M&G reporter
In a historic ceremony in Piet Retief, Mpumalanga, last month Mondi handed over land for development to three communities of Thokozane, Maphapheni and Rustplaats/Mayinini.
In each case, the land has been sold either to a government agency or to a developer with the proceeds of the sale being returned in full to the communities with the active involvement of national and provincial government.
Commenting on Mondi’s endorsement of the community land reform project, Mondi CEO Andrew Thompson said: “Ownership of the land will bring legal and emotional security to these communities, enabling them to support the development of infrastructure and the building of houses.
“This in turn will provide the platform for job creation as well as other services, which will contribute to the long-term welfare of the communities.”
Thompson says Mondi is committed to supporting rural land reform and related socio-economic development. This comes from a recognition that peaceful co-existence with its neighbours requires the development of infrastructure, reduction in poverty through job creation and a consequent improvement in social welfare.
“Specific opportunities exist for vegetable-growing, “spaza” shops, bee-keeping for honey, manufacture of timber products, manufacture of charcoal and firewood collection,” said Kevin Cazalet, general manager of Mondi Forests.
He added: “Mondi hopes to see entrepreneurs in its neighbouring communities taking advantage of these opportunities.”