Non-profit land reform organisation, Vumelana Advisory Fund, has called on communal property associations (CPAs) across the country to submit their contact details ahead of the rollout of its free CPA support toolkits. The toolkits are designed to help CPAs strengthen governance, manage their affairs more effectively and improve the management of community-owned land.
The NPO, which helps land reform beneficiaries put their land to productive use, is preparing to launch eight CPA support toolkits containing 69 practical tools designed to empower CPAs with the knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively manage their land assets.
According to the organisation, the CPA representatives who submit their details will receive information about the launch of the CPA support toolkits and how to access the resources.
Governance challenges impede progress
The initiative comes at a time when governance and operational challenges continue to affect CPAs across the country. According to the department of land reform and rural development’s 2023/24 financial year report, 82% of the 1 700 registered CPAs in the country were found to be non-compliant with provisions of the CPA Act.
Related stories
- CPAs urged to fix governance gaps over festive season
- CPA crisis: Non-compliance drags land reform down
- Minister vows to fast-track land reform, axe bad CPAs
- Nyhontsho’s budget targets land inequality and fixing CPAs
Peter Setou, chief executive of the Vumelana Advisory Fund, said addressing land reform challenges is a collaborative effort, and since Vumelana was established, they have seen CPA challenges mostly emanate from governance issues.
He acknowledged that there needs to be a shift in focus, as beneficiaries need the necessary skills, tools and resources to enable their success once land has been transferred.
Setou said practical post-transfer support remains important in helping CPAs fulfil their responsibilities and unlock the potential of transferred land.
“Good governance plays an important role in helping CPAs attract investment and build partnerships that can create jobs, generate income and unlock the economic potential of community-owned land,” he said.
He emphasised that CPAs are encouraged to participate in the programme, as it is free and specifically designed to enable them to effectively manage transferred land post-settlement.
Vumelana is also developing an online CPA toolkit dissemination platform that will allow CPAs to find and download the resources they need. The platform is expected to include an AI-powered assistant to help users navigate the available tools and guidance.
Calling on all CPAs across South Africa
“Vumelana is calling on CPA representatives across all provinces, including those that have not previously worked with the organisation, to submit their names and contact details ahead of the toolkit rollout,” Setou said.
The CPA representatives can submit their names, the names of their CPAs, the names and job titles of executive committee members, their province, email addresses and mobile numbers to info@vumelana.org.za to receive updates about the launch and information on how to access the resources.
“Our aim is to help CPAs strengthen their governance and improve the management of transferred land to lay the groundwork for more productive land use that can benefit CPA members and the country as a whole,” Setou added.
READ NEXT: Promising early conditions predicted for 2027 SA wine harvest
