By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
A few months ago, I found myself growing increasingly frustrated with communal land livestock farming. My small herd was facing the usual challenges: uncontrolled grazing and limited biosecurity. These frustrations are far from unique; at a recent meeting with Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), it became clear that such issues contribute directly to outbreaks like foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). But that is a conversation for another day.
Determined to find a solution, I started exploring ways to gain more control over my livestock. When I asked a trusted farmer friend, Dr Obakeng Mfikwe, for advice, his response was both shocking and enlightening: Government farms are scarce and acquiring them is a lengthy process, while buying your farm is often financially impossible. His suggestion? Communal Property Association (CPA) land.
At first, the idea seemed daunting. CPA land can be notoriously difficult to work with. Yet he provided examples of farmers who had successfully started on CPA land and built thriving operations, including himself. He cautioned me: CPA land is not without challenges, but with the right community and credible leadership, it can be an entry point into commercial farming.
This perspective stayed with me. Recently, I visited another remarkable farmer who began his journey on CPA land outside Rustenburg, Regomoditswe Malao. Featured in our upcoming print issue, Rego is the 2019 Unistel / SA Studbook Elite Developing Stud Farmer of the Year. He manages three thriving herds across Rustenburg and Ventersdorp, blending Brahman, Boran and Simbra cattle to create a sustainable and profitable enterprise. His family has been farming on CPA land for nearly 40 years, and although he now owns additional farms, he continues to operate on his original CPA land. The Matsamo CPA story is another inspiring example.
The potential is clear, yet the challenges remain. A few months ago, I attended a meeting in Limpopo where I was shown a list of restitution farms in complete disarray. This situation presents a major headache for the government, which has invested billions of rands with little to show in return. At the same time, however, it represents a significant opportunity for farmers who are actively seeking land and ready to make productive use of it. These lands represent a huge opportunity if common ground can be found where CPAs, farmers and the government all benefit.
The stories from CPAs nationwide reveal recurring themes: mismanagement, corruption and weak governance. These issues threaten the livelihoods of both beneficiaries and farmers. While there are successful CPA partnerships, the broader land-reform programme struggles when CPAs are dysfunctional. Low compliance with governance requirements combined with poor financial oversight allow mismanagement and fraud to take hold.
Government intervention, particularly in the form of training and support, could be transformative. There is a pressing need to improve understanding around land management, pricing and realistic expectations. Credible, ethical leadership is essential; leaders must prioritise accountability, transparency and financial discipline. When these elements are in place, CPA land can create real value, uplift communities and ensure long-term sustainability for future generations.
CPA land is not a perfect solution, but it represents a hidden opportunity for those willing to navigate its complexities. With the right partnerships, governance and support, it can serve as a stepping stone toward ownership, profitability and meaningful impact in South Africa’s agricultural sector.
In the end, CPA land is neither a quick fix nor an easy path, but it is a real opportunity. With committed leadership, strong governance and the right support, it can become a launching pad for aspiring farmers, a vehicle for community upliftment and a catalyst for long-term growth in South Africa’s agricultural sector. The potential is there; it is up to all stakeholders – farmers, CPAs and government – to seize the responsibly and turn promise into productive reality.
Let me take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful weekend! I hope you’ve been enjoying the African Farming newsletter and finding it useful. Finally, all the best to the Bokke as they take on Australia in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash!
