12 224 hectares that has been made available for farming in the John Taolo Gaetsewe district.
Northern Cape residents have until November 16 to apply for state land measuring 12 224 hectares that has been made available for farming in the John Taolo Gaetsewe district.
The MEC for the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Land Reform and Rural Development Mase Manopole said applications were invited from all residents in the Northern Cape.
“The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza has allocated 12 portions measuring 12 224 hectares of land to previously disadvantaged people who are in the farming business.
“Women, youth and people with disabilities are encouraged to use this opportunity to obtain farms for agricultural purposes.”
Manopole added that the land would offer a 30 year leasehold with an option to buy through a land reform programme.
“All beneficiaries who have been allocated state land and signed the lease agreements will be subjected to a compulsory training programme.
“The training programme will include entry level training on the commodity of their choice, basic record keeping and basic financial management as well as enterprise development.
“The call for application presents a great opportunity for the people of the Northern Cape to access the land and actively participate in food production, develop skills and will create jobs and stimulate economic development.”
She stated that the lease agreement that would be signed between the state and beneficiary would form a legally binding contractual agreement.
“The lease agreement will not be transferable under any circumstances.
“The beneficiary will not be allowed to sublease or sublet a portion of land or the whole of the farm under the leasehold between him/her and the state. The beneficiary will be required to manage, maintain and keep the record of assets received from the state.”
Manopole indicated that beneficiaries would be required to pay a monthly or annual rental fee per hectare determined by the state, consistent with the value of the land in line with area valuation.
“Any investment made by the beneficiary must be recorded, valued and reported to the state while a credit management system will be put in place to manage debt recovery and management.
“The beneficiary has an obligation to manage, maintain and keep the record of assets received from the state failure to comply with any of the contractual obligations listed above the state will consider the option of terminating the lease.”
She said application forms could be obtained on the national Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development website https://www.dalrrd.gov.za or at the department’s district offices.
