Women’s representation among land reform beneficiaries’ leadership structures – most notably communal property associations (CPAs) – remains disproportionately low, and this needs to be addressed, experts say.
According to Shonisani Mukwevho, treasurer of the Masakona Communal Property Association (CPA), among the challenges relating to the representation of women in CPA committees is an ageing population. “And the fact that women do not get enough support to enable them to effectively contribute to CPAs.”
Younger blood needed
The Masakona CPA has been working towards addressing some of these challenges. Its current composition is 60% male and 40% female committee members, she said.
“We have started to introduce younger women and men into the CPA structures, to show them the ropes so that they can take on some of the responsibilities within the CPA.
“With the involvement of a younger generation, we anticipate seeing a shift in the overall management of the affairs of the CPA. We have paired young people with experienced elders who have been serving in the CPA to help impart valuable insights and mentor young people.”
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One needs the other
The Masakona CPA owns 860 hectares of land in Limpopo, and it represents 460 members who are beneficiaries of the CPA. The association is currently using 220 ha of its land to farm bananas and avocados.
Mukwevho highlighted that it is important to clarify that the emphasis on women’s roles does not negate men’s contributions; rather, it underscores the dedication and resilience of women who have fought tirelessly for women’s rights.
“The reality is we need to acknowledge that neither men nor women can succeed in the land reform programme without the other,” she said.
Mukwevho believes it is important that women and men work together if the country is to make progress in the land reform programme.
“Of equal importance, we must never forget the struggles that women have gone through to get to where we are today. We need to continue empowering them to equally contribute to the land reform programme,” Mukwevho said.
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Trust is vital
Having previously served as the deputy chairperson of the CPA, and now its treasurer, Mukwevho said she has seen exemplary leadership from female CPA members.
“Even though most of them are elderly, we have found that they serve with an unwavering commitment. However, as most of us are elderly, we do need some formal training around some of the roles and responsibilities within the CPA.”
According to her, the majority of CPAs fail because of issues of trust, inability to deliver to the task, and a lack of understanding that the committee is there to serve the interests of its members and not personal interests.
“Trust is vital in the administering of CPA affairs. The CPA committee should seek to serve the interests and the needs of its members,” she said.
Support from all corners
Mukwevho expressed that there is a need for enhanced support from all stakeholders in the value chain. These include the government, private sector stakeholders, and civil society organisations to support land reform beneficiaries to optimally contribute within the CPA structures.
“Support should extend to capacity building, financial management training, records management and overall corporate governance support,” she added.
Peter Setou, the chief executive of the Vumelana Advisory Fund, a non-profit organisation that supports land reform beneficiaries to make their land productive, pointed out that the absence of effective governance within many CPAs, which serve as legal entities responsible for overseeing the administration of claimed lands, stands as a significant barrier deterring potential investments.
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