Govt fast tracks land redistribution

Xingwana handed over a Free State farm to three black families

The Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs is not backing down from its target of redistributing 30% of white-owned agricultural land - or 34 million hectares - by 2014.

A prized farm in the Free State was handed over to three black families by Minister of Land and Minister Lulu Xingwana. Post 1994 land reform has been very slow - black farmers still own only 4.7% of agricultural land.

At the opening of Parliament, President Thabo Mbeki promised that land ownership will be increased by 5% every year. Over the next two years, five million hectares will be distributed among 10 000 new landowners.

The government paid R1.6 million to transfer the 600 hectare Tussenvuur farm, which was previously owned by a white farmer, to the Maile Trust. The farm comes complete with infrastructure and equipment. The Maile Trust and two other families, who used to work on the farm, are the new proud owners.

The Minister's visit coincided with the launch of the Land Rights Awareness Campaign in the Free State. She emphasized the importance of training - one of the pitfalls of land reform.

There are enough windmills and dams on the farm to ensure sufficient water supply. Tussenvuur's new farmers will focus on maize and livestock production.

The national goal is to increase agricultural production through emerging farmers by between 10% and 15%. The Maile Trust is keen and ready to do its bit.