Applications to lease agricultural state land from the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development (DALRRD) close on 12 September, and all who wish to apply are encouraged to do so sooner rather than later.
Successful applications will allow farmers to access a state-owned farm. According to the DALRRD’s website, these farms are being released as part of government’s land reform programme.
To be eligible, the potential lessee must meet the following criteria:
- (a) Applicants must be from among previously disadvantaged South Africans, namely: Africans, Indians, coloured or South African Chinese who are South African citizens. The African in this context includes persons from the first nations of South Africa.
- (b) Natural and juristic persons who fit the description above of blacks people who were previously disadvantaged.
- (c) Applicants must be 18 years or older and in possession of a valid South African bar-coded identity document.
- (d) Priority within the target groups shall be given to women, youth and persons with disabilities (PwDs).
- (e) Other categories such as unemployed military veterans (as defined in the Military Veterans Act of 2011), farm workers, dwellers, labour tenants, unemployed agricultural graduates and NARYSEC participants, shall qualify to apply.
- (f) All public servants currently serving (national, provincial and local spheres of government and state-owned enterprises) are not allowed to apply.
- (g) All former public servants who have successfully completed their 24-month cooling period (after leaving the public service) may apply.
- (h) The successful applicant must be willing to stay on the farm full-time for the duration of the lease contract.
- (i) Traditional leaders who are recognised under any legislation in the country shall qualify, provided they disclose their status and remuneration by the state and have proven that they are involved in farming activities (h). Former public office bearers who have successfully completed their 12-month cooling period (after leaving public office) at various scales. The minister shall make a final determination in this regard.
To access the application form, click here.
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