dr Joe Phaahla, Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, apologised for the absence of the Minister and Director General as they were out of the country on a state visit to India, and he handed over to the Acting Director. Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) presentation Job creation through CRDP initiatives was central to achieving vibrant rural communities and food security for all. There was a fundamental shift in the implementation of Land Reform to include issues of job creation. The Department aimed to place one member per household per job on a two-year contract in line with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) contributing a percentage of income to households (CRDP Wards and land reform projects). It was envisioned that communities would organise and participate in co-operative developmental opportunities and local enterprises.
Dr Nozizwe Makgalemele, Acting Director General and Deputy Director General: Land Planning and Information, explained the new mandate of this new department which was aligned to Outcome Seven identified by the President in his State of the Nation address which was: “to ensure vibrant, equitable and sustainable rural communities and food security for all”. She then proceeded to identify four strategic outputs: sustainable land reform; food security for all; rural development and sustainable livelihoods and job creation linked to skills training. There needed to be an integration between land reform and agricultural support programmes. They were thus no longer merely chasing after hectares but also ensuring developmental support. Three supportive outputs were listed: the provision of effective and efficient cadastral surveys and spatial development frameworks; the provision of an efficient deeds registry that underpins security of land tenure and to ensure the effective and efficient functionality of the Department to support the core vision and mission.
Purpose
The purpose of the presentation was identified as outlining the new Department’s Strategic Plan 2010 – 2013 and aligned with the outcomes based approach adopted by the Presidency. The focus would be on the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) which would be rolled out to 160 wards in four years.
Job Creation
She stated that a fundamental shift was undertaken in land reform to include issues of job creation. This would be measured by the number of emerging farmers that were economically viable in order to reduce joblessness which was a characteristic of rural areas. Key activities would include profiling households to determine their needs skills and employability (National Integrated Social Information System). Employment creation opportunities would be in line with planned intervention such as rural infrastructure projects and opportunities in neighbouring areas. Targeted training and development in identified job certain areas would also be undertaken.
Land Redistribution
The Department would ensure that redistributed land would contribute towards food security. They would also provide comprehensive support to land reform beneficiaries aligned to CRDP principles. Strategic partnerships, co-management, share equity and mentorships, would also be promoted. Land needs would be categorised amongst landless poor, small-scale farmers and commercial farmers.
Land Tenure
A review of legislation and policies designed to protect farm dwellers would be undertaken. In the interim, farm dwellers would be protected through the land rights management facility.
Restitution
The Department would settle outstanding claims and would complete research on all outstanding claims by December 2011. Settlement would be aligned to CRDP principles. The focus would be on farms already restored.
Geo Spatial Service, Technical Development and Disaster Management
The Department provided geo-spatial information that would assist with the roll out of the CRDP and was responsible for acquiring and storing aerial imagery. The Spatial Planning component would assist with the creation of orderly and sustainable rural settlements. Braille atlases would be provided for each province. The Department would deal with issues of disaster management and mitigation in rural areas. Research and development, especially indigenous knowledge would be utilised to support the rollout of the CRDP. The Department would deal with issues of disaster management and mitigation in rural areas. The Department would also utilise research and development to support the rollout of CRDP.
Rural Infrastructure Development
The Department would provides strategic investment in all CRDP wards, including the provision of social, economic and ICT infrastructure as well as public amenities and facilities. Infrastructure development would be required to first address basic human needs but would need to allow for improved access to services and opportunities. Infrastructure would also be provided on all land reform projects to be recapitalised. All infrastructure provided and projects implemented would have a direct link to the job creation model.
Supportive Outputs
Provision of an efficient Deeds registration, efficient and effective cadastral surveys and efficient and effective functionality of the Department were identified as three supportive outputs.
Deeds Registration
A high quality deeds registration system was provided. This was important as it impacted on security of title, efficient land use and land administration services. Secure title also provided a source of wealth and was negotiable asset, providing a platform for investment. There were ten deeds registries around the country. She stated that in order to improve turnaround times, the e-cadastre project would be implemented over the MTEF period.
Cadastral Surveys Management
The Department was responsible for cadastral surveying and land information for the country, which was decentralised to seven provinces. Cadastral surveys played a vital role in land administration. The Department was the sole custodian of cadastral information, which assists in the planning and analysis of rural development initiatives
Support Services
The Department would focus on implementing its new structure. Performance and programme monitoring mechanisms would be aligned to the Presidency framework with an emphasis on timeframes, targets, outputs and outcomes.
Policy and Legislation
The Department would focus on the following: Green Paper on Agrarian Transformation (this was at an advanced stage and was due for submission to Cabinet and would then be tabled in Parliament), Rural
Development and Land Reform; Land Tenure System Reform and the Rural Development Agency Bill.
Before handing over to the Chief Fiancial Officer for a presentation on the Department’s financials, Dr Makgalemele emphasised that the Department had an important coordinating role but for this they needed the commitment and cooperation from government departments, municipalities and other stakeholders such and non-government organisations and research institutions.
Budget
Mr Protas Phili, CFO: DRDLR, presented a summary of the Department’s accounts to the Committee. He said that that the budget for the 2010/11 financial year was R6.7 billion. This was divided between five programmes: administration (R570 million); cadastral (R283 million) rural development (R256 million) restitution; (R1.5 billion) and land reform (R4 billion).
Of the Administration programme, R270 million was spent on compensation, R279 million on goods and services, and R12 million on transfers and subsidies.
Out of the Cadastral budget, R194 million was spent on compensation and R66 million on goods and services.
In the Rural Development programmes, R66 million was spent on compensation and R189 million was spent on goods and services,
In the Restitution programme, R233 million was spent on compensation, R161 million on goods and services and R1 billion on transfers and subsidies. These were allocated to the provinces.
In the Land Reform programmes, R301 million was spent on compensation, R108 million on goods and services and R3.6 billion on transfers and subsidies.
Acting on the request of the Committee, Mr Phili provided a detailed breakdown of funds allocated to each of the provinces (see document).
Discussion
Mr G Mokgoro (ANC, Northern Cape) asked whether the costing of the rural development budget was a fair reflection of what is required for the Department.
Deputy Minister Phaahla said absolutely not. They had made requests to the Treasury during the budgetary phase. Unfortunately what came as the actual allocation was a far cry from the requested amount, but the Department was cognisant of the present economic climate. Despite these challenges, one had to be effective in mobilising partners such as provinces, municipalities, parastatals and line departments to cooperatively fund projects. The initial surveys were very important to identify needs and potential projects. Then one could approach others for funding assistance. Hence the reduced budget allocation “was not a train smash”, they would have to make do.
Minutes
Dr Joe Phaahla, Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, apologised for the absence of the Minister and Director General as they were out of the country on a state visit to India, and he handed over to the Acting Director.
Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) presentation
Dr Nozizwe Makgalemele, Acting Director General and Deputy Director General: Land Planning and Information, explained the new mandate of this new department which was aligned to Outcome Seven identified by the President in his State of the Nation address which was: “to ensure vibrant, equitable and sustainable rural communities and food security for all”. She then proceeded to identify four strategic outputs: sustainable land reform; food security for all; rural development and sustainable livelihoods and job creation linked to skills training. There needed to be an integration between land reform and agricultural support programmes. They were thus no longer merely chasing after hectares but also ensuring developmental support. Three supportive outputs were listed: the provision of effective and efficient cadastral surveys and spatial development frameworks; the provision of an efficient deeds registry that underpins security of land tenure and to ensure the effective and efficient functionality of the Department to support the core vision and mission.
Purpose
The purpose of the presentation was identified as outlining the new Department’s Strategic Plan 2010 – 2013 and aligned with the outcomes based approach adopted by the Presidency. The focus would be on the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) which would be rolled out to 160 wards in four years.
Job Creation
She stated that a fundamental shift was undertaken in land reform to include issues of job creation. This would be measured by the number of emerging farmers that were economically viable in order to reduce joblessness which was a characteristic of rural areas. Key activities would include profiling households to determine their needs skills and employability (National Integrated Social Information System). Employment creation opportunities would be in line with planned intervention such as rural infrastructure projects and opportunities in neighbouring areas. Targeted training and development in identified job certain areas would also be undertaken.
Job creation through CRDP initiatives was central to achieving vibrant rural communities and food security for all. There was a fundamental shift in the implementation of Land Reform to include issues of job creation. The Department aimed to place one member per household per job on a two-year contract in line with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) contributing a percentage of income to households (CRDP Wards and land reform projects). It was envisioned that communities would organise and participate in co-operative developmental opportunities and local enterprises.
Land Redistribution
The Department would ensure that redistributed land would contribute towards food security. They would also provide comprehensive support to land reform beneficiaries aligned to CRDP principles. Strategic partnerships, co-management, share equity and mentorships, would also be promoted. Land needs would be categorised amongst landless poor, small-scale farmers and commercial farmers.
Land Tenure
A review of legislation and policies designed to protect farm dwellers would be undertaken. In the interim, farm dwellers would be protected through the land rights management facility.
Restitution
The Department would settle outstanding claims and would complete research on all outstanding claims by December 2011. Settlement would be aligned to CRDP principles. The focus would be on farms already restored.
Geo Spatial Service, Technical Development and Disaster Management
The Department provided geo-spatial information that would assist with the roll out of the CRDP and was responsible for acquiring and storing aerial imagery. The Spatial Planning component would assist with the creation of orderly and sustainable rural settlements. Braille atlases would be provided for each province. The Department would deal with issues of disaster management and mitigation in rural areas. Research and development, especially indigenous knowledge would be utilised to support the rollout of the CRDP. The Department would deal with issues of disaster management and mitigation in rural areas. The Department would also utilise research and development to support the rollout of CRDP.
Rural Infrastructure Development
The Department would provides strategic investment in all CRDP wards, including the provision of social, economic and ICT infrastructure as well as public amenities and facilities. Infrastructure development would be required to first address basic human needs but would need to allow for improved access to services and opportunities. Infrastructure would also be provided on all land reform projects to be recapitalised. All infrastructure provided and projects implemented would have a direct link to the job creation model.
Supportive Outputs
Provision of an efficient Deeds registration, efficient and effective cadastral surveys and efficient and effective functionality of the Department were identified as three supportive outputs.
Deeds Registration
A high quality deeds registration system was provided. This was important as it impacted on security of title, efficient land use and land administration services. Secure title also provided a source of wealth and was negotiable asset, providing a platform for investment. There were ten deeds registries around the country. She stated that in order to improve turnaround times, the e-cadastre project would be implemented over the MTEF period.
Cadastral Surveys Management
The Department was responsible for cadastral surveying and land information for the country, which was decentralised to seven provinces. Cadastral surveys played a vital role in land administration. The Department was the sole custodian of cadastral information, which assists in the planning and analysis of rural development initiatives
Support Services
The Department would focus on implementing its new structure. Performance and programme monitoring mechanisms would be aligned to the Presidency framework with an emphasis on timeframes, targets, outputs and outcomes.
Policy and Legislation
The Department would focus on the following: Green Paper on Agrarian Transformation (this was at an advanced stage and was due for submission to Cabinet and would then be tabled in Parliament), Rural
Development and Land Reform; Land Tenure System Reform and the Rural Development Agency Bill.
Before handing over to the Chief Fiancial Officer for a presentation on the Department’s financials, Dr Makgalemele emphasised that the Department had an important coordinating role but for this they needed the commitment and cooperation from government departments, municipalities and other stakeholders such and non-government organisations and research institutions.
Budget
Mr Protas Phili, CFO: DRDLR, presented a summary of the Department’s accounts to the Committee. He said that that the budget for the 2010/11 financial year was R6.7 billion. This was divided between five programmes: administration (R570 million); cadastral (R283 million) rural development (R256 million) restitution; (R1.5 billion) and land reform (R4 billion).
Of the Administration programme, R270 million was spent on compensation, R279 million on goods and services, and R12 million on transfers and subsidies.
Out of the Cadastral budget, R194 million was spent on compensation and R66 million on goods and services.
In the Rural Development programmes, R66 million was spent on compensation and R189 million was spent on goods and services,
In the Restitution programme, R233 million was spent on compensation, R161 million on goods and services and R1 billion on transfers and subsidies. These were allocated to the provinces.
In the Land Reform programmes, R301 million was spent on compensation, R108 million on goods and services and R3.6 billion on transfers and subsidies.
Acting on the request of the Committee, Mr Phili provided a detailed breakdown of funds allocated to each of the provinces (see document).
Discussion
Mr G Mokgoro (ANC, Northern Cape) asked whether the costing of the rural development budget was a fair reflection of what is required for the Department.
Deputy Minister Phaahla said absolutely not. They had made requests to the Treasury during the budgetary phase. Unfortunately what came as the actual allocation was a far cry from the requested amount, but the Department was cognisant of the present economic climate. Despite these challenges, one had to be effective in mobilising partners such as provinces, municipalities, parastatals and line departments to cooperatively fund projects. The initial surveys were very important to identify needs and potential projects. Then one could approach others for funding assistance. Hence the reduced budget allocation “was not a train smash”, they would have to make do.
Mr Mokgoro enquired whether the Department had considered reducing the number of land stakeholders in order to reduce the issues arising out of land restitution and land reform that slow down progress.
The Deputy Minister responded that the number of stakeholders was dependent on the kind of land reform programme. For example, rural land restitution usually dealt with communities which were large groups of people so reducing the number of stakeholders that would need to be consulted was not an option. He pointed out that there are not only problems in terms of lack of technical know-how but also problems due to conflict within these groups. With groups of people one does find conflict and divisiveness and accusations. With these huge land claims, things were often not moving because the people were fighting. The Department did try to step in and help them to minimise the conflict. The Department did prioritise those that had a track record, for example, who had already started farming something. Or they would separate the commercial enterprise that the people had inherited from the land and make sure the business management could be run on the group’s behalf and be separated from the day-to-day disagreements or political competition amongst the people.
Mr Mokgoro asked whether the job creation aspects still needed to be implemented or whether it had been implemented. Another committee member expanded on this question, asking how one can ensure that the implementation plan is adhered to efficiently and effectively.
The Deputy Minister replied that the job creation model was already working in the pilots. They had been using the experience of agencies such as the EPWP for contracting with people and institutions.
Mr Mokgoro asked whether the Department had considered building dams and bridges to develop rural areas.
Deputy Minister Phaahla replied that infrastructure such as bridges and dams were exactly what were envisaged by economic infrastructure (as opposed to social infrastructure such as schools and churches) and they were seen as key. They would bring in the relevant line departments such as the Water Department to provide things such as pipelines.
In reply to a question about ensuring that they worked quickly and implemented the strategic plan as it appeared on paper, Dr Makgalemele said that they did have a component for monitoring and evaluation. In strategic plan they did indicate what “impact” they were going to make per programme. They also had a “14 day turnaround principle” where they had to produce reports for the Minister every 14 days so they were really on their toes. Everyone was committed in the department. There were clear targets in the strategic plan. They indicated the milestones in the MTEF. There were various teams already at work in the different provinces working on the CRDP.
In answer to Ms Qikani’s question on time frames for the policy and legislation items mentioned on Slide 20 she said that their target was to submit the Green Paper to Cabinet in May and table it in Parliament at the end of July.
In terms to her question about scarce skills, Dr Makgalemele said that they recruited potential students, gave them bursaries and once completed they gave them employment. Also they trained people on the ground for these scarce skills and had started training their own people.
An official from the Restitution Programme responded to a query about scaling down on the compensation of employees in the Restitution Programme 4, saying that as the programme scaled down so these people would be moved elsewhere in the Department but would still be paid by Programme 4 currently. He also commented on how they ensured that their strategic plan was implemented and adhered to. They had moved away from outputs and looked rather at impacts and so they measured performance in terms of outcomes . For example, one did not look at number of hectares but rather at number of viable jobs created. The system also made a distinction of not only the performance of the indivdual but the performance of the programme with the emphasis on accounting for the impact rather than the monies.
Ms Qikani expressed concern about the late arrival of the delegation from the Department of Agriculture, stating that their actions undermined the NCOP and the Committee. She said that the Budget was an important issue and again her strong disappointment that the delegation did not arrive at the scheduled time. Members were left with insufficient time to properly apply their minds to the matter due to prior commitments. The meeting would be rescheduled for the following day.
Mr Mokgoro echoed the sentiments of the Chairperson, emphasising that the issues under discussion were sensitive issue relating to development, agriculture and land reform and could not be rushed. He stated that a new administration was in place and that they needed to be seen to be getting things done.
The Department of Agriculture offered apologies. The reason offered for their absence was several previous meetings, including a press conference which lasted beyond the scheduled time for their presentation. They would consider it acceptable to meet the next morning and thanked the Committee for bearing with them.
The presentation was rescheduled for 10am the following day.
The meeting was adjourned.
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