Chief land claims commissioner Nomfundo Ntloko-Gobodo said government’s role doesn’t end with handing over title deeds. It will continue to assist communities so that they become sustainable.
Ntloko-Gobodo was speaking at a title deeds handover ceremony in Thaba Nchu, where nine land claimants from across the Free State received 11 title deeds for more than 6 500 hectares of agricultural land.
The state spent R31.2 million acquiring seven farms, two of which were state-owned land.
Ntloko-Gobodo said her office partnered with the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to ensure the sustainability of the project.
“We want to create entities for the communities through short- and long-term goals that can be used to ensure that the projects are sustainable.
Help with business plans
“Together with our partners and other stakeholders we have set up structures for beneficiaries so that they know and understand what value can be added to sustain the land and grants.”
Queen Thato Mopeli from Qwa Qwa urged claimants to work together towards prosperity. “Let us be united by this inheritance that we have gained today. Let us gain strength and work together for our success.”
Another beneficiary, 67-year-old Keneilwe Goronyane, who lodged a claim 15 years ago, said the land was handed over to her family on paper but they could not occupy it until they received the title deed.
“My late sister and I chose to have the land because we realised its value and our great grandfather was a farmer.”
Government will assist Goronyane with surveying the land, a way forward and a business plan.
“I’m very excited that this day is finally here, I can’t wait to step onto the farm and start working it,” said Goronyane
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