The Mamahlola Communal Property Association (CPA) stands as an example of a community where the positive impact of land reform on job creation is evident. “Since the community reclaimed ownership of the land in 2001, the Mamahlola CPA has made remarkable strides. We have successfully generated employment opportunities for a lot of our community members, empowering many of our members through diverse skills development programmes and providing financial assistance for further education for children in the community,” says Masilo Modiba, chairperson of the Mamahloha CPA.

“These achievements highlight how land reform can succeed when communities have the right partners to work with to help them grow their land enterprises,” says Modiba. The Mamahlola CPA’s success highlights the impact of a methodological partnership facilitated by the Vumelana Advisory Fund, the non-profit organisation’s communityprivate partnership (CPP) model. In 2017, Vumelana facilitated a community-private partnership between the Mamahlola Communal Property Association (CPA), and its private investor, Serala Estate.

Also read: Agriculture offers farmers assistance and support

The partnership deal is worth R120 million. Through the partnership, the investor and the CPA work together to produce soft citrus, avocadoes, mangoes and macadamia nuts on 370 hectares of the CPA’s 1 600 hectares of land. Today the Mamahlola CPA employs just over 166 members of the community on the farm. These jobs indirectly impact the lives of over 1 300 beneficiary households – who are members of the CPA. Furthermore, the partnership has been crucial in stimulating the local economy and driving the growth of small and medium businesses in the vicinity.

“Through the partnership with Serala Estate, the CPA has been able to effectively maximise the potential of our land to generate income and create muchneeded jobs, to uplift the entire community,” says Modiba. The CPA has implemented a commendable programme that recognises the accomplishments of its members’ children. The CPA has contributed computer equipment and other resources to five local schools in Metz, near Tzaneen, to assist them with their education requirements.

In addition, the CPA contributes complementary school uniforms to the top five achievers in three primary schools – from primary school until they matriculate. The CPA also provides funding for school excursions and covers university registration fees for students who successfully pass their matric with a tertiary mark. “These initiatives showcase the success of the partnerships that we have formed and the impact that successful land reform can have in the lives of our community members and more so, our youth,” Modiba concludes.