By Emily Setona
BETHLEHEM – After decades farming state land without ownership, 58 Free State farmers have finally received title deeds, ending years of uncertainty and frustration.
Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development Mzwanele Nyhontso handed over the deeds at a ceremony at The Loft in Bethlehem on Monday, converting long-term leases into full ownership.
Nyhontso acknowledged farmers’ anger over years of unfulfilled promises, saying government had heard their concerns.
He said the beneficiaries had met all lease conditions, qualifying them for ownership to secure tenure, restore dignity and unlock access to finance through land collateral.
Free State MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Elzabé Rockman welcomed the milestone but warned that ownership alone would not guarantee success, describing agriculture as a high-risk sector that requires hard work, accountability and strong partnerships.
Among the beneficiaries were Xolani Zondo (32) and his father Aaron (73), who have farmed for more than 20 years. Zondo called the handover a “generational breakthrough”, saying the family breeds over 500 Brahman cattle and plants maize and soya.
Dihlabeng farmers Malebina and Lefu Tladi also celebrated the moment, describing the title deed as the fulfilment of a legacy fought for by their forefathers.
Deputy Minister Nonceba Mhlauli said the handover represented a transfer of opportunity to future generations and urged continued cooperation to ensure land reform drives economic growth and rural development.
While officials cautioned that more work is needed to keep farms productive and sustainable, beneficiaries said the deeds symbolise security, dignity and a future firmly rooted on land they now legally own.
