LAND REFORM:MAShatile Urges Farmers to Join Hands with Government for a Brighter Future

South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has issued a clarion call to farmers to engage in negotiations with the government to accelerate the land reform program.

Speaking at the Theewaterskloof Local Municipality in the Overberg District Municipality, Western Cape, Mashatile emphasized the importance of cooperation between the government and commercial farmers in realizing the vision of equitable land access and sustainable development.

Mashatile's message was clear: negotiations and engagements are key to making land accessible to more people. He highlighted that the government has been buying land and will continue to do so, emphasizing that expropriation of land for public use is not the starting point. "There must be negotiations, engagements... let's negotiate," he urged.

The Deputy President's visit to the Western Cape was aimed at assessing progress made by government in accelerating the land reform program, in line with Section 25 (5)-(7) of the Constitution. He was accompanied by several ministers and senior government officials, underscoring the government's commitment to this critical issue.

During his visit, Mashatile highlighted the success story of Mr. Andre Cloete, who received over R10 million in support from the government as part of the State Land Transfer Project. This project aims to transfer state-owned farms to lessees who meet specified criteria, promoting equitable land access and sustainable development.

Mashatile's call for collaboration between the government and farmers marks a significant step towards a new era of land reform in South Africa. By working together, the government and farmers can ensure that land is used to drive economic growth and promote thriving rural communities.

The Deputy President's visit to the Western Cape sends a strong message about the government's commitment to land reform and its willingness to work with stakeholders to achieve this goal. As the government continues to implement its land reform program, it is clear that collaboration and negotiation will be key to success.

Mashatile's message was clear: negotiations and engagements are key to making land accessible to more people. He highlighted that the government has been buying land and will continue to do so, emphasizing that expropriation of land for public use is not the starting point. "There must be negotiations, engagements... let's negotiate," he urged.