Question NW1228 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
04 May 2023 - NW1228
Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
In light of the fact that Hentiq Farm, also known as Farm 137 Mirage, near Cedarville in the Eastern Cape, has been declared unfit for any agricultural activity based on documents received from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism stating that the site falls within the protected wetland zone, what (a) efforts has her department made to relocate the members of Loto Greens to another farm as requested by their chairperson, Mr Thobani Ntonga, on numerous occasions, (b) total amount was the farm bought for from its original owner and (c) financial post settlement assistance was given to the members of Loto Greens to date?
Reply:
a) The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has been engaging with Mr. Ntonga, who is the Chairperson of the members of Loto Greens farms on possible relocation because of wetlands affecting their farm. The wetland situation is also affecting other farms in the area of Cedarville including other lessees on this area.
b) The farm was bought for R 9 000 000 from the original owner and allocated to four farmers.
c) None.