Land reform has always been a contentious topic on South Africa’s democratic landscape. But, through innovative thinking, Partners in Agri Land Solutions (PALS) fostered a land reform model in the Western Cape that has widely been hailed a success.
The model, which is a private initiative first launched in 2015, brought together established farmers in the Witzenberg region to assist in mentorship and training of new black farmers. The goal? To ensure economic growth, job creation and social harmony in the region. In the last year, the organisation has gone national and it currently has active operations across the Western Cape, as well as in the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State and Mpumalanga.
Lien Visagie, chairperson of the board of partners of PALS, says that the model implemented by the organisation focuses specifically on BEE projects. Commercial farmers either give portions of their land to workers or buy land with assistance from commercial banks or the Land Bank. “In this way, farmworkers can become owners while also being able to make an income and contribute to the country’s economy. We also want them to be able to create jobs on their farms.”
Food For Mzansi heard from Visagie on the organisation’s work, expansion and future.
PALS is now working across Mzansi, with the latest chapter in Mpumalanga. How was the journey so far?
The expansion of PALS to other provinces and regions is an exciting journey. Covid-related regulations regarding meetings and travelling resulted in certain challenges, for example the inclusive consultation process with communities and stakeholders (which is one of the PALS goals) was impacted by lockdown regulations. Delays in funding applications and other enablers were also experienced.
Both Maluti Farming PALS and Mpumalanga PALS were registered as non-profit companies with boards of directors.
They continue to list possible (new) PALS projects, and the implementation of the first number of PALS enterprises is in process.
Local knowledge and an understanding of local or regional conditions are important. The implementation of PALS in other provinces and regions are therefore facilitated by black and white farmers from those regions, with the strategic and intellectual support of SA PALS.
How has your experience in the Western Cape shaped your expansion to the other provinces?
Practical experience with the implementation of PALS enterprises has assisted with the establishment of certain practices and guidelines.
[We learned that] it is very important to address the critical success factors for a sustainable agricultural business in the planning and implementation of PALS enterprises. These factors, namely access to land through title deed or long-term lease, access to capital for development and inputs, access to markets for inputs and produce, skills, a dispute resolution mechanism and the exit strategy, should be complied with.
Tell us about the months since your election as chair.
The last two years as chairperson were exciting, positive and rewarding. Some successes in the last year include the implementation of PALS projects like Ceres Tierberg Nursery in the Koue Bokkeveld and Rockbelt Ridge in Robertson, through transfer of land. Project Phakameza Farming in Piketberg was implemented through the start of farming activities.
What should agri partners have in order to form a partnership with PALS?
Commitment to build an inclusive agri sector and [commitment to] grow together with their elected partners. The vision to create a better future for themselves and their children. Also, a belief in the PALS vision, mission and values, which include the drive to initiate, facilitate, coordinate and promote reform of agri-land ownership, economic growth, job creation and social harmony.
Will PALS eventually have a footprint in every province in the country?
The dream, and one of the 19 August 2014 goals, was to extend PALS to other areas and agri-related industries. We envisage that PALS centres, with an integrated development framework, will become the local solution for cooperation and service delivery by the private sector and communities in every region and province.
ALSO READ: Mpumalanga PALS ‘a major step for land reform in Mzansi’
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