Boost for sugar cane farmers
Opportunity for community to diversify
FOR generations, Indian farmers have toiled the land on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, growing and cultivating sugar cane for the masses.
Now, 160 years later, farmers have realised there is more to their land than just sugar cane.
They have now decided to expand by joining forces with government in a newly-launched R5.6 billion Greater Inanda Land- Use Diversification Programme.
The programme, officially launched last Wednesday in Verulam, will help sugar cane and vegetable farmers open their land to other avenues of business such as agro-processing, commercial development and at least 15 000 housing units.
The programme forms part of the Durban Aerotropolis Master Plan that was unveiled by Nomusa Dube-Ncube, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in September last year and it is expected to create 750 000 jobs.
Willie Naicker, the chairperson of the Tea Estate Landowners Association, representing Inanda Tea Estate farmers, said their farmlands fell within the aerotropolis area and they saw it as an opportunity to diversify.
He said Indian farmers living between Inanda and Verulam had been farming the land in keeping with their forefathers’ practices, but much had changed over the years.
Farmers, he said, had now realised their land could be used for greater purposes aside from agriculture.
He said after a year of positive interaction with their consultants, they were now able to publicly reveal their intentions of making their lands available at a cost.
“The programme allows for developments such as integrated human settlement, warehousing, manufacturing, agro-processing, commercial development such as offices and business parks and retail, and services such as shopping malls, banks and social services.”
Naicker touched on the long-standing issue of land invasions and said the demand for land had been greater than the supply.
“This has resulted in violent conflicts, unlawful land dispossessions and invasions. The unfortunate results include loss of human life and destruction of properties, leading to loss of economic opportunities and livelihood.”
He said the initiative was intended to facilitate the smooth release of land, orderly development and adherence to the rule of law leading to social and economic development in the region.
Of the 750 hectares of land, a total of 230 hectares was said to be readily available for multi-purpose development and eventual transfer from owners in accordance with approved development options.
Mike Newton, director of Mfushane Consultants, who is helping government facilitate the project, said housing was a major need in the area. He said at least 150 000 housing units were needed.
Farm land in Inanda would assist with 50 000 of these units and the rest will be built in the Cornubia area, he said.
“We are also looking at agro-processing, so not just straight sugar cane, and to go into products that can be processed and through Dube TradePort moved out into various countries.”
“There is an agreement currently in place to try and move it through Mauritius, but that is still in the pipeline.”
Basil Sikhakane, also assisting in the partnership of the farmers with government, said he grew up in Inanda and could see the change in the area.
“There was no airport in the close proximity of these lands. A century ago, there was farming, and farming only.”
He said over the years, farmers worked hard for what they have now.
“In November, it will be 160 years since Indian indentured labourers came to this country and what better way to celebrate than with this programme.”
He said the children of fourth-generation farmers grew up to become professionals in other fields and were now looking to diversify the use of their land.
“They feel there is more to their land than just sugar cane. They want to find out what aerotropolis means and the true extent of their lands. They want to see their developments along the buffer lines.”
Sikhakane took the intention of the farmers to diversify their land to the Department of Human Settlements and followed due processes in order to get the project started.
“Now we are at the point where officials can come and evaluate the land and say which land is suitable for specific purposes.”
He expected the programme to officially commence early next year.
Freddy Govender, a sugar cane farmer for more than 50 years, will head the programme’s steering committee.
“I have been tasked to meet with government stakeholders to take our plans to the next level. Here a steering committee will be officially formed.”
Govender said serious urbanisation was taking place in Inanda and with it came more crime, more arson fires, more livestock which grazed their crops and more theft.
“I cannot control urbanisation neither can I stop it from happening, so it is a perfect time for me to explore.”
Yaga Govender, the chairperson of the Natal Estate Mill Group and former president of the Natal Canegrowers Association, said he had preached the mantra of diversification for years.
“When it comes to the Inanda Tea Estate sector, it must be known that the composite of farming is made up predominately of small-scale cane or vegetable farmers.
“Due to the financial impact and drought, many of these farmers could not sustain themselves. When I spoke to them about diversification, there were no funds to invest.”
This opportunity was, hence, a proud moment for small-scale farmers.
“This has been knocking on our door for some time and we are extremely grateful for bringing this to the Inanda Landowners Association. I wish the farmers every success in seeing this fulfilled. I am confident if we are part of this process, we will leave a legacy in the Inanda area.”
It is uncertain whether land would be leased or sold to the government for diversification but farmers are hoping to be actively involved in the programme.