The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development together with the Department of Mineral Resources held a one day workshop at Temothuo House in George Street for members of the Communal Property Association (CPA). The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development’s Mr.Clement Modise highlighted that the objective was to share information on mining, The 1913 Natives Land Act, and the Bill on 2013 Land Rights Amendment and also to share some light on challenges facing various CPA’s. Mr Ncedisa Mahala and Ms Boitumelo Jackals from DMR outlined the benefits since the implementation of the Act.
The benefits highlighted include:
- It contributes towards Gross Domestic Products and boosts the economy of the province.
- About 25000 jobs were created in the province.
- Increase in terms of emerging miners.
- Assisted 300 members to get mining rights.
- Mining qualification for interested people
The DMA admitted to some challenges such as:
- Lack of communication and clear mandate by the CPA to negotiate on behalf of the beneficiaries.
- Infighting/conflicts between CPA members and beneficiaries.
- CPA members not wanting to relinquish their powers.
- Lack of experience in mining and no financial resources to contain running cost.
The CPA members also voiced their challenges and mentioned the following:
- Claiming of land by wrong people.
- Lack of funds.
- Concerned groups delaying elections.
- Lack of cooperation from some municipalities.
- Animal poaching.
- Mentors appointed by government leaving beneficiaries with no solutions.
- Lack of participation from CPA members.
The workshop was attended by nine CPAs from the Francis Baard District. The CPAs applauded the Department for organizing such a workshop and highlighted that it was long overdue.
The workshop was also used as an eye opener to other CPAs as others gave an overview of some current projects underway and how they are utilizing land fruitfully to the
benefit of the beneficiaries.
Other CPA workshops were also held in Kuruman, in the JTG District on the 29 May 2013 and other districts are to follow.