Deputy Paul Mashatile says the government is taking decisive steps to address the challenges facing Communal Property Associations (CPAs), which remain central to the success of South Africa’s land reform programme.

Speaking in the National Council of Provinces, Mashatile acknowledged that the majority of CPAs are struggling with internal disputes, mismanagement, corruption, and ageing leadership, which hampers their ability to deliver economic benefits to communities.

Answering a question from ANC MP Doris Mpapane, Mashatile highlighted the 2024 amendment to the Communal Property Association Act, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The amendment ensures that land under CPAs is collectively owned by community members rather than leaders, and establishes a dedicated office of the Registrar of CPAs to oversee administration and improve governance.

“Through the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, government is implementing practical support for communities, including training and governance audits, technical advice for business plans, mediation services to resolve disputes, and youth and women participation programmes to renew leadership within the CPAs,” he said.

Responding to Mpapane’s follow-up question about persistent non-compliance and corruption, Mashatile explained that the Registrar has the authority to dissolve non-functioning committees and appoint new or interim leadership where necessary.

“Some of them are ordinary community members who are trying to do work, but they need to be given capacity. So, training is included as part of assisting the CPAs to strengthen them because they are really the backbone of ensuring that we can fast-track the redistribution of land,” he said.

DA MP Mlindi Nhanha questioned whether the current CPA model is suitable for South Africa, suggesting that alternative land ownership systems should be explored.

Mashatile acknowledged the challenges of the existing model and said the government is looking at best practices elsewhere, while continuing to strengthen CPAs through the newly established Registrar office.

IFP MP Nhlanhla Hadebe asked how government strategies ensure that CPA-managed land contributes to agricultural productivity, rural job creation, and food security.

Mashatile cited successful initiatives where emerging farmers partner with established producers, such as apple farmers in the Free State exporting to Europe, as effective models. He emphasized that government support goes beyond granting land and includes ongoing guidance to ensure farms remain productive.

Addressing concerns raised by United Africans Transformation MP Lehlohonolo Mahlatsi about ageing leadership and limited youth participation in CPAs, Mashatile stressed the importance of involving younger generations in leadership.

“We know that young people like urban life. They don’t like to be farmers and all that. But if we train them early in life, encourage them, they will go in that direction.

”We make sure that the younger ones become more active in this association because they are very key in driving land reform,” he said.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

IOL Politics 

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