Witzenberg implements land reform initiative
The Witzenberg Partnership was established in agreement between the Witzenberg agri producers, Witzenberg Municipality and the community. It was agreed to expedite land reform in a unique manner and to stimulate economic growth, job creation and social harmony. The goals include the establishment of successful black farmers, to involve the whole community in an inclusive process, to extend the initiative to other areas and agri related industries, to establish the Witzenberg Centre as "one stop shop" and focus on mentorships and training programmes.
Implementation takes place in accordance with the principles of the National Development Plan and the Municipality's Integrated Development Plan.
Two PALS projects were successfully implemented in 2012 on farms in the Ceres district. The Witzenberg Partnership intends to implement approximately 50 new projects with individuals who has the potential to become successful black farmers.
The farms on which the approximately 50 new projects will be launched are situated in all areas of Witzenberg and covers more than 12 000 hectares. The productive irrigated land on these farms is approximately 4 200 hectares of fruit and vegetable land. As world renowned fruit area, the focus is on high value irrigation land and the aim is to exceed the 20% target of the National Development Plan. It is estimated that 4 000 hectares of irrigated agricultural land will create 12 000 new jobs in the Witzenberg area.
The PALS projects will be implemented on current farms as well as on newly acquired farms where non allotted extra or surplus winter water can be used to expand irrigation schemes.
Other projects that will stimulate economic growth, like pack houses, cold storage rooms, rail transport services, tourism, a strategy to make current black farmers more successful and the improvement of shareholding schemes that was implemented in accordance with previous government policy, also forms part of the strategy.
The focus is on the creation of opportunities through economic growth, but also on training, mentorship programmes and skills development.
The Witzenberg initiative is an integrated development plan to include new land reform projects, a dedicated training college, housing projects, community projects, educational projects and strives to achieve best practices in housing, facilities, labour relations and a sustainable healty environment.
In a first for South Africa, the Witzenberg producers are prepared to initially finance projects without Government subsidies and by their involvement ensure that the projects have the best chance of success. Government is requested to be an enabling partner by assisting with extending irrigation schemes, the approval of water permits for the storage of non allotted winter water and to further accelerate the process by facilitating more affordable loans.
The Witzenberg Partnership is a regional initiative that takes into account the unique characteristics of the area and agricultural irrigation. That the initiative is in accordance with the principles of the National Development Plan, is confirmed in a document compiled by Professor Nick Vink of the Department of Agricultural Economics, Stellenbosch University. A 10 minute DVD about the initiative was also made for information purposes.
For more information:
Gerrit van Vuuren
Joubert van Vuuren Ing.
Tel: +27 23 3123 152
Fax: +27 23 3123 083
Email: gerrit@jvanvuuren.co.za
www.jvanvuuren.co.za