SOUTH AFRICA-FREE FARMS.
Free land offered on mystery tropical islands
FIVE-HUNDRED THOUSAND hectares of land on four tropical islands in Asia have been offered to farmers from South Africa and Zimbabwe who are looking for a fresh start. And the land is free.
Chris Niemandt, who represents two non-profit organisations in various fields of ministry, Quantum International and Sejati Biotech, explained, "The government has made the land available initially for crop farming and after that for export crops to uplift the economy."
Quantum International and Sejati Biotech have been in negotiation with the country’s government for over a year now, but Niemandt wouldn’t reveal the names of the islands to prevent individuals approaching the government directly and sinking his carefully laid plans. The main island has its own harbour and airport and the land is fertile and in high rainfall areas. The land is free on a 60-year lease, renewable every 60 years. There’s a small fee of R1 000 for every 100ha to pay for administration, land allocation and emigration. "This is a long-term project," said Niemandt. "The farmers can sell all their crops as long as 20% is sold inside the country of origin. There’s a very low sales tax system even for export. We’re planning to sell some crops back to Africa because of the huge demand for food."
He added the aim of the initiative was to help the government uplift the poor. "The locals are hard-working and just need the opportunity to prove themselves. There’s virtually no crime due to the country’s harsh laws against criminals."
The first group of South African and Zimbabwean farmers has already been allocated land and will be starting within the next few months, once the paperwork’s been processed. The group includes dairy, game and maize farmers and game fishermen.
Development has already begun on the islands, where a Swiss investment corporation has planted the oil-bearing plant jatropha. "They’re planning 50 000ha and there’s more oil available due to the large number of palm and nut trees on all the islands," Niemandt said.
Biodiesel manufacturing plants will also be set up on the islands. Quantum International and Sejati Biotech are currently running biodiesel and bioethanol extraction plants in Empangeni, which they designed and built themselves. The plants were originally intended to process jatropha, but since the South African government banned that crop they’re now processing others, like soya.
All farmers can apply for land on the Asian islands although the organisers are particularly hoping to offer Zimbabwean farmers a fresh start. They’ll also consider any enterprise to build up communities and the economy. "We’ll be building schools and hospitals so doctors, vets, teachers and nurses are all welcome," Niemandt said. He also appealed for sponsorship of old implements, tractors, seed, consulting or financial assistance. – Robyn Joubert
To apply for land, e-mail a one page CV indicating your farming experience to Niemandt at xwr@telkomsa.net.
