This, as Mahanjana says most of the allocated land is not farmable. This came after Minister of Agriculture, Thoko Didiza, announced the availability of 894 farms which amounts to 529 000 hectares in seven provinces. OFM News’ Elsabé Richard spoke to Mahanjana about these challenges as well as challenges that have a negative effect on land reform…

See PODCAST below

Mahanjana, who is not so optimistic about the release of available state land, says most of these farms are not fit to be farmed upon. He says this initiative by the government may result in a fight among people as some of these farms are already occupied by so-called land grabbers who have established themselves on these farms over the years.

Furthermore, he is of the opinion that the government do not have the funds to maintain land reform. He explains that land reform, pertaining to agriculture, is not only about taking land in one area and giving it to someone else – he says it is about continuous production. Mahanjana adds that when land becomes unproductive then land reform was unsuccessful.

The reason for land reform’s failure, says Mahanjana, is the fact that it was “riddled with corruption by the officials. Either they give farms to themselves by using the names of other people..."

Meanwhile, Nerpo has in a statement welcomed the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development’s efforts to “conduct a transparent and credible process in the allocation of the released 700 000 [hectare] of state land.” Mahanjana added: “Over and above, we are satisfied that the current land occupants will be given an opportunity to participate in the application process and in essence this will not disrupt the farming business. We are encouraged that the department has appointed an independent panel that will ensure that there is a quality assurance throughout the whole process.”

Didiza announced last week during a media briefing that her department has received more than 5 800 online applications from cooperatives as well as individual farmers. Applications for state land opened on 15 October 2020 and remained open for a month. Applications closed on 15 November 2020.

OFM News