South Africa: Western Cape Human Settlements Releases Sandkraal Farm to a Communal Property Association – African Business

In principle, the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements, (WCDoHS), decided in September 2021 that the Sandkraal Farm in George would be released to a Communal Property Association. This confirms our commitment to the land-release program. 

The George Local Municipality’s (GLM) and Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development’s (DALRRD) years of engagements led to the decision to release farm. The department envisaged that the land is released to a CPA that will be established by the DALRRD and in line with its mandate. While the process of establishing a CPA continues, WCDoHS offered to transfer Sandkraal to DALRRD on 13 September 2022. The DALRRD can transfer the property to CPA after the CPA is established. 

WCDoHS will continue cooperation and provide the technical support required to accelerate the establishment and transfer of the CPA. 

Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers said: “the release of this property forms part of our commitment to the Western Cape Government’s land release programme and our deliberate economic empowerment targeted efforts. The land was not suitable for formal development because it lies outside of the urban fringe. This meant that it could be used for agriculture purposes going forward. This will create economic opportunities for the region by allowing the small-scale farmers to take over the property. I welcome the collaborative efforts between the three spheres of government in ensuring this project becomes a success.” 

Distributed by APO Group for the South African Government