Emerging farmers cash in on R2,5-million profit

Emergent farmers belonging to the Bela-Bela Communal Property Association (CPA) cashed in on a whopping R2,5- million profit for the past financial year.

The figure was unveiled during the CPA annual general meeting graced by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform on Saturday 10 November, at Mosetlha Primary School in Makapanstad, outside Hammanskraal.

The stock and crop farming initiative was a direct result of the land restitution programme.

Departmental spokesperson, Avhashoni Magada, said the profit-sharing was a first of its kind since the land was restored to the community through the land restitution programme.

CPA chairperson, Jarita Mabula, presented the R2,5-million cheque to the beneficiaries on the occasion of the annual summit.

“The Bela-Bela restitution beneficiaries consist of 250 households, with each receiving a cheque of R10 000 from the project,” she said.

Beyond the profits from the financial year ending, participants also benefited directly from the agricultural activity, in terms of regular supplies of meat, eggs and vegetables.

The community-based project encompasses crop farming, egg production and eco-tourism.

A total of 70 people are permanently employed at the project, with an additional 200 enlisted during busier stages of production.

— The BEAT