The Democratic Alliance believes that providing black farmers with title to the state land they are working would give them an incalculable boost.
In a statement, the party called on the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso, to focus on doing this, rather than pursuing such fruitless avenues as amending Section 25 of the Constitution.
The government is believed to be in possession of some 2 million hectares of land which it was providing to black farmers on short term leases. It was difficult for those farming in this way to plan and grow their operations.
“Some farmers on these short-term lease agreements have developed successful farming enterprises, but their long-term growth is inhibited by their inability to secure agricultural finance due to lack of secure land tenure,” said Mlindi Nhanha, party spokesperson on Land Reform and Rural Development.
He added: “The provision of title deeds is not merely a matter of formality; it is a vital instrument for empowering farmers to secure financing, expand their operations, and contribute meaningfully to the agricultural economy. Without secure land tenure, these farmers are unable to access the necessary capital to transform their farms into commercially viable enterprises that can create jobs and uplift communities.”