Committees engage on Dithabeng CPA, Golden Gate

By Staff Reporter

Qwaqwa – Parliament’s Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development is on a week-long joint oversight visit to the Free State with the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade.

According to the parliamentary communication services, the joint oversight is focusing on the Dithabeng Communal Property Association (CPA) land claim and the management challenges facing the Golden Gate Highlands National Park (GGHNP).

Committee Chairperson for the Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Affairs and Rural Development, Mpho Modise, said the oversight visit is a commitment to ensuring that land restitution processes are transparent, accountable and beneficial to affected communities, while also safeguarding our natural heritage.

The committees were briefed by the Commission for the Restitution of Land Rights (CLR) and South African National Parks (SANParks) on the intricate background and current status of the Dithabeng CPA land claim. This claim encompasses critical sections of the GGHNP and highlights the historical injustices endured by the Dithabeng community, who lost their land rights when the area was incorporated into the QwaQwa National Park in 1991. The land claim, initiated in 1998, involves approximately 12 654 hectares and has experienced numerous complexities that have contributed to delays in resolution and restitution.

During the briefing, CLR officials provided a detailed breakdown of the settlement process, outlining the financial compensation provided to 115 households in 2016, totalling R29.8 million. They also discussed the restoration of land rights through a co-management agreement with SANParks for 36 households.

However, the committees were made aware that several critical aspects of this settlement remain unresolved, including the transfer of title deeds for three farms within the GGHNP and the eventual operationalization of the co-management agreement – both key components for the community’s empowerment and sustainable development.

The committees expressed urgent concerns regarding the ongoing illegal occupation of land within the park, as well as CPA members residing in the park. It was noted that the Maluti a Phofung Municipality’s promise to develop 120 serviced sites for residential dwellings has yet to materialize, leaving community members in a state of uncertainty regarding their housing and livelihood.

The second day of the oversight deliberations were dedicated to addressing the organisational challenges facing the CPA. CLR representatives reported that the CPA is currently non-compliant with CPA legislation, which necessitates immediate remedial action.

The committees emphasized that strong governance and adherence to legal frameworks are essential for the sustainability of the CPA and its initiatives. They highlighted the need for effective leadership within the CPA to facilitate community engagement and drive developmental projects forward.

In light of these discussions, the committees suggested several key recommendations aimed at addressing the identified challenges:- Workshop with SANParks and CPA exco: SANParks is to convene a workshop by 15 November to discuss the finer details of the co-management agreement. This workshop aims to ensure that the CPA is well-informed and prepared to engage in the co-management of the land, promoting a collaborative approach to resource management and conservation.

Finalisation of CPA governance: The CPA is required to finalize all outstanding governance matters, including the adoption of its constitution, scheduling an annual general meeting (AGM), and providing an updated membership list by 14 November. This step is vital for ensuring transparency and accountability within the CPA’s operations.- Support for agricultural ventures:

The committees recommend that a joint workshop between the CPA and the Department of Agriculture be held by 29 November to discuss potential financial and non-financial support options for the CPA’s agricultural initiatives. This collaboration will foster economic development within the community and provide sustainable livelihoods for CPA members.

The oversight visit also served as an opportunity to highlight the importance of environmental stewardship in the management of national parks. The committees recognized that while land restitution is a critical issue, it must be balanced with the need to preserve our natural resources for future generations. The co-management agreement presents an opportunity for the Dithabeng community to play an active role in the conservation and sustainable use of the GGHNP, ensuring that the community’s rights and interests are protected while contributing to the park’s ecological health.

The committees concluded that addressing these issues is paramount for the successful resolution of the Dithabeng land claim and for the future sustainability of the GGHNP.

A comprehensive report detailing the findings and recommendations from this oversight visit will be compiled and presented to the relevant authorities, ensuring that the interests of the Dithabeng community are prioritized in the land restitution process.

The committees reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to facilitate the timely resolution of outstanding issues and to promote the equitable use of land resources for the benefit of all communities. The committees urged all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue and to prioritize the needs of the Dithabeng community as we move forward in this critical process.