Questions and Replies

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Patrick Dladla, Lungisani Mlambo, Dumazile Ntuli late, Themba Mlambo late, Samson Welcome and Dwi Welcome the two withdrawn from Committee.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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.”

Reply:

1. 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.
2. 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.

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): Process engineering firm; Architectural firm; Mechanical Engineering firm; Electrical Engineering firm; Civil & Engineering firm; Quantity Surveying firm; Wet Services Engineering firm; and Fire Services Engineering firm. 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]	Ordering of specialised equipment for vaccine production; Construction of building according to specifications; and Issuing of compliance certificates of completion in relation to National Building Standards.
Validation [approximately 18 months, followed by full commercial production]	Foot and mouth disease vaccine trials; and Inspection.

 

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Reply:

(a),(b),(c),(d),(e) None.

(i),(ii) Falls away.

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.

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.

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

1. In 2013/14 it was agreed that an Impact Evaluation study be conducted to measure the impact of the Land Restitution Programme.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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
6. 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.
7. 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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

Reply:

(a),(b),(c) None.

(i)(aa),(bb),(cc) (ii)(aa),(bb),(cc) (iii)(aa),(bb),(cc) Falls away.

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.

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.

Reply:

a) (i) Commercial Farmers: 40 122 (Source: Stats SA Commercial Census of Agriculture, 2017).

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA’s) definition of category of farmers:

• Micro Income <R1 million;
• Micro+ R1 million>Income<R2,25 million;
• Small R2.25 million>Income<R13,5 million;
• Medium R13,5 million>Income<R22,5 million; and
• Large >R22,5 million.

Information is not categorised according to race.

(ii) There are no reliable figures on black commercial farmers yet. The Producer/Farmer Register in 2021 registered 95 501 farmers. African farmers compared to other racial groups make up 89 975 of the registered number.

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD’s) definition of category of farmers registered is as follows:

• Smallholder R50<R1 million form 59 282;
• Medium-scale(R1 million><R10 million) form 434;
• Large -scale(R10 million><R50 million) form 111; and
• Mega Farmer(>R50 million) form 67.

 

The Land Audit of 2017 reveals that out of the 181 532 individuals who own farms and agricultural holdings, 40 494 African individuals own land. Whites are the majority owners, forming 95 673 of the total. The report does not reveal the breakdown of turnover per race.

b) The Stats SA Commercial Census of Agriculture, 2017 reveals that there is 46,4 million hectares of land i.e. 36,5 million hectares of commercial grazing land and 7,7 million hectares of commercial arable land.

According to the Land Audit of 2017, Africans own 1 314 873 hectares out of the total of 37 078 289 hectares. White individuals have 26 663 144 hectares of land.

However, the information is not categorised by turnover and race on the same plane so that it can depict black commercial farmers.

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

Reply:

 

More than 998 479 individuals benefited from financial compensation and more than 1 134 039 individuals benefited from land restoration.

END

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.

Reply:

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:

1. South Africa (the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) continued with the consultation process at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in September 2022. This is a technical process where South Africa poses technical questions regarding the False Coding Moth (FCM) conditions to the European Union (EU). South Africa did not close dialogue with the EU and several engagements between South African and European counterparts continued throughout 2023 on technical as well as political levels up to the level of the Presidency.

2. Since no amicable resolutions were achieved, South Africa is considering to continue with the WTO dispute resolution process.

(3)(a) The government intends to lodge a dispute at the WTO. The consultation process and preparatory work has been done between government and the industry. The WTO case could not continue yet as the WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) had to first take place from 26 to 29 February 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. After this meeting the relevant Departments will reflect back on the possible options to that take matter further.

(3)(b) DALRRD is in continuous discussions with the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) and the Fresh Produce Exporters' Forum (FPEF) who represent the majority of citrus export producers.

(4)(a)(b) The actual cost implications would be known by the Citrus Growers Association (CGA), as government does not have access to this information. The database that is being utilised by International Trade Promotion does not have the 2023 Trade data available.

Reply:

5 Agri-Hubs. An Agri-Hub is a component of an Agri Park.; it is a nodal collection point of produce from farmers primarily supported at Farmer Production Support Units (FPSUs); it accommodates agro-processing, packaging, logistics, and distribution.

TABLE 1: DETAILED REPORT PER AGRI-HUB

NAME OF AGRI-HUB	INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDED	IMPACT MADE
1. Springfontein Agri-Hub Free State Xhariep District Municipality Kopanong Local Municipality	Multi-Purpose warehouse, Bulk Services, Guard House, Mechanization Centre and fence	21 jobs created during construction. The Agri-Hub is meant to handle fresh produce from FPSU packhouses before sending them to the larger Market. That’s a value adding process to the Market. Farmers and community will benefit from Market access and job creation.
2. Thaba Nchu Agri-Hub Free State Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality	Fully equipped abattoir, Rendering Plant, Guard house, paving. Holding Pens, Palisade Fence	28 job opportunities created during construction. The Abattoir is where livestock will be received directly from farmers within the Thaba-Nchu area and neighbouring towns, Slaughtering and processing of the meat will be done at this Abattoir and graded before sent to larger Market. Market access will contribute to more job creation.
3. Mkhuze Agri-Hub KwaZulu Natal uMkhanyakude District Municipality Mkuze Local Municipality	Mkhuze Rail Siding (includes weighbridges, Spiller platforms, purchase of the Hilo, and specialized equipment).	25 jobs were created during construction.
4. Mkhuhlu Agri-Hub Mpumalanga Ehlanzeni District Municipality Bushbuckridge Local Municipality	Fresh Produce Market, Packhouse, Access Road, Storage Shed, Office Block, Training Facility and Veterinary Clinic	45 jobs created during construction A service provider was appointed by Provincial Agriculture to operate the Hub. The Agri-Hub is meant to handle pre-handled fresh produce from FPSU packhouses before sending them to the Market. Farmers will benefit from Market access.
5. Springbokpan Agri-Hub North West Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality Ditsobotla Local Municipality	Warehouse bulks services and paved dual access road-project, a guard house and 1,9KM fencing.	79 jobs created during construction. The project will support small- holder farmers through the provision of infrastructure, extension services, production inputs and mechanization input to improve grain production.

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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).

 

Reply:

(1)(a) The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) served the Mafube Coal Mine with section 17 notices under the Land Reform Labour Tenants Act, Act No 3 of 1996 (LTA). The landowners requested DALRRD to certify the relocation settlement. However, in terms of section 8 of LTA, only the Court can certify relocation of a labour tenant and determine if it is equitable redress. DALRRD working with the office of the Special Master of Labour Tenants (SMLT) is in the process of referring the labour tenancy claim to court.

(b) DALRRD has been presented with the relocation agreements signed by the Mabhena family and others by Mafube Coal Mine. The agreements were inconsistent with section 8 of LTA; hence the matter is being referred to court for a declaratory order if both parties agree.

2. The Mabhena family and others have signed the LA1 form to request legal representation from Legal Aid – South Africa (LASA). The application is being processed by the State Attorney and LASA.

3. Yes, DALRRD is in constant communication with the affected families and the latest meeting was in December 2023 including planned meetings to take place between the affected families, Department, SMLT and LASA in March 2024.

(4) None, since the matter of vandalized graves was never reported to DALRRD. However, DALRRD will investigate the allegations.

Reply:

The Blended Finance Scheme grant allocation is 100% aimed at supporting black producers and entrepreneurs along the agricultural value chain of prioritised commodities. Poultry is one of the commodities prioritised in the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) and as such support to qualifying and bankable small and medium sized poultry producers will always receive priority. The grant allocation is not ring-fenced in percentage per commodity; the total allocation is intended to be used to support all prioritised commodities in the AAMP.

Reply:

1. Production preparations for 2024 have commenced and 8 400 doses of African Horse Sickness vaccines have recently been released for the market.

2. No. However, most customers who confirmed their backorders have received what they ordered.

(a) The Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) system does not keep backorders. for more than 4 months, clients are expected to confirm or cancel. Some clients canceled, and some confirmed their orders.

(b) Delays are due to the breakdown of the freeze drier.

(c) OBP is servicing the current freeze drier.

(i) OBP will take delivery of a freeze drier in the second half of 2024 and is in the process of finalizing the procurement of another freeze drier. OBP is also inestigating contractual manufacturing opportunities.

(ii) OBP intends to make product available prior to the commencement of the vaccination season. All cooperatives and veterinarians will be kept informed about the status of vaccine availability monthly.

Reply:

1. The Department already capitalizes on remote sensing capabilities offered by satellite technology, such as the Sentinel-Hub, to analyze agricultural lands. This technology provides insights into crop planting frequencies, moisture levels, and burn scars, employing various data standards including true colour composite, false colour composite, the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), False Colour Urban composite, the Normalised Difference Moisture Index (NDMI), and Short-Wave Infrared composite (SWIR). These tools enable the monitoring of agricultural practices, vegetation health, and environmental changes, thereby supporting precision agriculture.

2. Through the strategic use of satellite and the deployment of drone technologies, the Department seeks to address current challenges and harness opportunities for growth and innovation within the sector. Recognizing the critical role of skilled personnel, the Department has a cadre of GISc professionals across all provinces, adept in leveraging remote sensing data for agricultural assessment and planning. To stay at the forefront of technological advancements, the Department has initiated a drone program aimed at augmenting satellite data with ultra-high-resolution imagery. This initiative includes training a new cohort of drone pilots, ensuring adherence to safety standards set by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, and facilitating the integration of remote sensing products into actionable agricultural insights. Furthermore, the Department is committed to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of the South African agricultural sector on the global stage. By harnessing satellite data and advancing high-resolution remote sensing technologies, the Department aims to empower emerging farmers with precision agriculture techniques. These efforts are geared towards optimizing resource use, improving yield, and reducing operational costs through targeted application of fertilizers and pesticides.

3. No.

Reply:

(1) No. It is not possible to determine the exact time frames due to the various processes that have to be undertaken 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’s approval to gazette for public comments. Once the comments have been addressed, Cabinet’s approval will be sought for tabling the Bill to Parliament.

(2) No. DALRRD will not proceed with tenders for the drafting of the Animal Welfare Bill, the Bill is being drafted within the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD). The Department has previously responded that it added additional internal capacity in the form of three state veterinarians who are handling the animal welfare portfolio and therefore there is no need for the advertisement of a tender for the drafting of the Bill.

(3) No, because no Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the University of Pretoria for the drafting of the new Animal Welfare Bill.

(4)(a) No date has been confirmed for the Animal Welfare colloquium; this will form part of the consultation process as indicated in response to part (1) above.

(b) DALRRD.

(5) No.

Reply:

 

1. 1 April 2023.
2. (a) All the issues related to the appointment of Mr Lubabalo Makapela are subjected to comprehensive investigation by the Department. The department will be guided by the outcome of the investigation report.

            (b) Falls away.

       3.   (a) and (b) Falls away

       4.   (a) and (b) Falls away