Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti handed over title deeds for more than 54 000 hectares of land at Motsane Game Farm near Zeerust on Monday. 

Departmental Communications head Linda Page says five Bahurutshe communities, comprising more than 1800 households, are set to benefit.

She says trusts have been established and the new landholders will still receive support from Government:

 “Trusts are set up and a Communal Property Association – so it’s almost like a new company that is set up. Then Government would provide support. Training, for instance, to help them to be able run the game farm and also to manage the assets.

“Money is also given for enterprises already on the property, to be able to continue to flourish. Remember, they themselves wouldn’t necessarily have the money or the resources.”

Meanwhile in Ottoshoop area the department is launching its first 50/50 pilot for the province. The Stars Away farm project comprises a successful livestock operation including 300 hectares of planted pasture and 21 hectares of lucerne under irrigation. Page says contrary to many perceptions, there has been a lot of positive reaction from the agriculture sector:

“There’s been a lot of interest from farmers. A lot of projects have come forward, a lot of farmers have come to us and said they would like to participate in this. I think they also see the benefits in it for them in partnering with the state and ensuring that the farmworkers become co-owners.

“I think initially, in the beginning, most people thought that farmers were vehemently opposed but we have had a very, very good response.”

- OFM News