This year’s South African grape season will spell great change for one of the Orange River region’s best-known suppliers.
Around 65 workers at Naftali/ Monte Estate, renamed the Rekopane Estate, have entered into a partnership with director Peu Bezuidenhout, giving them a 25 per cent stake in the new estate.
The partnership is the latest land transformation project backed by the Department of Land Affairs through its Land Redistribution Programme for Agricultural Development (LRAD) funds.
The worker shareholders are all members of the newly formed Loretlhabetse Trust.
Loretlhabetse, a tswana word, means the sun has risen for us, which has particular meaning for the members, according to Bezuidenhout.
He and his workers have had to ovecome the region’s desert climate to build the estate from six hectares in 1979 to 528ha - 212ha of which are devoted to table grapes for exportation.
Obed Mvula, Chief Director of Land Affairs said the department granted the workers financial support under the Farm Worker Equity Share Scheme, as part of an ongoing objective to bring about Black Economic Empowerment.
The department contributed R6.5 million towards the workers’ shareholding.
Bertie Smith, director of agricultural banking services at Standard Bank, says the bank is committed to creating a positive future for South Africa’s agriculture.
He said: “That is why Standard Bank has launched various initiatives to identify BEE opportunities and to equally equip stakeholders in the industry to play a constructive role.
“We are hoping to contribute to the growth of our economy - giving previously disadvantaged communities hope for a bright future. In achieving this, we aim to partner with leading farmers like Peu Bezuidenhout and with the government.”
Over the next three years, Rekopane Estates will add another 68 hectares of new table grape varieties, and 60 hectares of citrus to its plantations.
Rekopane also produces 1,400 tonnes of wine grapes on 23 hectares, has a growing production of roses, a guest house and a farm shop.
Bezuidenhout said the people of Rekopane take great pride in fostering a policy of environmental sustainability and all farms are certified by EurepGAP and Tesco’s Nature’s Choice.
At the same time social, cultural and health enrichment is a key consideration, he explained.
Rekopane’s People Development Programme has recently received certification by the EU-based Investor in People Standard and the Capespan Foundation has agreed to contribute R500,000 over the next three years for training and devlopment.
According to Nazeem Sterras, chief executive of the Capespan Foundation, the support for Rekopane’s people will be focussed on skills development, ABET training and technical training where it is required.
“Consideration will also be given to Fairtrade Certification as well as marketing some of Rekopane’s grapes under the Thandi brand which will increase returns to the shareholders,” he added.
The new Rekopane partnership has also drawn praise from Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
In a message to the shareholders of Rekopane Estates, he highlighted the importance of mutual dependency between partners.
“Without labour it is not possible for the land to produce anything but weeds. Without capital it is not possible to run a productive farm. You are inter-dependent,” he said.
“It is through working together that we will build up our country for our children and our children’s children, where all can walk tall and reach for the stars.”
