After years of uncertainty and decline, the Limpopo government has secured what it believes is the right strategic partner to restore the historic Zebediela Citrus Estate to its former glory.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
Women Investment Portfolio Holdings (WIPHOLD), South Africa’s pioneering black women-owned investment holding company, has partnered with the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in a bold effort to resuscitate the once world-renowned citrus estate, a project that has for years symbolised the failures and complexities of land reform.
Also watch: Failed land reform project gets second chance: Zebediela revival announced
From Global Benchmark to Collapse
Established in 1917, Zebediela was once the largest citrus estate in the southern hemisphere, covering more than 13 000ha. At its peak, the estate produced more than three million cartons of citrus annually for export markets, supplying premium fruit to Europe and positioning itself as a global benchmark in citrus production.
But following its transfer to the Bjatladi Communal Property Association (CPA) in 2003 as part of South Africa’s restitution programme, the farm entered a prolonged period of decline. Internal disputes, governance challenges, alleged mismanagement of funds and a lack of technical expertise saw production dwindle dramatically. Debt reportedly exceeded R170 million, infrastructure deteriorated and a major packhouse was destroyed by fire in 2023.
Today, much of the estate lies fallow – a painful reminder of lost opportunity for a community that once depended on the farm for employment and social mobility.
‘This Farm Built Professionals’
Speaking at the recent launch of the partnership held on the farm, Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba described the revival of Zebediela as both an economic and emotional priority for the province.
“This farm produced doctors, engineers, teachers and nurses,” she said. “If you meet any professional from Zebediela and ask how they made it, they will tell you it was because of this farm.”
Dr Ramathuba recalled being deeply affected during her first visit to the estate after assuming office.
“I was teary when I drove past and saw that there was nothing left of the trees that once bore the sweetest oranges. There was no fence. Cattle were roaming freely. Buildings were in tatters. We were stealing from ourselves.”
It was after her public remarks about the estate’s condition that she was introduced to WIPHOLD, which had expressed interest in investing in its revival. A series of engagements, including a fact-finding visit to WIPHOLD-supported agricultural operations in the Eastern Cape, convinced the provincial government that the company was the right partner.
“We had to proceed cautiously,” Dr Ramathuba said. “This community has suffered at the hands of so-called investors who siphoned millions meant for revitalisation. But we are confident in this partnership because we know their work.”
Also read: Limpopo government working to resuscitate the failed Zebediela Citrus Estate
A Strategic Agricultural Player
Founded in 1994, WIPHOLD is widely recognised as South Africa’s first black women-owned and managed investment holding company. The company has investments across multiple sectors and recently led a consortium, including the Public Investment Corporation, to acquire Zaad Holdings, a major agricultural seed business, from Zeder Investments for R1.4 billion.
The Zebediela project signals a deeper move into primary agriculture and value-chain integration.
WIPHOLD executive chairperson Gloria Serobe acknowledged that Zebediela had become synonymous with land reform failure.
“The history of Zebediela is known by everyone as a land claim that went wrong,” she said. “What was once the biggest citrus estate in the southern hemisphere became one of the most cited failures. We understand why it failed over the past 22 years. Our role is not to point fingers, but to rebuild.”
A New Ownership and Operational Model
Central to the revival plan is a restructured ownership model designed to ensure both community participation and professional management.
Under the proposed structure, the Bjatladi CPA will hold 40% equity in the new operating company, WIPHOLD will hold 40% and the remaining 20% will be allocated to an experienced implementing farmer who will manage production operations.
Serobe emphasised that although the community is not contributing capital, it brings significant value to the partnership.
“The community contributes the land, water rights and the legacy of this estate. That is real value,” she said. “We are equal partners because we recognise what they bring to the table.”
Unlike previous arrangements, where investors simply leased the farm and paid rent, the new model aims to build shared value and long-term sustainability.
“The biggest lesson from the past is that the community must be fully involved,” Serobe added. “This cannot be a project done to the community. It must be done with them.”
Production Targets and Job Creation
The revitalisation will be implemented in phases. Current plans are to double production from the previously productive 1 500ha within the next few years, with full development rolled out over time.
Once fully operational, the project is expected to create more than 2 000 permanent jobs, a significant boost for a region grappling with high unemployment.
In addition to restoring citrus orchards, the partnership intends to establish a processing facility to produce orange juice and related products. This move towards value addition is expected to unlock further employment opportunities and strengthen the estate’s commercial viability.
Dr Ramathuba stressed that employment must remain central to the project’s success.
“Employment restores dignity,” she said. “If our people are working, they can provide for their families. They will not have to rely on long queues for social services. When people are employed, the pressure on housing, social grants and public services is reduced.”
Also read: Portfolio Committee and MEC Kekana meet over revival strategy for troubled Zebediela Citrus Estate
A Plea for Unity and Discipline
A recurring theme during the announcement was the need for community unity and respect for technical expertise.
Dr Ramathuba cautioned against interference in operational decisions, referencing early complaints that new investors had begun planting beans instead of citrus.
“I am told this is part of soil preparation to restore nitrogen,” she said. “Many of us are not farmers. Let the experts do what they know. If we interfere, we will undermine the very success we seek.”
She also announced that fencing of the property would begin soon and urged livestock owners to remove animals currently grazing on the estate.
“Once the property is fenced, those cattle will belong to the farm,” she warned.
A New Beginning
Kgobodi Lesley Makgabo, newly elected chairperson of the Bjatladi CPA, acknowledged past governance failures and committed the new leadership to a different approach.
“As the new committee, we are working closely with the department to correct the mistakes of the past,” he said. “This revitalisation will not only create jobs, it will restore our dignity as the Zebediela community.”
For many in Limpopo, the revival of Zebediela is more than an agricultural turnaround; it is an attempt to reclaim a historic symbol of excellence and prove that land reform, when properly structured and professionally managed, can succeed.
If the partnership delivers on its promises, the orchards of Zebediela may once again bear fruit, not only in cartons exported to international markets but in renewed hope for a community determined to rebuild.
Also read: Zebediela Citrus Estate is finally bankrupt
