“It is really encouraging to see companies like Komatiland Forest entering into social contracts with communities that own the plantation on which their timber grows”. This was said by the MEC of Agriculture in Limpopo, Dipuo Letsatsi, during the Komatiland and Mphephu Entabeni social accord signing ceremony, which took place at the Makhado Mult-Purpose Centre at Dzanani last Wednesday.

Letsatsi said that most companies and farmers neglected their projects as soon as they realized that there was a land claim on their land, but Komatiland had remained in business to work closely with land claimants to manage these forests sustainably in such a way that they all benefit from these natural resources. “A land claim doesn’t signal the end of business, but creates an opportunity to broaden the business, by making it more inclusive and representative in the spirit of working together,” she said.

Letsatsi added that if companies like Komatiland, which has long been in the forestry business, withdrew from the business because the land was being claimed, the land claimants would also not be able to benefit from the land, because of lack of expertise to harvest and process the timber.

“Together, we can do more. As government we emphasize the need to work with communities to improve service delivery. The signing of the pledge shows the commitment of Komatiland to uplift the lives of communities that are next to the plantations, through sustainable projects which benefit communities,” Letsatsi emphasized.

The theme of the event was “Social Development in Partnership”. The signing of the accord took place at the same time that the new government administration was emphasizing the social transformation and development of rural communities. Pres Jacob Zuma recently unveiled a pilot project at Muyexe village in Giyani.

It was also revealed during the event that the Limpopo’s department of agriculture will also partner with Komatiland and Mphephu Entabeni on the vegetable garden project by providing the training to farmers at Madzivhandila Agricultural College.

Khosikhulu Vho-Toni Mphephu Ramabulana said that the signing of the social accord marked the beginning of great things to come. “I am happy today as we symbolically sign this social accord with Komatiland Forest. I really appreciate that, through interaction and engagement, Komatiland has undertaken to help both the communities on whose land they do business and those situated around them,” he said.

The chief executive officer of Komatiland, Mr Kobus Breed, said the ceremony was the unveiling of “the journey that we have embarked on and there is no turning back. The sound relationship between all parties is a critical ingredient for the success of this journey. It is going to take a lot of hard work and effort to arrive at our ultimate destination.”