Dhar Capital Holdings has unveiled a major private-sector investment programme focused on large-scale agriculture, hemp cultivation and long-term economic development across northern KwaZulu-Natal.

The greater Amajuba District is set to benefit from a significant new private-sector investment programme following Dhar Capital Holdings (Pty) Ltd’s announcement of a planned investment of up to R950 million into agriculture and associated economic development across the region.

The initiative was presented at the Amajuba District Investment Launch, held at Blackrock Casino in Newcastle, where landowners and stakeholders from Newcastle, eMadlangeni, Charlestown, Dannhauser and surrounding areas gathered to hear the vision directly from Dr Kanishka Dhar, Chief Executive Officer of Dhar Capital Holdings; principal investor Mr Mohammad Waqas Ahmad; and Hon. Dr Zwelakhe Elija Mthethwa, Member of Parliament.

Partnership model keeps land ownership intact

At the centre of the programme is Dhar Capital Holdings’ strategy to bring large tracts of agricultural land into productive commercial use through long-term partnerships with landowners while maintaining their underlying ownership of the land.

Addressing the attendees, Dr Kanishka Dhar outlined a vision extending well beyond conventional farming.

The agricultural programme will focus strongly on industrial hemp, while incorporating food crops, livestock and selected high-value agricultural products according to the characteristics and commercial potential of individual properties.

The intention is to build commercially sustainable farming operations at meaningful scale, supported over time by agricultural processing, storage, logistics and related infrastructure.

Dr Dhar emphasised that the project would be developed around identified markets and commercial demand rather than production for its own sake.

The objective is to establish long-term relationships with established processors, buyers and agricultural off-takers, allowing Dhar Capital Holdings to concentrate on efficient large-scale production while ensuring that crops have clear routes to market.

Industrial hemp is expected to play a major role in the programme due to its expanding range of applications in sectors including construction materials, fibre, textiles, food products, oils, protein products and industrial manufacturing.

At the same time, the agricultural strategy will retain a strong food-production component.

Dhar Capital Holdings intends for participating agricultural operations to produce food crops alongside commercial crops, with part of that production benefiting participating landowners, farm workers and surrounding communities.

Phased funding and long-term vision

Providing substantial financial backing to the programme is Mr Mohammad Waqas Ahmad, who confirmed an investment commitment of up to R950 million as the various projects are progressively developed.

Ahmad described the initiative as a long-term investment into productive assets rather than a once-off capital injection.

Funding is expected to be deployed in phases as land is brought into production, agricultural operations expand and the necessary infrastructure is established.

His investment commitment provides the programme with the financial capacity to pursue agricultural development on a scale capable of creating a meaningful regional impact.

For landowners, the proposed structure has been designed around partnership rather than disposal of their properties.

This was a central theme of the address delivered by Hon. Dr Zwelakhe Elija Mthethwa, who encouraged landowners to consider the long-term economic possibilities that responsible private investment could unlock.

Dr Mthethwa stressed that participating owners would remain the landlords and underlying owners of their land.

The investment model is intended to provide the long-term tenure necessary for Dhar Capital Holdings to commit significant capital to agricultural development while preserving ownership for current landowners and future generations.

He encouraged those present to view the initiative not only in terms of immediate benefits but also as an opportunity to create employment, develop productive assets and establish a legacy that could continue benefiting communities for decades.

Potential to position Amajuba as agricultural hub

The three addresses reflected the principal foundations of the programme: commercial leadership and execution through Dhar Capital Holdings, substantial private investment through Mohammad Waqas Ahmad, and meaningful engagement with landowners and communities supported by the participation of Hon. Dr Mthethwa.

While agriculture remains the immediate focus, Dhar Capital Holdings also sees wider economic potential across Amajuba in areas such as agricultural processing, industrial development, mining and supporting infrastructure.

Large-scale agriculture can stimulate economic activity well beyond the farms themselves, generating demand for transport, contractors, irrigation specialists, maintenance businesses, agricultural suppliers, logistics operators and a range of local enterprises.

The broader objective is therefore to develop commercially viable projects that create sustainable economic activity while attracting additional private investment into northern KwaZulu-Natal.

The launch generated strong interest among attending landowners, many of whom engaged directly with the project leadership regarding possible participation.

For Dhar Capital Holdings and its investment partners, the gathering represented an important step in establishing the relationships required to develop the programme on a larger scale.

With landowner engagement now progressing and individual projects being prepared for implementation, the proposed R950 million investment programme has the potential to position Amajuba as an important centre for large-scale agricultural production and rural economic development in KwaZulu-Natal.

Landowners and stakeholders seeking further information regarding the initiative may contact project co-ordinator Lungile Msimango on 073 844 8462.

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