Questions and Replies
05 August 2024 - NW39
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Agriculture
What (a) programmes has his department implemented as part of the commercialisation of black farmers, (b) impact has these programmes had on the commercialisation of black farmers and (c) are the transactions details of all the programmes that were funded by his department in (i) 2021-22, (ii) 2022-23 and (iii) 2023-24 financial years?
Reply:
(a),(b),(c)(i),(ii),(iii) Please refer to the table below.
ANNEXURE A OF NA-QUESTION 39 OF 2024
a) Programmes |
b) Impact |
(c)(i),(ii),(iii)Transaction details (cumulative) |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
2021 -2022 |
2022 -2023 |
2023 -2024 |
||
Blended Finance Scheme (BFS) |
Since its launch in March 2021, 183 producers has been supported to the total value of R3,107 billion of which R1, 204 billion was the grant and will create a total of 3 418 jobs at full operation. The average production capacity of supported poultry producers is 333 000 chickens per cycle. Commodities supported include livestock, poultry, fruits, vegetables, and grains. |
8 black commercial producers were supported through IDC to a total value of R385 million of which R128,3 million is the grant creating 314 jobs. Five of the approved transactions are poultry farm expansions with an average cycle of 420 000 chickens per cycle. |
19 black commercial producers were supported through IDC to a total value of R986 million of which R352 million is the grant creating 655 jobs. Ten of the approved transactions are poultry farm expansions with an average cycle of 333 000 chickens per cycle. Land Bank approved 31 smallholder producers to a total value of R254,3 million of which R133 million is the grant creating 599 jobs. 12 813 Ha will be under the production of grains, fodder, fruits, nuts, vegetables, sugarcane, and red meat. |
As @31 December 2023 IDC approved 29 transactions to the value R1.915 billion, of which R587,5 million is the grant creating 1445 jobs. Fourteen of the approved transactions are poultry farm expansions with an average cycle of 277 000 chickens per cycle; 220 ha of vegetables in seven farms, average piggery supported is 305 sows; and 160 ha fruits. Land Bank approved 183 producers to the total value of R1, 192 billion of which R617 million is the grant creating 1973 jobs. |
Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) |
For the period 2019/20 – 2023/24, CASP has spent R6, 661 billion in 2125 projects and benefitted 59 482 smallholder producers and creating 21 762 jobs. This programme develops these farmers to be self-reliant small scale commercial producers who are exited to blended finance scheme. Many of the beneficiaries of BFS were developed through CASP. |
R1, 128 billion was spent in 488 projects benefiting 6 407 producers and creating 5 564 jobs. Commodities supported include vegetables, red meat, fruits, poultry, piggery, and grains. |
R1, 478 billion was spent in 457 projects benefiting 19 889 producers and creating 4 624 jobs. Commodities supported include vegetables, red meat, fruits, poultry, piggery, wool, and grains. |
R1, 477 billion was spent in 396 projects supporting 6 942 producers and creating 1694 jobs. Commodities supported include vegetables, red meat, fruits, poultry, piggery, wool, and grains. |
Agro-Energy Fund (AEF) |
Increase access to affordable finance by producers and agro processors in the agriculture sector irrespective of race by providing grants to lower their gearing. The AEF will be used for the acquisition of alternative energy assets to generate energy for their farming or processing enterprises. The focus of the AEF is on energy intensive agricultural activities such as irrigation, intensive agricultural production systems, and on-farm cold chain related activities. The fund is targeting alternative energy sources like solar, biogas / Anaerobic digesters and Biomass (agricultural crops), the list is not exhaustive. |
N/A |
N/A |
Since its launch on the 29th of August 2023, a total of R24.425 million has been approved as of 31 May 2024 of which R7, 989 million is the grant and R16.436 million is the loan supporting 9 transactions. The support included solar infrastructure on irrigated farms. |
Micro-Agricultural Financial Institution of South Africa (MAFISA). This is a financial scheme that was introduced in 2004 to address the financial services needs of smallholder producers in the sector. The implementation of MAFISA is through a network of financial intermediaries accredited by the department to further disburse the funds to the potential smallholder producers. The fund is administered and managed by the Land Bank. The production loan is up to a minimum of R50 000 without collateral and a maximum loan of R500 000 with collateral, at an interest rate of 7% per annum |
MAFISA has contributed to the entrepreneurial and enterprise development, job creation and economic growth of smallholder producers. |
R7 244 889.01 with production loan support to 190 beneficiaries |
R11 610 737.21 with production loan support to 247 beneficiaries |
R6 908 010.62 With production loan support to 60 beneficiaries |
Farmer Production Support Units (FPSUs) |
The FPSU is a rural smallholder producer outreach and capacity building unit supported by the department through any or some of the following: (1) Governance structure, (2) production inputs, (3) Mechanisation support; (4) Human resources support; and (5) Producer registration. The provisioning of production inputs and mechanization assisted Black Farmers to be in production and / or increased their production yields. Black Farmers have access to formal and informal markets thus generating own income. Black farmers have FPSUs as local holding facilities for their mechanization services and production input storage for further distribution within. Jobs are created through self-employment by Black Farmers with additional temporary jobs during planting and harvesting periods. Jobs created 2021/2022: 2438 Permanent 2285 Temporary Total : 4723 2022/2023: 2509 Permanent 3998 Temporary Total: 6507 2023/2024: 2603 Permanent 3198 Temporary Total: 5801 The Department provides training to agricultural cooperatives to assist them to improve operational efficiencies and enhance competitiveness using the Farmtogether cooperative training programme. The programme addresses a wide range of skills that include among others governance in cooperatives, financial management, record keeping, markets and contract negotiations, agribusiness management, conflict resolution mechanisms, leadership skills, and compliance (Training) 2021/2022: 91 2022/2023:100 2023/2024:108 |
|||
Eastern Cape |
R31 498 995,17 |
R22 740 411,84 |
R50 886 326.87 |
|
Free State |
R14 510 209,05 |
R5 566 661,76 |
R14 126 706.71 |
|
Gauteng |
R26 476 308,49 |
R32 286 113,69 |
R25 622 660.98 |
|
KwaZulu-Natal |
R82 574 395,26 |
R34 186 478,74 |
R58 014 826.66 |
|
Limpopo |
R41 455 451,80 |
R20 361 522,00 |
R27 867 565.53 |
|
Mpumalanga |
R47 711 159,06 |
R69 407 740,38 |
R25 100 388.52 |
|
North West |
R16 710 972,47 |
R17 055 806,16 |
R2 686 582.77 |
|
Northern Cape |
R22 992 134,92 |
R20 459 380 .46 |
R26 024 019.95 |
|
Western Cape |
R3 457 724,52 |
R5 902 333,00 |
R15 285 025.30 |
|
AgriBEE Fund |
For the period in question 6 Agribusinesses were supported to commercialise with value adding and processing infrastructure as well as equity acquisition to the value of R93.6 million. This has assisted in terms of improving market access and contributed to sector transformation. In addition, an estimated 67 jobs were created. |
R0 |
R 31 661 201,91 |
R 61 903 280,33 |
05 August 2024 - NW70
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture
What percentage of (a) primary agriculture and (b) large agro-food complex comes from black farmers, considering that primary agriculture accounts for 4,5% of the Gross Domestic Product of the Republic while the largest agro-food complex accounts for another 9%; (2) what (a) number of the million agricultural workers are (i) Africans, (ii) coloured, (iii) white and (iv) foreign nationals and (b) is the provincial breakdown in each case?
Reply:
(1)(a) In 2019, the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) measured black farmers' contribution (i.e. Africans, Coloured, and Asians) to total commercial production. The NAMC established that about 8.1% of commercial agricultural production was produced by black farmers between 2015 and 2019, and the rest were white farmers. This has gradually increased to 10.3% between 2019 and 2023. Industries such as sugar, red meat, wool, and mohair have a relatively high volume of production from black farmers while fruit and grain commodities are lagging. This partly illustrates the high barrier costs emanating from land and capital requirements to enter grain and fruit production as compared to the animal industry. The breakdown per major commodity is provided in Table 1 below, which averaged at around 8,2% of black farmer share.
Table:1 Black farmer’s contribution to agriculture output
Source: NAMC
(1)(b) 20% of food is accounted for by smallholder farmers, while 80% is from commercial farmers.
(2)(a)(i),(ii),(iii),(iv) The Labour Force Employment statistics by Statistics South Africa (Stats) SA do not show a breakdown by race and foreign nationals at industry levels. Total employment in agriculture is 941 390. (Source: Stats SA).
(2)(b) Please refer to the table below.
Province |
Employment in agriculture |
Western Cape |
215 106 |
Eastern Cape |
99 181 |
Northern Cape |
54 098 |
Free State |
78 571 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
142 695 |
North West |
77 438 |
Gauteng |
46 807 |
Mpumalanga |
104 604 |
Limpopo |
122 889 |
Source: Stats SA.
05 August 2024 - NW71
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture
What is the (a) agricultural net export minus other products and commodities and (b) total net amount that comes directly from black-owned production?
Reply:
(a) The export value of agricultural products surged to R55.8 billion in Quarter 1:2024, marking a 14.4% increase relative to Quarter 1: 2023. The strong export earnings were attained despite obstacles in our ports and in key export markets. The import value of agricultural products rose to R29.8 billion, marking a 2.4% increase relative to Quarter 1: 2023. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, South Africa experienced a notable 9.2% growth in net exports of agricultural commodities, while comparing Quarter 1:2023 and Quarter 1: 2024, South Africa recorded a notable 31.9% growth in net exports of agricultural commodities. The 31.9% growth in net exports of agricultural commodities is driven by a 14.4% increase in exports of grapes, apples and maize emerging as the top export products dominating the export list.
(b) The National Agricultural Marketing Council established that about 8.1% of commercial agricultural production was produced by black farmers between 2015 and 2019, and the rest were white farmers. This has gradually increased to 10.3% between 2019 and 2023.
Total Net Exports of Agricultural products in Quarter 1:2024 is R26 048 372 000.
The total net amount from black-owned production is R26 829 823 16.
05 August 2024 - NW160
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Agriculture
What initiatives has his department taken to partner with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, to ensure that we take advantage of emerging technologies as part of modernising the agricultural sector in the next three to five years?
Reply:
The relationship of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) is defined in terms of a collaboration agreement entered in 2022. This agreement identifies the following main collaborative areas:
- implementation of the agricultural pillar of the bio-economy strategy of DSI through the Agriculture Bio-economy Innovation Partnership Programme (ABIPP);
- plant and animal improvement, including breeding and genome sequencing;
- implementing human capital development;
- biosecurity;
- bio-innovation in support of nutrition security;
- sustainable natural resources management; and
- digital knowledge platforms.
More than 30 initiatives have been implemented under the ABIPP including multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary research in support of the agricultural sector. These initiatives include:
- enterprise development of orange flesh sweet potato;
- honeybush research and development project;
- crop improvement programme for grains and oil seeds;
- soybean food and nutrition programme;
- cape aloe project; and
- other farmer development projects.
DALRRD and DSI, in collaboration with the private sector, are also sponsoring the national biosecurity hub which works jointly work toward ensuring biosecurity threats are identified and dealt with timely and appropriately through:
- pest risk analyses;
- coordinating pest surveillance and pest alert systems;
- biosecurity training; and
- human capital development.
The development of a digital information hub for the collation of pest information in South Africa is another key output of the collaboration between DALRRD and DSI.
05 August 2024 - NW175
Mathulelwa, Ms B to ask the Minister of Agriculture
Whether he has studied the submissions made at the Mpondoland Cannabis Belt founding summit held in Port St Johns in October 2023; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what measures have been put in place to assist small scale cannabis farmers in regions like Alfred Nzo District Municipality?
Reply:
No, the Minister has not studied the submissions made at the Mpondoland Cannabis Belt founding summit held in Port St Johns in October 2023 as this information has not been made available to the Department.
In the absence of a legislative framework on the commercialisation of cannabis, the Department cannot express a view on the submissions or plans. The Department is consulting the province to determine their plans and measures that have been put in place to assist small scale cannabis farmers in regions like Alfred Nzo District Municipality, but cannabis remains illegal and thus the activities of the Department are limited to hemp.
31 July 2024 - CW16
Ceza, Mr K to ask the Minister of Agriculture
In light of the gross injustice that is faced by three farm workers at a certain farm in the Graaff-Reinet district (details furnished), what remedial actions have been taken to ensure that justice is done in this regard?
Reply:
Find reply here
29 April 2024 - NW747
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What (a) are the reasons that livestock that are kept at some of her department’s experimental farms can go for more than two years without being vaccinated and (b) programme has been put in place to ensure that there is a consistent supply of (i) vaccines and (ii) feed for the animals?
Reply:
a) All livestock that is kept at departmental farms is managed through programs that stipulate when supplementary feeding and mineral supplements should be provided, when vaccinations should take place and further stipulates which vaccines are appropriate for viral diseases like RB51, Brucellosis, Anthrax and Black Quarter. The vaccination programs differ from farm to farm depending on disease prevalence within any area.
Bonsmara cattle are kept on the specified farm. The Armoedsvlakte Experimental farm in the North West province was vaccinated annually in accordance with the vaccination program that is developed and guided by the Provincial Veterinary Services. Proper management of these farms in terms of health protocols is demonstrated by the fact that there has not been any animal disease outbreak whose origin can be traced to any state farms for the past five years to date.
(b)(i) The farms at all government farms procure their provisions following the normal procurement processes and most of the time utilise the RT 12 and or similar National Treasury tender systems to ensure there is a consistent supply of vaccines.
(ii) The state farms in the North West province produce their own forages, lucerne, turf etc. This is a proper farm management principle that helps to meet provincial fodder flow for winter/drought intervention.
The locally developed Bonsmara cattle kept on this farm are adaptable and rely on a natural extensive (veld) farming system as is the case with other indigenous and locally developed farm animals in South Africa. However additional feeds (mineral licks) are procured and provided to animals to complement natural veld, and this is also to ensure that animals receive additional balanced nutrition throughout the year.
29 April 2024 - NW446
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(a) What are the strategies and plans of her department regarding the provision of extension services to the small-holding farmers and (b) how does she plan to use graduates in agriculture to assist with extension services, especially for land reform and small-scale farmers?
Reply:
a) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) through the Provincial Departments of Agriculture (PDAs) is providing Extension and Advisory Services (EAS) to various categories of farmers. Public extension practitioners provide support mostly to smallholder and subsistence farmers whereas most commercial farmers have private extension practitioners.
b) DALRRD developed an extension programme to increase the capacity of EAS by recruiting unemployed agricultural graduates as extension practitioners at entry level as Assistant Agricultural Practitioners (AAPs). This programme was only implemented for several months through which 4 370 AAPs were employed and deployed to various local agricultural offices to service farmers. The programme was discontinued in July 2023 due to limited financial support.
Currently the only limited funding available is the Extension Recovery Plan (ERP) which is a grant fund that aims to ensure:
- visibility and accountability;
- professionalism and improving image;
- recruitment of Extension Personnel; and
- reskilling and re-orientation and provision of ICT and other resources.
Already 70% of the grant pays for salaries of extension practitioners who are employed on contract and the remaining 30% serves the other four pillars.
The Department still intends, subject to budget availability, to employ unemployed graduates at entry level as Assistant Agricultural Practitioners. In this regard, engagements with National Treasury are continuing to source sustainable funding for the programme. Once the funds are made available the programme will be implemented as planned with Provincial Departments of Agriculture leading as the main employer of Extension Practitioners.
29 April 2024 - NW805
Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether she has found that awarding beneficiaries of land claims financial compensation instead of land under the Restitution of Land Rights Amendment Act, Act 15 of 2014, has been a wise policy; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is her rationale for saying so?
Reply:
Chapter 1 of the Restitution of Land Rights Act 22, Act 22 of 1994, as amended, under the definitions defines “equitable redress” as any equitable redress, other than the restoration of a right in land, arising from the dispossession of a right in land after 19 June 1913 as results f past racially discriminatory laws or practices including:
a) the granting of an appropriate right in alternative state-owned land.
b) the payment of financial compensation.
During optional workshop, as part of the activities towards the settlement of a land claim, claimants are presented with settlement options and advised/requested to choose their preferred option for the settlement of their claim from the below options:
- Restoration.
- Alternative land;
- Financial Compensation.
The above options are supported by policy provisions of the Commission and the Department in ensuring that equitable redress is implemented in line with enabling Legislation.
The financial compensation option allows the claimants urgency and a right to choose how justice is restored and meted out. Some of the claimants opt for financial compensation because they have land and are looking to develop or upgrade what they already have. They also want to honour their ancestors in the meaningful way through the compensation they receive. A recent evaluation conducted by UCT further confirms the positive benefits on the lives of the restitution beneficiaries.
---END---
22 April 2024 - NW545
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
With regard to the Land Bank clients who frequently voice concerns about the impact of higher interest rates on their loans with the bank, how is she and/or her department supporting the farmers in mitigating the effects of higher interest rates, which often constrain their profits, ability to pay workers and their livelihoods?
Reply:
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has established the Blended Finance Scheme to broaden access to affordable finance through the provision of grants which are intended to complement loans granted by Participating Finance Institutions (PFI) towards the commercialisation of Black producers, with the goal being to increase the number of Black producers in the agriculture and agro-processing sector.
Land Bank was the first PFI to be signed up by DALRRD through an agreement, covering a period of 10 years, effective from 2023 to 2032. The agreement caters for an allocation, to Land Bank, of a minimum R325m of annual grant funding by DALRRD for the first three years (2023 –2025) of the agreement.
The Blended Finance Scheme provides for a grant allocation of between 40% and 60% of the total approved facilities by the PFI:
- A maximum of 60% of the total funding required by a smallholder producer (not exceeding R5m for production support and R10m for land acquisition);
- A maximum of 50% of the total funding required by a medium scale producer (not exceeding R10m for production support and R20m for land acquisition); and
- A maximum of 40% of the total funding required by a large scale producer (not exceeding R40m for production support and R50m for land acquisition).
Whereas the loan portion of the transaction is priced at market related interest rates, the grant portion of the total funding comes at no cost to the beneficiary, and is not repayable. This means that the client only pays for between 40% to 60% of the total funding received. This funding structure is therefore, in itself, an affordable financing solution which mitigates against the effects of higher interest rates.
22 April 2024 - NW850
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
With reference to the Ntabebomvu Community Trust IT 1781/2007/N that represents the Ntabebomvu Community who were successful in claiming the restoration of land rights in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, Act 22 of 1994 (details furnished), what are the relevant details of all grants awarded to the Trust and/or beneficiaries from the time of the success of the claim to date including (a) the total amount of each grant, (b) the purpose of each grant, (c) to whom and/or what entity the grant funds were paid and (d) the relevant details of each bank account into which grant funds were deposited; (2) what are the names of the persons legally authorised to act as trustees of the Trust in terms of the Letters of Authority issued by the Master of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court, dated 25 July 2022; (3) whether all the officials of his department, in particular a certain official (details furnished) working with the trustees, were duly appointed by the Master of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court on 22 July 2022; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. No grants were paid.
(a),(b),(c ) Falls away.
2. Mr Cleophas Mlamo, Patrick Dladla, Lungisani Mlambo, Dumazile Ntuli late, Themba Mlambo late, Samson Welcome and Dwi Welcome the two withdrawn from Committee. and four trustees have since passed way.
3. No departmental official was appointed by the Master of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court.
END
22 April 2024 - NW849
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
With reference to the Ntabebomvu Community Trust IT 1781/2007/N that represents the Ntabembomvu Community members who were successful in claiming the restoration of land rights in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, Act 22 of 1994, (details furnished), what are the details of (a) land and/or lots successfully claimed by the Trust that have not been purchased and/or not transferred to the Trust and (b) the reasons that the specified farms and/or lots have not been purchased and/or transferred to the Trust; (2) what are the details of farms and/or lots purchased for the Trust that are (a) rented and (b) leased and/or used by third parties, including but not exclusive to the (i) names of persons and/or entities of each tenant/lessor/user, (ii) rent paid by each tenant/lessor/user, (iii) term of each rental or lease and/or use agreement and (iv) details of the person(s) who entered into agreements with any tenants, lessors and/or users on behalf of the Trust?
Reply:
(1)(a) Please refer to the table below.
NO |
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION |
EXTENT |
OWNER |
Amount |
1. |
Erf 130 Weenen Township |
19.3388ha |
JL Buys |
R61,906,100.00 |
2. |
Portion 18 of erf 142 |
7,552 square metres |
SJJ Le Roux |
|
3. |
Portion 19 of erf 142 |
3,040 square metres |
SJJ Le Roux |
|
4. |
Erf 172 Weenen Township |
23.7761ha |
JL Buys |
|
5. |
Rem Ext of erf 273 Weenen Township |
76.6651ha |
SJJ Le Roux |
|
6. |
Rem Ext of erf 279 Weenen Township |
35.4966ha |
AJB Le Roux |
|
7. |
Erf 302 Weenen Township |
172.8180ha |
AJB Le Roux |
|
8. |
Erf 303 Weenen Township |
47.6564ha |
AJB Le Roux |
|
9. |
Erf 361 Weenen Township |
16.7394ha |
Now Trade 118 cc |
|
10. |
Erf 383 Weenen Township |
4.5276ha |
S Bhagwadeen Family Trust |
|
11. |
Erf 416 Weenen Township |
3.0949ha |
JA Du Plooy |
|
12. |
Erf 447 Weenen Township |
84.3440ha |
AJB Le Roux |
|
13. |
Erf 448 Weenen Township |
142.5646ha |
JL Buys |
|
14. |
Erf 173 Weenen Township |
21ha |
JL Buys |
|
15. |
Erf 174 Weenen Township |
5ha |
JL Buys |
|
16. |
Erf 389 Weenen Township |
6ha |
PR Buys |
|
TOTAL |
R61,906,100.00 |
(b) The settlement of the claim was delayed due to valuations of movable property and machinery. The Section 42D memorandum has been approved on the 28 March 2024 to settle all the 16 properties listed in the table above.
2. Please refer to the table below.
what are the details of farms and/or lots purchased for the Trust that are (a) rented |
b) leased and/or used by third parties, including but not exclusive to the (i) names of persons and/or entities of each tenant/lessor/user |
(ii) rent paid by each tenant/lessor/user |
(iii) term of each rental or lease and/or use agreement and |
(iv) details of the person(s) who entered into agreements with any tenants, lessors and/or users on behalf of the Trust? |
Lot 384 Weenen GT & Lot 426 Weenen Township GT |
Delene Wagner |
R300 000 per annum for 16 rooms lodge Owl and elephant. R200 000 for the 28hectares. |
The lease was signed in April 2015 as open ended until the trust secure funding to operate the farm. |
Cleophas Mlambo |
END
22 April 2024 - NW848
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
With reference to the Ntabebomvu Community Trust IT 1781/2007/N that represents the Ntabembomvu Community members who were successful in claiming the restoration of land rights in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, Act 22 of 1994 (details furnished), what are the details of farms and/or lots that were transferred to the Trust including but not exclusive to the (a) farm and/or Lot numbers, (b) descriptions of the farms and/or lots, (c) extent of area and (d) price paid for each farm and/or lot; (2) what are the details of all (a) fixed and (b) movable assets purchased to be transferred to the Trust including but not exclusive to (i) a full description of each item and (ii) the price paid for each item and/or asset?
Reply:
(1)(a),(b),(c),(d) Please refer to the table below.
(a) details of farms and/or lots that were transferred to the Trust including but not exclusive to the (a) farm and/or Lot numbers |
(b) descriptions of the farms and/or lots |
(c) extent of area |
(d) price paid for each farm and/or lot; |
Lot 384 Weenen GT & Lot 426 Weenen Township GT |
Lot 384 Weenen GT & Lot 426 Weenen Township GT |
35.9597 |
R3 235 000.00 |
Lot 414 Weenen Township GT |
Lot 414 Weenen Township GT |
22.5173 |
R110 000.00 |
(2)(a),(b)(i),(ii) Please refer to the table below.
what are the details of all (a) fixed b) movable assets purchased to be transferred to the Trust including but not exclusive |
(i) a full description of each item |
(ii) the price paid for each item and/or asset? |
12 Chalet and 1 Conference building |
12 Chalet and 1 Conference building |
R3 235 000.00 |
END
22 April 2024 - NO204
Letlape, Ms MS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Since 1 December 1998, what are the full details of the progress that has been made to settle land claims; (2) whether she has found that it is possible to settle the remaining claims within the current budgetary limits, considering that the 7th report of the Land Access Movement of South Africa to the Land Claims Court indicated that her department would need over R30 billion to settle over 6000 remaining land claims; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. From inception until 31 December 2023, 83 056 land claims have been settled, and 3 889 701 hectares of land were acquired at an amount of R25 billion. Financial compensation of R23 billion was awarded to beneficiaries. The restitution programme has benefited 2 345 547 individual beneficiaries who are members of 460 952 households and of those, 177 504 are female-headed households and 1 266 are headed by persons living with disabilities.
2. No. The Commission has set a target of 319 land claims to be settled and 339 land claims to be finalised in the 2024/25 financial year from a total of 5 944 outstanding land claims. The targets are aligned with the budget allocated. In addition to the budget allocated for the settlement of claims, an increase in human resource capacity would be vital as well as the implementation of the interim structure which is a key lever to the Backlog Reduction Strategy. At inception, the original structure of the Commission constituted 1 400 positions. However, the current start-up structure of the Department as of December 2020 states that the number of funded positions is 749 of which 693 positions are filled. This means that the Commission is presently operating at 50% of its original staff establishment
END
17 April 2024 - NW210
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
With reference to settled land restitution claims, what (a) total number of the resettled claimants have entered into strategic partnership arrangements with strategic partners and (b) are the names of the (i) specified resettled claimants and (ii) strategic partners with whom they entered into agreements?
Reply:
(a) The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights (CRLR) does not keep a record of strategic partnerships entered into by settled land restitution claimants. Once property is transferred, the transferee may enter into partnerships in their own legal capacity. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has however, through the Land Development Support (LDS) Programme, assisted fourteen (14) restitution projects.
(b)(i),(ii) Please refer to Table 1 below. The support model used involves commodity organisations and if there is no commodity organisation DALRRD supports the farms using internal capacity.
Acronyms: –
SAFDA – South African Farmers Development Association
DALRRD – Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
NERPO – National Emergent Red Meat Producers’
RESTITUTION PROJECTS SUPPORTED THROUGH LAND DEVELOPMENT AND POST SETTLEMENT SUPPORT PROGRAM UNDER FOOD SECURITY AND AGRARIAN REFORM: |
|||
Province |
Project Name |
Approved Budget |
Development Partner |
KwaZulu Natal |
*Dludla Community Enterprise (Pty) Ltd |
R16 223 878.16 |
SAFDA |
|
*Emakhasaneni Investment (Pty) Ltd |
R6 359 353.32 |
SAFDA |
|
*Prince Sitheku Agriculture (Pty) Ltd |
R6 468 951.04 |
SAFDA |
|
*Ubumbano Agri (Pty) Ltd |
R8 315 983.35 |
SAFDA |
KwaZulu Natal Total |
R37 368 165.87 |
||
Mpumalanga |
*Arxifusion (Pty) Ltd (Phuthanang CPA) |
R4 543 373.50 |
None (DALRRD) |
|
*Laughing Waterfall Farming Projects |
R7 765 340.16 |
SAFDA |
|
*Lubambiswano |
R2 217 382.11 |
None |
|
*Mandzindza Communal Property Association |
R1 903 220.71 |
NERPO |
Mpumalanga Total |
R16 429 316.48 |
||
North West |
*Dikgatlhong Holdings (Pty) Ltd |
R0.00 |
None (DALRRD) |
|
*Doornkop 166 Boerdery (Pty) Ltd |
R4 932 957.83 |
None (DALRRD) |
|
*Khutso-Naketsi Communal Property |
R57 220 257.41 |
Former Owner |
North West Total |
R62 153 215.24 |
||
Northern Cape |
*Mazelfontein/Katlani CPA NPO |
R3 578 732.47 |
None (DALRRD) |
|
*Motsamai Lucas Mokubung Trading (Pty) Ltd |
R10 576 771.84 |
None (DALRRD) |
|
*Schamboua Communal Property Association |
R26 790 520.74 |
Raisins SA |
|
*Smallvish Toeslaan Holdings (Pty) Ltd |
R17 052 111.89 |
None (DALRRD) |
Northern Cape Total |
R57 998 136.94 |
||
Grand Total |
|
R173 948 834.53 |
END
17 April 2024 - NW546
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) What steps has her department taken to address the shortage of veterinary doctors in the Republic; (2) whether she has considered accelerating the registration of South African veterinary doctors who have studied abroad; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) As a means of addressing scarce and critical skills in the sector, the Department coordinates an External Bursary Scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to increase the pool of scientists and skilled professionals. The Department rates veterinary science as one of the scarce skills; as such each year bursaries are awarded to qualifying young people to pursue this field of study at the University of Pretoria. Since inception of the bursary scheme, a total of 106 young people benefited from financial assistance to study Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) at the University of Pretoria and 84 successfully completed their studies while 22 are currently in the system.
The Department has further established a Compulsory Community Service (CCS) programme that ensures that newly graduated veterinarians serve the country for at least one year before they choose gainful employment in industry and other sectors. The Department has been able to deploy an average of 140 veterinarians every year. In addition, the Department has worked with the Department of Higher Education and Training to identify a possible second faculty to train veterinarians and related professionals.
(2) The registration of veterinarians who qualified overseas is done immediately with universities that have equivalence with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC). The Department and the SAVC provided opportunities for those who qualified overseas and did not meet the requirements for registration to write exams and if they pass, they may practice in the country.
17 April 2024 - NW551
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What does the Constitution of the Rooiwal Communal Property Association say about (a) non-members (names furnished), (b) politicians and (c) family members (details furnished) who are elected to the executive committee?
Reply:
(a) In terms of clause 12.5 of the Rooiwal Communal Property Association’s constitution, individuals who are non-members of the Communal Property Association (CPA) can be elected to the executive committee of the CPA.
(b) The Restitution of Land Rights Act, 1994 (Act No. 22 of 1994) does not disqualify a person who holds political office from being a claimant or a beneficiary, therefore in terms of Rooiwal CPA’s constitution, politicians who are members of the CPA representing their family household, can be elected to the executive committee of the CPA.
(c) Clause 7 of the Rooiwal CPA’s Constitution allows for election to the executive committee of family members provided that they are members of the Rooiwal CPA.
17 April 2024 - NW669
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What progress has been made at the Agricultural Research Council to build a dedicated Foot and Mouth Disease facility tasked with developing vaccines for the livestock farmers affected by the specified disease?
Reply:
The development of a modern Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) production facility would be an international showcase of South Africa’s capabilities. As this is a specialised building, highly skilled external consulting engineers and other specialists have been appointed to develop a concept layout and detailed design of the manufacturing process.
The following key steps have been completed:
- Construction related firms such as engineering, architectural, electrical, mechanical and construction to design plan and implement the construction of the new FMD factory have all been contracted
- A process engineer to develop the design or layout of the infrastructure (piping, bioreactors, purifiers, centrifuges, etc.) that will be used in the manufacturing process has been appointed.
- A well-designed production process is essential for optimisation of the factory design, particularly for obtaining qualifications for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) which is required not only for export purposes but also by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to grant the manufacturing license for the factory.
- A Project Manager to manage the construction has already been recruited.
The next steps are as follows:
- Obtain all the regulatory permits and approvals for the construction of the facility. These will be secured by the firms contracted to project manage the construction phase of the project.
- Start the construction phase of the factory. The building must have certified engineering features to ensure that the highest international standards and compliance are achieved and that a world-leading environment for both staff and animals is provided.
The table below provides a summary of the key steps in the process:
PHASE |
ACTIVITIES |
Design phase [underway and expected to be completed and signed off - 1st quarter of financial year 2024/25] |
Below are the appointed service providers for the development of the new FMD vaccine factory at Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Campus (OVR):
The above appointed service providers have commenced and are almost finished with various stages of the pre-construction documentation and processes which entail the design and planning, infrastructure and bulk services provision and project budget. |
Construction [24 – 36 months; expected to start at the beginning of August 2024] |
|
Validation [approximately 18 months, followed by full commercial production] |
|
The coordination between the different appointed service providers is underway to ensure that the building meets the minimum standards in preparation for the construction of the new facility, with accurate user specification requirements, detailed design diagrams, and cost estimates.
17 April 2024 - NW753
Mkhonto, Ms C N to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) Whether there is any system in place to ensure that the price of communal land is uniform throughout the Republic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details. (2) whether her department uses a reference guide to allocate land to foreign nationals; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
- No. There is no system in place to regulate the price for communal land since the land is held in trust by the Minister on behalf of communities and is not for sale.
- No. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development does not use any reference guide to allocate land to foreign nationals as foreign nationals are not eligible for land allocation in terms of Government’s land reform programme.
17 April 2024 - NW804
Mbabama, Ms TM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
On which legislative provisions does her department and/or the Government rely to prohibit the invasion of vacant land such as the one seen in Brandkop Farm near Loerie Park in Bloemfontein?
Reply:
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development relies on the Trespass Act, 1959 (Act No. 6 of 1959) to prohibit the invasion of vacant land.
The Act provides for:
“Prohibition of entry or presence upon land and entry of or presence in buildings in certain circumstances:
(1) Any person who without the permission-
(a) of the lawful occupier of any land or any building or part of a building; or
(b) of the owner or person in charge of any land or any building or part of a building that is not lawfully occupied by any person,
enters or is upon such land or enters or is in such building or part of a building, shall be guilty of an offence unless he has lawful reason to enter or be upon such land or enter or be in such building or part of a building.”
17 April 2024 - NW816
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) (a) Who are the trustees and (b) how were they appointed to be trustees of the Maele Trust Structure which was established in terms of an agreement to assure a sustainable legal and business model for the future of the Ba Ga-Motlhware and associated clans, consisting of the Maele Tribal Community Development Trust (IT 52/2019) and the Maele Royal Trust (IT 53/2019); (2) what total (a) percentage and (b) amount of income of the specified trust benefited the (i) Maele Tribal Community Development Trust and (ii) Maele Royal Trust for the past five financial years; (3) what (a) total number of outstanding land restitution claims with regard to the subject Maele territory of concern has not been finalised since 1 January 1998 and (b) are the reasons that the claims have not yet been finalised?
Reply:
(1)(a),(b) The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights does not have any record for Maele Trust. The Honourable Member is requested to provide more information and location of the said trust to enable the Department to respond to the question.
(2)(a),(b)(i),(ii) Falls away.
(3) The Commission does not have any record of land claims in respect of Maele territory.
(a),(b) Falls away.
END
17 April 2024 - NW290
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What is the latest update regarding the R150 million allocated by her department for small-scale farmer training and capacity-building programmes that commenced in September 2021, including (a) a breakdown of how the R150 million has been utilised, (b) the list of names of the companies responsible for facilitating the capacity-building programme and the associated costs for her department, (c) an overview of the selection process of the specified companies, (d) the mechanisms in place for monitoring and controlling the work of the facilitating companies and (e) the expected timeline for the completion of the training?
Reply:
The Department did not allocate an amount of R150 million for small scale farmer training and capacity building.
(a),(b),(c),(d),(e) Falls away.
17 April 2024 - NW469
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, with reference to the Rooiwal Communal Property Association (CPA) disputes lodged with her department in October 2021 and March 2022 which remain unresolved to this day, a conciliator will be appointed to assist the concerned community and resolve the disputes; if not, why not; if so, by what date does she envisage the appointed conciliator to resolve the specified disputes; (2) what does her department intend to do to help the concerned community to resolve the disputes; (3) whether her department will accept the decisions of the Rooiwal CPA Committee, which is alleged to have been unconstitutionally elected without the requisite quorum, as legally binding; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the reasons for such acceptance?
Reply:
1. Yes.
The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has attended to all the disputes as reported through several Special General Communal Property Association (CPA) meetings which were held in January 2022. The meetings resolved all the matters that were in dispute and all parties agreed to hold an elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 12 March 2022. The concerned group leader was invited to all meetings but did not attend; however, the CPA meetings were fully quorated.
The conciliator was appointed after the AGM through the Land Rights Management Facility – Motlhamme Attorneys’ to deal with the concerned group complaints; however, the conciliator found it difficult to proceed due to lack of cooperation by the concerned group leaders and the contract was terminated.
2. DALRRD has agreed with the concerned members and the CPA committee in a meeting on 22 January 2024 to reappoint the conciliator in terms of section 10 of the CPA Act. The success of this process is however dependent upon cooperation by the concerned group members.
3. Yes. the AGM of 12 March 2022 was properly constituted and fully quorated, the Committee is legitimate, and their duties are regulated in terms of clauses 6 and 10 of the Rooiwal Communal Property Association. However, DALRRD is addressing the issues raised by the concerned group members regarding the elective AGM.
17 April 2024 - NW494
Mathulelwa, Ms B to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What urgent steps of intervention have been taken to develop smallscale farmers who have previously requested assistance with storage and processing machinery in (a) Mbizana, (b) Mthatha and (c) Matatiele in the Eastern Cape?
Reply:
a) Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Municipality (WMM)
Storage:
- WMM Local Municipality (LM): mechanization center at Mbizana Rural Enterprise Development (RED) Hub at Dyifani (Ward 31) that has 2 silos for maize storage.
- There are also 4 multi-purpose sheds that will assist with the storage and packaging of agricultural products in WMM LM at Mbongweni (Ward 14), Ndakeni (Ward 8), Nyaka (Ward 18) and Mbenya (Ward 32).
- Mzamba food security is utilising 2 silos for maize storage.
- Twelve storage tanks were provided in 2013 to 12 maize projects at Mbongweni (Ward 14), Elityeni (Ward 28), Mbongwana (Ward 21) and Nomlacu (Ward 26).
Processing Machinery:
- WMM LM: Mbizana RED Hub has a milling plant that processes white maize and there is a potato washer.
- There are 2 maize dryers in the RED Hub which are used to dry maize to the required moisture content before storage.
b) Mthatha
- Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform OR Tambo office received one application from the Mthatha area in the 2021/22 financial year requesting a grain storage facility along the R61. The District Screening Committee agreed to support the request for the establishment of the facility along the R61 as it is a high grain-producing corridor in the OR Tambo District. However, due to infrastructure backlog and financial constraints, the facility is planned to be implemented from the 2024/25 financial year as a multi-year project. A budget of R1 200 000 has been set aside for the first phase, that is, planning, design, and earthworks, which are expected to be completed in the 2024/25 financial year.
- Mthatha Service Centre is within the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, comprised of Mqanduli and Mthatha. At Mqanduli, the Department in partnership with COGTA established a RED Hub meant to store and process grain produce into livestock feed and maize meal. The grain storage capacity is 2 250t. Smallholder farmers around Mthatha and Mqanduli are selling their produce to the RED Hub for storage and processing of grain into the above-mentioned products.
- On vegetable production, smallholder farmers are utilising the Kei Fresh Produce market for both storage and selling their produce. The establishment of the Market was funded and supported by OR Tambo Municipality. Currently, Eastern Cape Development Cooperation is establishing a pack house to improve the shelf life of fruit and vegetables.
c) Matatiele Local Municipality
Wool Commodity:
- Three multi-purpose sheds for wool shearing, classification, sorting, and storage were constructed between 2020 and 2023.
- Qhobosheaneng multi-purpose sheds in Qhobosheaneng village Ward 15.
- Sonwabile multi-purpose sheds in Madlangala village Ward 11.
- Matias multi-purpose sheds in KwaMzongwana location Ward 9.
- Two multi-purpose sheds are still under construction, to be completed in 2024/25.
- Simunye multi-purpose sheds in Chibini village Ward 5.
- Magadla multi-purpose sheds in Magadla village Ward 10.
- Two multi-purpose sheds are to be implemented in the 2024/25 financial year.
- Ramafole multi-purpose sheds in Ramafole village Ward 24.
- Moiketsi Reserve multi-purpose sheds in Moiketsi village Ward 14.
Grain Commodity:
- Two grain pack sheds for grain storage, packaging, processing, branding, and marketing are in the 2025/26 plan, recommended to be implemented over the next three years.
- Horncroft Farm in Cedarville Ward 26.
- Try Again Farm in Ongeluksnek Ward 10.
- One grain pack shed is in the application process to be implemented in the 2025/26 financial year.
- Esbi Khaya Farm Ongeluksnek Ward 16.
17 April 2024 - NW137
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What is the latest update on the progress made towards achieving land reform targets, including the (a) number of farms, (b) purchase costs, (c) post-settlement support, (d) annual input cost support, (e) productivity and (f) estimated turnover of each farm in each province from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023?
Reply:
(a) and(b)
The Land Redistribution and Tenure Reform programme acquired 239 farms while the Land Restitution programme acquired 970 farms from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023 at the cost of R2 138 billion and R4 304 billion, respectively.
c) The Department through its Land Development Support programme has supported a total of 244 land reform farms across the country.
d) Production inputs budget allocated to the farms amounts to R543 081 million.
e) Since the farms were funded in different financial years, they are currently under implementation at different stages of production based on the type of commodity’s production cycle.
f) In line with the standard of the programme, each approved farm had an estimated net profit of at least R350 000 per production cycle as per approved business plan(s). The applicable production standards are used to ensure that enterprises are funded at their commercial entry level considering the available natural resources and support required to ensure sustainability and growth.
12 April 2024 - NW673
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether she will furnish Mrs V van Dyk with proof that the (a) ward councillors were removed from the Communal Property Associations Committee and (b) Director-General has issued Certificates of Appointment with stipulated appointment dates; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No.
a) In terms of section (8)(3)(c) of the CPA Act, on request and on payment of the prescribed fee the Registration Officer shall provide members of the public with information contained in the register and with a copy of the constitution of any registered association or similar entity however, the Promotion of Access to Information Act, Act 2 of 2000 (PAIA) provides a process to be followed to access information from a Public body and the Protection of access to personal information Act 4 of 2013 also takes precedence in relation to personal information that may held a Public body.
b) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) does not issue appointment letters after any elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) however the new committee gets registered with the CPI Unit registration office upon receipt of a submission from the CPA. DALRRD has no obligation in terms of the Communal Property Associations Act, 1996 (Act No. 28 of 1996) and regulations to issue appointment letters of elected committee members.
11 April 2024 - NW589
Alexander, Ms W to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
With reference to her reply to question 102 on 28 February 2023, what are the details of the (a) make, (b) model, (c) year of manufacture, (d) date of purchase and (e) purchase price paid for each vehicle purchased by her department for (i) her and (ii) each Deputy Minister since 8 May 2019?
Reply:
(a),(b),(c),(d),(e) None.
(i),(ii) Falls away.
11 April 2024 - NW136
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Considering that Cabinet’s approved a R334,41 million reduction in her department’s baseline for Programme 3: Food Security, Land Reform, and Restitution due to unforeseeable economic and financial events, what (a) strategies and plans has she put in place to achieve the land reform targets and (b) are the further relevant details of the strategies and plans?
Reply:
a) The following strategies and plans have been put in place to address the 334.41 million reduction in Department’s baseline for Programme 3: Food Security, Land Reform and Restitution:
- Restitution:
Due to the declining budget, the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights (the Commission) reduced its Annual Performance Plan targets from 355 claims settled in 22/23 financial year to 349 in the 23/24 financial year and 319 for the 24/25 financial year. Taking cognisance of the increased value of settlements and the declining budget, the Commission has aligned the settlement and finalisation targets with the allocated budget.
- Land Redistribution and Tenure:
Equitable access of land includes the security of tenure; although the budget cut will restrict the acquisition of new land, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) will effect transfer of state land under leasehold into freehold title which will increase the ownership of land and security of tenure. DALRRD will also fast-track the settlement of outstanding labour tenants’ claims as they cost less compared to land acquired for land redistribution and security of tenure will be enhanced.
b) Further details are as follows:
- Restitution:
The Backlog Reduction Strategy (this refers to the settlement of old order claims) that targets the pre-1998 claims is currently being implemented in the Commission in line with the allocated budget. The strategy was to reduce the target from 408 to 319 for the 2024/25 financial year.
- Land Redistribution and Tenure:
The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Land Reform, directed DALRRD to explore policy proposals to effect transfer of state land under leasehold to current lessees or occupants into freehold title. Consultation with the affected lessees has been done and concurrence with National Treasury has been obtained.
The decision is premised on the following:
-
- Limitations of leasehold in terms of access to private capital to develop the land;
- Limited government funding to support all lessees; and
- Costs for maintaining and administering leased land.
11 April 2024 - NW291
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1)Whether she will furnish Mr N P Masipa with a comprehensive report regarding farms owned by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in each province, including details of the farms (a) currently utilised for research purposes and (b) leased to small-scale farmers from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what is the latest update on farms that have been invaded and vandalised including the (a) actions taken by her department to address the issue of invaded farms, (b) number of evictions that have been carried out on invaded farms and (c) strategies that are in place for farms that are not actively engaged in research and are lying fallow; (3) what are the details of the individuals who are responsible for overseeing the activities of the research farms; (4) whether any accountability measures are in place; if not, why not; if so, what are the details of the actions taken to address underutilisation and invasion of some of the ARC farms?
Reply:
(1)(a) Yes. Annexure A contains an inventory of all farms owned by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), which are linked to specific research campuses.
(b) ARC has implemented a new strategy that involves professional property management agents to better manage its properties and agricultural land portfolio. This approach aims to cater to small-scale farmers by providing them with leasing opportunities.
(2) Since 2013, some ARC farms have been illegally occupied, starting with Umthiza farm in East London.
(a) The Legal Services Department, Facilities and Security Services, the Sheriff’s Office, and local courts worked together to evict the illegal occupiers.
(b) Evictions have also been carried out on the following farms:
- Kaalplaas – Soshanguve in August 2017;
- Umthiza again in September 2019; and
- Kaalplaas – N4 in June 2020.
Evictions were carried out via Court Eviction Orders with support from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Sheriff.
(c) ARC is actively monitoring for potential invasions and taking preventative measures to address them before requiring legal intervention.
(3) Research farms are linked to research institutes of the ARC that prioritize research activities. The Infrastructure Division supports certain aspects of managing the research farms.
(4) Yes. ARC has developed a property management strategy to optimize the use and management of its properties and research farms. A significant initiative within this framework involves engaging a professional property agent to enhance the efficient management of ARC properties and research farms. This includes tasks such as advertising unused ARC properties and research farms. Additionally, any underutilized properties that cannot be leased out will be presented to the Minister for consideration and/or transfer to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).
11 April 2024 - NW543
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What are the reasons that (a) students who are offering their services doing geographic information systems work at one of her Offices in Cape Town were made to sign a contract that stipulates that they will not be remunerated and (b) her department does not pay the students for working a full day, as some of them use transport and have to pay for their own accommodation since her department does not provide them with transport or accommodation?
Reply:
a) The students in question are not offering their services in the office in Cape Town but they are receiving training under the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme offered, either in partial fulfilment of their academic qualifications and / or in meeting the requirements for registration with the South African Geomatics Council (SAGC). These conditions are explained to them prior to commencement of the training. There are no contracts signed with the students.
b) There is no provision to remunerate students who are neither bursary holders nor persons in the internship programme.
04 April 2024 - NW699
Alexander, Ms W to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether she will furnish Mrs W R Alexander with a (a) list and (b) full description of all events planned by her department to take place before 29 May 2024 in celebration of the 30 years of democracy in the Republic, including the (i) projected total cost or expenditure of each event and (ii) breakdown thereof in terms of expenditure for (aa) catering, (bb) entertainment, (cc) venue hire, (dd) transport and (ee) accommodation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(a), (b) No.
(i), (ii), (iii),(aa),(bb),(cc),(dd),(ee) Falls away.
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is not aware of any events planned to celebrate 30years of democracy before the 29th of May 2024.
04 April 2024 - NW651
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What are the full, relevant details of land ownership by category in the Republic post the Land Audit Report of 2017?
Reply:
There is no further information available regarding land ownership by category in the Republic post the Land Audit Report of 2017. However, the Department is in the initial stages of planning the next audit, aiming to refresh the 2017 report and provide detailed insights into land ownership by various categories, including entities such as companies, trusts, and community-based organizations. Once this new analysis is completed, it will provide a comprehensive overview of land ownership demographics in the Republic.
04 April 2024 - NW640
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development:
Whether her department conducted any study to determine full details of tangible changes in the levels of (a) household income and (b) employment as a result of land restitution comparing pre and post transfer period; if not, why not; if so; what are the relevant details of the findings?
Reply:
(a) (b) No, The Land Restitution Evaluation Study (LRES) did not address this question. The primary objective of the study was to measure the impact of restitution awards on the beneficiaries’ well-being. The conference that the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights (CRLR), is organising in April 2024 will discuss this question.
BACKGROUND
- In 2013/14 it was agreed that an Impact Evaluation study be conducted to measure the impact of the Land Restitution Programme.
- The Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) of the University of Cape Town (UCT) was eventually appointed by 3ie and DRDLR to undertake the study referred to the LRES. The LRES is the first effort to quantify the impacts of the forms of restitution.
- A grant agreement between SALDRU and 3ie was signed on 6 December 2016 and a service level agreement (SLA) between SALDRU (UCT) and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) was signed on 2 March 2017.
- The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the compensation scheme as a mechanism to sustainably improve the economic position of beneficiaries. A further knowledge gap the study sought to address was the impact of and on the aspirational/ psychological outcomes, noting the restorative justice outcome of Land Restitution.
- Notably, improved aspirational/psychological outcomes might operate as catalysts for positive economic decision making, suggesting that a rationale based on restorative justice cannot easily be separated from economic fundamentals
- The overarching question was to ascertain whether once off transfers – cash or land transfers may be a cost-effective way of initiating a virtuous cycle of accumulation and growth in living standards.
- The data was collected and analysed, and the impacts estimated for their economic, psychological and cognitive well-being.
DISCUSSION
8. The impact study took about 6 years to complete cognisant of the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in the reconfiguration of the study in keeping with research processes. The study sample included 3735 individuals, across 2646 households and 505 claims. A hybrid methodology was employed – a qualitative and quantitative study.
9. The delay of the study was also due to some technical and operational challenges which were addressed by a steering committee comprising of all role-players - CRLR, DPME, DALRRD and the International Initiative for Impact Evaluations (3ie) an organisation specialising in impact evaluations. The overall cost of the study was 25 million and the main findings are:
10. Large awards have large impacts: whether in cash or the value of the land rights conferred, large restitution awards cause sustained improvements to beneficiary well-being.
11. Economic well-being: mean per-capita consumption is estimated to be 25-26% higher for household that receive restitution awards or value in land above R200 000, compared to households that receive R25 000.
12. Psychological well-being: The risk for depression decreases by 10% for individuals that reive restitution awards) or value in land rights) of R250 000, compared to households that receive R25 000.
13. The study points to the notion that large magnitude transfers, whether in cash or land rights causes sustained improvements to beneficiary well-being i.e., both economic well-being and psychological well-being.
14. Further, the findings for large awards amounts afford stakeholders a platform to formalise an operational definition of “equitable redress”, noting that there are sizable impacts of settlements awards that are more or less the same as the standard settlement offer.
END
04 April 2024 - NW672
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(1) Whether she will furnish Mrs V van Dyk with a copy of the (a) report from Independent Elections Facilitators of Southern Africa that the Richtersveld Communal Property Association (CPA) election process was declared free and fair and that all objections have been attended to and resolved as submitted to the Office of the Director-General and (b) proof that the CPA membership list was updated to the date before the election in 2021; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she will furnish Mrs V van Dyk with the (a) documents submitted to the office of the Director-General, (b) attendance registers of persons who were eligible to vote and (c) number of persons who voted, (d) counted votes; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1),(2)(a),(b),(c),(d) No. In terms of section (8)(3)(c) of the Communal Property Associations Act No. 28 of 1996, on request and on payment of the prescribed fee, the Registration Officer shall provide members of the public with information contained in the register and with a copy of the constitution of any registered association or similar entity. The Promotion of Access to Information Act No. 2 of 2000 (PAIA) provides the process to be followed to access information from a public body and the Protection of Access to Personal Information Act No. 4 of 2013 takes precedence in relation to personal information that may be held by a public body.
03 April 2024 - NW532
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Considering that her department has finalised previous order claims in the Free State, (a) by what date does she intend to start with new order claims for the (i) Free State and (ii) rest of the provinces and (b) what time frames have been put in place to attend to new order claims?
Reply:
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:
(a)(i),(ii) The Constitutional Court interdicted the Commission from processing the new order claims until the Commission has finalised the old order claims lodged by 31 December 1998. The order did not direct the Commission to process new order claims in provinces where the 1998 claims have been finalised. Currently the Commission has total number of 5944 old order claims outstanding.
(b) No time frames have been put in place as the Commission is still processing the old order claims.
END
03 April 2024 - NW652
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(a) How much land was transferred as part of redistribution and restitution from 1 February 2018 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what are the relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
(a) 330 046 and 462 745 hectares were acquired as part of land redistributed and restitution respectively
(b) Please refer to the table below:
Provincial Breakdown of hectares acquired:
Province |
Redistribution Hectares Acquired |
Restitution Hectares Acquired |
Eastern Cape |
17 605 |
9 479 |
Free State |
10 305 |
1 219 |
Gauteng |
2 612 |
41 |
KwaZulu Natal |
34 482 |
118 525 |
Limpopo |
16 080 |
89 471 |
Mpumalanga |
16 835 |
44 845 |
North West |
106 574 |
41 910 |
Northern Cape |
103 045 |
152 476 |
Western Cape |
22 508 |
4 779 |
Total |
330 046 |
462 745 |
03 April 2024 - NW522
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 3764 on 22 November 2023, in which she confirmed that the settlement of the land claim of the residents of Lower Zingcuka in Keiskammahoek in the Eastern Cape was almost complete, she will furnish Mr N S Matiase with the timetable of activities and the final payment of the financial compensation to the community; if not, why not; if so, by what date and/or month does she envisage the community to be paid the financial compensation due to them?
Reply:
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:
The claim for Lower Zingcuka was approved for settlement by the Minister on the 29th November 2023.
Current and planned roll out of activities for finalize payments for the claim as follows:
- An information session with all three villages in the Lower Zingcuka community took place on 29 – 30 January 2024 to prepare for the payment process;
- During the week of 19 – 23 February 2024 officials from the Eastern Cape office visited Lower Ngqumeya village for assisting the community with submission of required documentation;
- First payment batch covering 88 households with 544 beneficiaries is in process and payments are expected in the new financial year budget in April 2024 and May 2024;
- The remaining villages will be visited through a community outreach in the month of April to collect documentation for the outstanding households; and
- The project payment process is targeted to continue in May, June and completed on or before September 2024.
END
03 April 2024 - NW653
Manyi, Mr M to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What total amount (a) has the Government spent on land redistribution and restitution from 1 February 2018 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) is in her department’s projections for the 7th administration to spend?
Reply:
(a) Government spent R3 038 billion on land redistribution and R18,480 billion on land restitution from 1 February 2018 to 15 March 2024.
(b) The Department’s land acquisition projections for the 7th administration to spend is reflected in the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) allocation for the next three years as R 1 605 billion for redistribution and R13,354 billion for the next five years for restitution.
25 March 2024 - NW470
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, with reference to the Rooiwal Communal Property Association (CPA), she will furnish Mrs V van Dyk with a copy of their (a) constitution, (b) financial statements since the 2015-16 financial year, (c) updated membership register and (d) title deed from the Regional Land Claims Commission to the Rooiwal CPA; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(a)(b),(c) Any member of the Communal Property Association (CPA), can make a request to the CPA executive to access CPA information. A request must be formally made to the CPA executive committee and the Department can assist if the Committee fail to provide the copy of the constitution, financial statements, and updated membership register.
(d) A request must be formally made to the Land Claims Commission to obtain copies of the title deeds.
25 March 2024 - NW328
Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What are the full details of all (a) sponsorships, (b) donations and (c) financial transfers provided for lawfare and/or any other purposes to (i) her, (ii) her department and (iii) officials of her department by any (aa) Qatari, (bb) Iranian and/or (cc) Russian organ of state, organisation and/or resident since 1 January 2021 up to the latest date in 2024 for which information is available?
Reply:
(a),(b),(c) None.
(i)(aa),(bb),(cc) (ii)(aa),(bb),(cc) (iii)(aa),(bb),(cc) Falls away.
25 March 2024 - NW547
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What are the relevant details regarding the production of vaccines as it relates to freeze drying at the Onderstepoort Biological Products since the new board took over?
Reply:
The freeze dryer was not operational over the December period due to technical issues which required the services of a specialist service provider. Finding the specialist took some time with an appointment only made in January 2024. The freeze dryer has been operational since the third week of February 2024.
Six batches of vaccines have been freeze-dried to date. Production is continuing over seven days (every day of the week) to cover the production backlog.
25 March 2024 - NW433
Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
With reference to the recent docking of the ship Al Kuwait carrying 19 000 live cattle in Cape Town and the attending reports of cruelty to animals on the specified ship, what measures and regulations will she and her department put in place to manage the welfare of future exports of live animals on ships from the Republic, in order to safeguard the welfare of the animals and prevent the abuse of the animals transported; (2) whether the existing non-mandatory Guidelines for the Exportation of Live Animals by Sea version 1 will be converted into enforceable regulations; if not, why not; if so, (a) by what date will this be implemented and (b) what are the relevant details thereof, including the (i) requirements for pre-boarding veterinary care and inspection, (ii) independent monitors on board for the duration of the voyage, (iii) on-board automated monitoring of ambient conditions and (iv) transparent reporting on the ambient conditions and welfare of animals during the voyage and upon arrival at their destination; (3) whether there will be any prohibition of live export by sea during certain times, such as exclusion during the Northern Hemisphere summer, as prohibited in the existing regulations and in Australia's regulations, but not adhered to in terms of the shipment that took place in July 2023; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
(1) The AI Kuwait that docked in Cape Town was ferrying 17500 heads of cattle from Rio Grande, Brazil to Iraq. A South African Company, acting on behalf of their customer, approached the Department with a request to allow the vessel that was transporting 17500 heads of cattle to dock in Cape Town to load 2000 tons of animal feed. Detailed specifications of the vessel were provided, ensuring stringent measures to prevent contamination. Loading procedures for the feed were outlined, involving the use of conveyor belts. No livestock from South Africa was carried on this vessel.
Relating to the cases of exports from South Africa, the current laws, standards, and international norms and standards that are used for the exports of live animals from the Republic, already serve to provide assurances for animal welfare. The department is, however, working on beefing up the regulatory framework by introducing regulations for the export of animals by sea.
(2) Yes.
(a),(b) The first draft will be finalised by the end of April 2024. This will be followed by the formal legislation development processes including a socio-economic impact assessment, public consultation, and review of the comments from the public. Once the process has been completed, the document will be presented to the Minister for consideration and promulgation. It is envisaged that the second part of the process will be completed in the second quarter of the next financial year.
(i),(ii),(ii),(iv) The regulations will include the appropriate measures.
(3) Any possible prohibitions will be considered during the drafting of the regulations.
4. No.
18 March 2024 - NW269
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What specific steps does her department intend to take in response to the alarming number of noncompliant communal property associations (CPAs) as outlined in the recent annual report; (2) whether there is a plan to address the (a) lack of co-operation (i) among CPA members and (ii) between traditional authorities versus CPAs and (b) reported conflicts among CPA members that are identified as key factors contributing to (aa) noncompliance and (bb) project failure; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) considering that the chairperson of the Moletele Community Property Association, Mr Albert Thabane, which is one of the CPAs that are best performing, emphasised that collaborations are key to ensure that the benefits of the community are met, what measures does her department intend to put in place to encourage collaboration and partnerships among CPAs?
Reply:
1. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has embarked on a process of developing a policy guideline to address all Communal Property Associations’ (CPAs) challenges.
2. Yes.
(a)(i),(ii),(b),(aa),(bb) The policy guideline will address all CPA challenges.
3. DALRRD is currently hosting CPA investment imbizos in order to advance collaboration amongst CPAs and investment partners for the productive use of the land held by these entities.
18 March 2024 - NW57
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What is the (a) total cost of waste perishable fruit exports between 2019 and 2023, specifically at export destination delivery points due to port challenges and Ukraine-Russian conflict and (b) status update on the latest measures in place to expedite farmers' exports at ports and minimise losses for our farmers?
Reply:
a) The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) does not have information on the cost of waste perishable exports resulting from port challenges and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, there doesn’t appear to be any significant post export losses, judging by non-conformity reports we receive regularly from the European Union and other export destinations.
b) The role of DALRRD and its assignee, the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) is inter alia to ensure that farmers’ produce are harvested on time, appropriately packed and sent to ports for final export procedures where the PEPCB ensures that produce is correctly loaded, and vessels certified. Availability of port space and port efficiency as well as related logistics at the ports is the responsibility of the Department of Transport (Transnet).
18 March 2024 - NW382
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether the Public Protector made any findings and handed down remedial action against her department in Report 24 of 2017/2018 on Allegations of Maladministration in the matter between Mr J Nchupetsang and the North West Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what specific steps has her department taken to implement the remedial action?
Reply:
We have requested the Provincial Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development in North West Province to provide us with information in this regard.
Once the information is received, we will inform the Honourable Member.
18 March 2024 - NW209
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
With reference to land restitution claims that were settled by the return of land to the claimants, what total number of the specified claims are governed by (a) communal property associations and (b) trusts?
Reply:
a) The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has registered 666 Communal Property Associations for governance of the land restitution claims that were settled by the return of land to the claimants.
b) DALRRD has registered 319 Trusts for governance of the land restitution claims that were settled by the return of land to the claimants.
18 March 2024 - NW498
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What total number of households and/or individuals received financial compensation as opposed to the total number of beneficiaries who had their land restored and/or assets transferred to them?
Reply:
More than 998 479 individuals benefited from financial compensation and more than 1 134 039 individuals benefited from land restoration.
END
18 March 2024 - NW268
Cebekhulu, Inkosi RN to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(a) How does her department intend to address financial irregularities and missing funds within some communal property associations (CPAs) and (b) what mechanisms will be put in place to prevent such issues in the future; (2) regarding the need for a more aggressive approach, what specific timelines and milestones will her department set to ensure a swift and effective turnaround in the current state of CPAs?
Reply:
(1)(a) Communal Properties Associations (CPAs) are supported to present annual reports and financial statements at the Annual General Meeting of its members.
In instances where allegations of financial mismanagement are reported investigations are done by the department and where necessary, the CPA can be put under administration.
(b) Proper training of all CPA members including their executive committee on governance, business development and financial accountability is necessary.
2. Firstly, engagement with CPAs across the country gave us a thorough appreciation of where challenges are in each of the CPAs (2022/23).
Following these engagements, a training program is duly developed to strengthen weaknesses.
Mediation is also central in austerity in the management of conflicts and look at possible actions in isolating disputes.
Timelines will differ based on each CPA and its challenges.
18 March 2024 - NW499
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What has her department found to be the factors that contribute to land restitution breaking the cycle of poverty?
Reply:
The recipients of the Land Restitution programme received land as an assets or Financial Compensation which enables the claimants to participate in the economy of the country thus breaking the cycles of poverty. More than 998 479 individuals benefited from financial compensation and more than 1 134 039 individuals benefited from land restoration.
END
18 March 2024 - NW289
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether she will furnish Mr N P Masipa with the detailed progress that has been made regarding the completion of the first draft of the Animal Welfare Bill that is due in March 2024; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she will furnish Mr N P Masipa with the (a) details of the public stakeholder consultation that took place during the drafting of the Animal Welfare Bill and (b) due date for presentation to (i) Cabinet and (ii) Parliament for the processing of the Bill; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW327E
Reply:
1. Yes. The first draft of the Animal Welfare Bill is currently being drafted and will be completed in March 2024.
2. (a) No. No public stakeholder consultation has taken place as yet.
(b)(i),(ii) It is not possible to determine the exact time frames due to the various processes that must be engaged prior to the introduction of a Bill to Parliament. As indicated in the reply to question 3435 on 22 November 2023, the first draft is expected to be completed by March 2024 and the Bill will follow the normal legislation-making process including:
- processing through the relevant Directors-General Cluster System;
- conducting a Socio-Economic Impact Assessment;
- constitutional certification by the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor; and
- obtaining Cabinet approval to gazette for public comments.
Once the comments have been considered, the Bill will be amended accordingly and will be submitted to Cabinet for approval to table in Parliament.