President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced plans to convert qualifying agricultural leases into title deeds, saying the move could help address one of the key challenges holding back many land reform farmers.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
Speaking during the Presidency Budget Vote in Parliament on Tuesday 2 June, Ramaphosa said government has embarked on a programme to release state-owned agricultural land with title deeds to qualifying beneficiaries as part of efforts to strengthen land rights, grow rural economies and support the inclusion of black farmers in commercial agriculture. The announcement formed part of a broader update on agriculture, trade, logistics and economic growth.
Also read: South Africa must not repeat Zimbabwe’s land reform disaster
Government targets leasehold challenge
Government has acquired approximately 2.5 million hectares of land through the Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy programme over the years. However, much of this land has been allocated to beneficiaries through lease agreements. According to Ramaphosa, the lease model has limited many farmers’ ability to unlock the full value of the land they farm.
“This land has generally been leased to beneficiaries on a short-term basis, which limits their ability to borrow money, invest in the land, grow agricultural production and contribute to the rural economy,” he said. The president said government has now embarked on a concerted programme to convert agricultural leases into title deeds for deserving beneficiaries.
The President linked secure land ownership to increased agricultural production, job creation and poverty reduction, adding that access to productive land remains essential for the growth of the agricultural sector.
Agricultural exports continue to grow
Ramaphosa highlighted agriculture as one of the sectors showing positive growth despite economic challenges. He said agricultural export earnings increased by 11% during the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. The President also pointed to South Africa’s growing position in global agricultural markets. “South Africa is now the world’s largest exporter of citrus by volume,” he said. The export performance comes as government continues efforts to strengthen trade relations with key markets and expand opportunities for South African products abroad.
Also read: Has South Africa focused too heavily on restitution at the expense of broader land redistribution?
Better logistics helping farmers
Regarding logistics, the president said improvements in rail and port operations are beginning to ease some of the bottlenecks that have constrained economic sectors, including agriculture.
He credited the work of Transnet and the National Logistics Crisis Committee for progress in improving logistics performance. “Through the focused work of Transnet, supported by the National Logistics Crisis Committee, the performance of our railways and ports is improving,” he said. “This is helping to ease longstanding bottlenecks across key economic sectors like mining, agriculture and manufacturing.” Efficient logistics remain critical for farmers, particularly export-oriented industries such as citrus, table grapes, deciduous fruit and other perishable products that rely on functioning ports and transport networks.
Fertiliser costs a concern
While highlighting areas of progress, Ramaphosa warned that growing tensions in the Middle East could create new challenges for agriculture. He said the conflict involving Iran has triggered a global oil crisis, which could have knock-on effects on production costs.
“The effects of the surge in oil prices and of other critical supplies like fertiliser are likely to undermine much of the progress we had made in bringing down inflation and the cost of living,” he said. Higher fertiliser and fuel costs could place additional pressure on farmers already grappling with rising input expenses.
Also watch: Steenhuisen calls for state land ownership transfer to unlock farmer funding
Agriculture remains central to growth plans
Ramaphosa repeatedly identified agriculture as one of the sectors central to government’s growth and investment strategy. He said the Presidency continues to coordinate efforts to broaden markets for South African goods through stronger trade relations with partners across Africa, Europe, the United States, China and other regions. Agriculture was also singled out as one of the sectors government is promoting through its investment and economic diplomacy initiatives.
Also read: 2025 – the year when land reform underwent a baptism of fire
