Source: SANews. "The handing over of these title deeds is a historic occasion, because it includes the first ever settled land claim in the Western Cape to descendants of the Griqua people"

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Historic Handover of Land Title Deeds in Western Cape

President Cyril Ramaphosa officiated the historic handover of title deeds for 3,900 hectares of land to more than 50 households of Ebenhaeser, Beeswater in the Western Cape on Saturday. At an event attended by Western Cape Premier Helen Zille, Rampahosa said the handover restores the dignity of local communities on the West Coast, South Africa. […]

By SAPeople
24-03-19 11:22
in Business
Source: SANews. "The handing over of these title deeds is a historic occasion, because it includes the first ever settled land claim in the Western Cape to descendants of the Griqua people"

President Cyril Ramaphosa officiated the historic handover of title deeds for 3,900 hectares of land to more than 50 households of Ebenhaeser, Beeswater in the Western Cape on Saturday. At an event attended by Western Cape Premier Helen Zille, Rampahosa said the handover restores the dignity of local communities on the West Coast, South Africa.

Source: SANews. “The handing over of these title deeds is a historic occasion, because it includes the first ever settled land claim in the Western Cape to descendants of the Griqua people”

“The handing over of these title deeds is a historic occasion, because it includes the first ever settled land claim in the Western Cape to descendants of the Griqua people,” said Ramaphosa.

“It is in the ownership of land that we find our independence as a people. It is land that we rely on to live, to work and to eat. It is land that holds firmly the roots of our ancestors. Land is the one thing that endures the passage of time.”

The President said the number of claims settled for the West Coast Municipality – a total of 392 out of 422 by February this year – is a result of cooperation between the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and the Office of the Regional Land Claims Commissioner.

The handover of the title deeds marks an end to a 16 year journey after the Ebenhaeser community first submitted their land claim.

The President said it remained government’s priority to provide the necessary support to communities who have had their land returned to them in order for it to be utilised productively and effectively, and to support the broader goals of agricultural growth and economic transformation.

“I am therefore particularly pleased that the Ebenhaeser community wants to use the land for productive purposes.

“There are already various agricultural activities, including livestock farming, taking place on some of the farms, and three harvests have been completed so far.

“I am pleased to note that the emerging farmers in the community are being supported through the Ebenhaeser Farmer Production Support Unit and have established a co-operative model to build capacity in livestock, vineyards, lucerne and hay production as well as fresh produce,” he said.

The President said the restituted farms have also acquired a quota for the delivery of wine grapes to local sellers and the community trust is engaging with Pioneer Foods around the production of raisins, currants and sultanas.

He said a number of infrastructure projects have also been implemented on the restituted land.

“The farms have combined water rights for 132 ha from the Olifantsrivier Irrigation Scheme, which will greatly help the community in its future agricultural activities.

“In the future the community is looking at exploring opportunities in the rapidly growing aquaculture sector, which has significant potential benefits in terms of job creation.

“The other communities are also exploring opportunities in livestock and game farming, as well as possible opportunities in salt and gypsum mining.

“It is critical that we highlight the post-settlement futures of these claims.

“Land reform isn’t just an imperative for social justice. It is also part of our greater drive to grow our economy and create jobs for our people,” the President said.

In recent weeks, government has been seeking to correct the wrongs of the past and build a more equitable society that it says will benefit all South Africans by settling finalised land claims.

Last weekend President Ramaphosa led a handover of the settled and finalised 142 hectares of prime land claims to the community of Moretele in the North West.

The communities, who indicated that they will use the land for development, lost their rights to land when they were abruptly removed from their properties following the implementation of the Natives Land Act of 1913.

Deputy President David Mabuza also handed over settled and finalised land claims worth R136 million to the Ubizo community in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal. – SAnews.gov.za