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Achieving sustainable land reform through partnerships

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In order to drive conversations on land reform in South Africa, the Vumelana Advisory Fund (Vumelana) recently hosted the second of a series of roundtable discussions which focused on partnerships for land reform as well as the role of the private sector and other stakeholders in fulfilling the targets of the National Development Plan (NDP) in the land reform programme.
Peter Setou, chief executive (CE) of Vumelana, a non-profit organisation, said, “These discussions are not just another policy debate about what is wrong; we are bringing together industry leaders to provide practical insights that will help in the implementation of the policies that have already been put in place. We have the right plans in place, we have the right policies in place, but not all stakeholders have come to the party to ensure that these policies and plans are taken to the ground to achieve the desired results.”

Land reform within the context of the NDP

Land reform within the context of the NDP aims to ensure that agricultural development and subsequent inclusive rural economic growth are achieved through the land reform process and that rural areas are integrated into the mainstream economy through agriculture.

Furthermore, the NDP acknowledges the important role of various models of land acquisition and redistribution to resolve the slow pace of land reform and the lack of successful implementation of policy at local level.

The NDP vision is that by 2030 we have integrated and included rural areas where residents are economically active and have food security, access to basic services, healthcare, and quality education. To achieve this, we require leadership in land reform, communal tenure security, and infrastructure and financial and technical support to farmers.

An integrated and inclusive approach to partnerships

Setou highlights that to achieve an integrated and inclusive rural economy, an integrated and inclusive approach to partnerships involving investors and operators with access to financial and other markets is required. Private capital and new land participants must be brought into the process to enable the mobilisation of resources and ensure sustainable benefits for land reform beneficiaries. “With under 13 years to go until 2030, a more aggressive approach to partnerships must be taken to help the government to effectively implement current land reform policies, all parties must come on board – private sector, government and non-governmental organisations alike.”

According to the NDP, agriculture has the potential to expand and create an additional one million jobs. While some progress has been made in the land reform programme, research findings show that a lot more needs to be done. Industry research shows that to date only eight million hectares of arable land have been transferred to black people, which is only 9.8% of the 82 million hectares of arable land in South Africa. It also shows that there has also been a 19% decline in households involved in agriculture, from 2.9 million households in 2011 to 2.3 million in 2016.

Mazwi Mkhulisi, programmes manager of Vumelana, said, “Community private partnerships (CPPs) present a plausible solution to addressing some of the current challenges in land reform. Community private partnerships are those that are established between private parties and communities that acquire access to land under the land reform programme. Typically, the communities bring their land and labour and the private partner brings capital and skills to the partnership. The role of collaborations with industry players cannot be underestimated.”

CPPs differ from management agreements insofar as the partners share the risks and the rewards. They also differ from typical joint ventures that demand 50:50 shareholding and risk-taking. CPPs are based on an assumption that the partners are unlikely to be equally capable of carrying risk and that the balance of risks, resources and rewards must be negotiated in the context of the particular circumstances of each case. CPP contracts are structured to ensure that the partners are able to meet their obligations and exercise their rights in a manner that supports the profitable operation of the business venture they enter into.

Mkhulisi argues that the adoption of the CPP programme provides an opportunity for the exploration of a different approach to land reform within the framework and in line with the recommendations of the NDP, to work towards achieving the targets that have been set out in the NDP.

Partnerships are probably the only way we can achieve sustainable land reform in this country because neither the government nor the private sector can do it on their own.

Financing in land reform is critical

According to Annelize Crosby, Agri SA policy advisor on land reform, partnerships are probably the only way we can achieve sustainable land reform in this country because neither the government nor the private sector can do it on their own. “Financing, social facilitation, and management of expectations are some of the key elements in the partnership relationship.

“The biggest role we can play in making land reform sustainable is ensuring that beneficiaries are part of the full value chain,” said Crosby. She highlighted that financing in land reform is critical, and remains a big challenge, as it is one of the things that still have not been sorted out. One way to address that would be through a special purpose vehicle instrument to help facilitate financing and development. Often some kind of a referee is necessary for the land reform relationship

The issue of trust

Chief Land Claims Commissioner Nomfundo Ntloko-Gobodo of the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights said, “One of the lessons that continue to come out in land reform relationships is the issue of trust. In the entire relationship cycle, communities must trust the government and the private partners with whom they form relationships, and that’s the aspect that takes a longer time than anything else.

“Previously we had challenges with private sector partners who partnered with communities with other agendas, for a quick fix and personal benefits and thought the process would be a mere hit and run. These people complicated the development dynamics.

“We are at a stage where we are seeking partners who understand the trust value that is needed by communities. We want to create sustainable partnerships with partners who will provide expertise that will take the land reform programme to the next level.”

Forming sustainable, long term relationships

Ntlok-Gobodo said, “Land reform is the responsibility of all of us as South Africans, therefore each sector has to identify its niche and expertise and bring those skills to the table for sustainability of all land reform projects to contribute towards the meaningful transformation of our country.

“Land reform is a heart matter and not a head matter because a lot has happened in this country and we need to redress, in the right manner, with the right partners who have the right attitude and agenda. If we get that right, we cannot go wrong.

“We want partners who will be in the relationship for the long run because land reform is not going to be a project that ends in 2030 or just a quick fix. It is going to be around for a very long time and will continue to affect the next generation into the future,” said Gobodo.

Evolving and adapting different models to meet the needs of the community

Speaking at the session, Anwhar Madhanpall of the South African Sugar Association highlighted that the South African sugar industry is the largest agricultural employer, representing direct employment of approximately 85,000 jobs, and indirect employment of an additional 350,000 jobs. This represents 11% of the total agricultural workforce in the country. Furthermore, approximately one million people, more than 2% of South Africa’s population, depend on the sugar industry for a living.

He noted that SASA has a number of projects from which learnings on partnerships can be drawn, including governance models to help build the capacity of leadership within CPAs to equip them with the necessary knowledge they need to run sustainable CPAs. “In order to achieve transformation in land reform, we have to consistently evolve and adapt different models to the needs of the community at the time, in order to adequately address their needs. Everything that we do in this space must be in the best interest of the community,” said Madhanpall.

Considerations that explore and enhance what has worked to date within land reform have the potential to assist in ensuring a successful and sustainable land reform programme for the future.

Information sharing and a hands-on-approach necessary

As one of the CPA’s that have benefitted from Vumelana’s support, Hezekiel Nkosi of the Moletele Communal Property Association shared some of his experiences as a beneficiary of the land reform programme. He highlighted that while the Moletele CPA is doing well in its partnership relationships, continuous learning about the industry and business of agriculture; as well as taking a hands-on approach in the process, is necessary to sustain the partnership, with trust being the key driver of the success of the relationship. He highlighted that “there needs to be a lot of information sharing with the community in order to create an understanding of what land ownership is about; this way, we will also effectively manage perceptions.”

“It is not only about more policies that we need to make a difference, we have to vigorously implement the current policies. What we need are practical and implementable solutions where all relevant parties are brought together to balance out the imbalances of the past. While the government can only do so much, it is time that the private sector really comes to the party too. Considerations that explore and enhance what has worked to date within land reform have the potential to assist in ensuring a successful and sustainable land reform programme for the future,” he said in closing.

Source:bizcommunity

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Philanthropy

McEnies CEO, Dr Olaosebikan Bags Chieftaincy Title, Gimbia Of Durumi

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McEnies Global Communications CEO, Dr. Omolaraeni Olaosebikan has been honoured with the chieftaincy title, Gimbia of Durumi, (meaning Women Leader) in FCT, Abuja, North Central Nigeria. Dr Olaosebikan recorded this latest feat on Friday, March 22, 2024, during the global commemoration of the United Nations World Water Day, where a solar-powered borehole was donated to the Gudu Community in Abuja by the LG Electronics, a global leader in technology and innovation.

The theme of this year is ‘Water for Peace’, emphasizing the vital significance of water in ensuring the stability and prosperity of human existence. Expressing her joy during a chat with some journalists, the integrated marketing communication expert said:

“A chieftaincy title has been conferred on me this last Friday, March 22, 2024, as, GIMBIA of DURUMI, meaning Women Leader. I am so pleased to announce that I am now Dr. Chief (Ms) Omolaraeni Olaosebikan. It’s a huge privilege for me to have been conferred and honoured with the distinguished title, Gimbia Of Durumi in Abuja”. 

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“Durumi (Gbagi) is a small community in the Northern part of Nigeria that has decided to recognize my tenacity to bring some goodness for the first time into their community through a corporate organization and I assure them that I will not disappoint neither will I disappoint humanity in the journey of life. This worthy honour simultaneously came during the drilling of a solar-powered borehole for the people of Durumi, Gudu. The CSR initiative was part of the well-thought-out programme to celebrate the United Nations World Water Day”.

“I so much love and appreciate everyone who has been part of the feat, particularly the traditional institution in Gudu community, FCT Abuja. I feel so elated to extend my appreciation to the District Head, Garki, Chief Tanko Zekeri, as well as Chief Iya Bawa and others.” She said.

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Corporate Citizenship

World Water Day: LG Donates Solar-powered Borehole to Abuja Community

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LG Electronics, a global leader in technology and innovation, joined the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in the global celebration of the United Nations World Water Day by donating a solar-powered borehole to the Gudu Community in Abuja. The theme of this year is ‘Water for Peace’, emphasizing the vital significance of water in ensuring the stability and prosperity of our world.

In situations where water is limited or contaminated, or where access is unequal or nonexistent, tensions can escalate between communities and nations. It is crucial to proactively tackle water-related issues to prevent conflicts and encourage collaboration for sustainable water management. A series of events took place to celebrate this special day from the Peace walk around FCT to the special press conference with all the relevant partners, international NGOs, Federal Ministries representatives, and private corporations.

Speaking at the commissioning of the solar-powered borehole, the Minister, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev said; “We are extremely happy to celebrate yet another World Water Day with everybody and in particular with the donation of this borehole which is most significant of the celebration. The Gudu Community is grateful for this”.

“All year round we sensitize and celebrate the day to bring attention to one of the leading environmental issues, the scarcity of water.” Water is life, and we cannot even imagine our life without water. Water means a lot to us more than just quenching our thirst, but it plays the role of a vital component of human development; This day provides us an opportunity to think about this issue and how we can make a difference”

The Minister additionally said “Around 2 billion people around the world do not have access to clean and safe drinking water, and approximately 3.6 billion people – 46% of the world’s population – lack adequate sanitation services, according to a new United Nations World Water Development Report released. This is a major contributor to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea”

Prof. Utsev added, “In Nigeria, approximately 60 million people lack access to safe water sources, leading to numerous health challenges and impeding socio-economic development.” Hence we need to keep appealing to corporate organizations such as what LG Electronics has done today to provide good drinking water for vulnerable communities like Gudu and all across the country so we can gradually reduce the numbers”

Also at the event, the Managing Director, LG Electronics, Mr. Hyoung Sub Ji thanked the Ministry for the opportunity to collaborate with them to contribute to the community. He said the relevance of LG’s slogan cannot be over-emphasized which is “Life’s Good” With good drinking water people can live and have a good life. This is what has prompted us to do this” he said.

Mr. Ji advised “This year, we at LG are proud to align with the theme of Water for Peace. We urge other corporate organizations to collaborate with relevant institutions in combating the scarcity of clean water, which tragically leads to the premature deaths of vulnerable children and adults nationwide. Together, through partnership and collective action, we can make a significant impact on ensuring access to safe and clean water for all. Let us work hand in hand towards a future where every individual has the basic human right to clean water, promoting health, peace, and prosperity in our communities.”

Giving a thank you speech, the leader of the community, Alhaji Jubril Musa said, “We are very happy for this water as it solves more than half of our challenges. We will ensure we safeguard the borehole to last longer for us in the community. We thank LG Electronics and the Ministry for the gesture”

Present at the celebration are WaterAid, United Nations International Children (UNICEF), Education Fund (UNICEF), UNESCO, Action Against Hunger, Gillmor Engineering Nigeria Limited, FORDMAX Nig. Limited, CGC Nigeria Limited, Food and Agricultural Organization, (FAO), Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria (BODAN), Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), and other relevant ministry representatives.

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LG Electronics continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility through initiatives like this. Clean and easily accessible water is indispensable for economic growth, public health, and environmental integrity. By giving priority to water as a means for peace, we can strive towards a more balanced and harmonious global community.

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NGOs - SDGs

Laila Bastati on the importance of diversity in shaping Africa’s future

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Laila Bastati, Chief Commercial Officer, APO Group (Source: APO Group)

As we observe International Women’s Month with the theme of ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ it is essential to contemplate the importance of diversity within organizations and its crucial role in shaping a more equitable and inclusive society. This year’s theme calls on us to inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, not just for the benefit of women but for the advancement of the African continent. 

Women across Africa face unique challenges, from cultural barriers to limited access to resources and opportunities. However, despite these difficulties, they continue to defy the odds, breaking barriers, and making significant contributions to their communities and economies. As we recognise such achievements, it’s crucial to underline the importance of promoting the role of women in driving more diverse, competitive, and future-looking workspaces.

“At APO Group, we’re proud of our extremely diverse team of professionals from all over the world. The diversity we see in age, gender, locations, backgrounds, and experience all combines to forge a formidable team that brings the best of APO Group to our clients. In an industry that has achieved, in recent years, a good gender balance, we strive to lead by example, leveraging our platform to advocate for broader gender equality and diversity initiatives, aiming to inspire other organizations to follow suit.” said Laila Bastati, Chief Commercial Officer, APO Group.

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“For us, such diversity reflects a leadership that values and promotes the unique perspectives and contributions of women, at all levels of the organisation. It also clearly demonstrates that we’re an organisation that values inclusivity and equality, and that the different voices and ideas of our team reflect a unique understanding of the African markets in which we operate. The result of being firm proponents of an environment in which all contributions are valued, and where collaboration is part of our culture, is that innovation and creativity come naturally.” Laila Bastati Added.

The importance of embracing diversity

Embracing diversity, especially gender diversity, is essential for any organization aiming to create a balanced, fair, and dynamic working environment.There’s no doubt that for any type of organisation, embracing diverse perspectives and expertise, highlighting achievements and success stories, and advocating for equal opportunities and recognition, are all aspects that contribute to a more equitable and inclusive environment where everyone has the chance to succeed based on merit and talent. 

Successful companies intentionally cultivate diverse leadership at all levels. While this may initially appear coincidental, the process of building diverse teams is a deliberate and strategic endeavour that underscores a commitment to creating spaces where women’s leadership and insights drive innovation and strategic decision-making.

What makes a diverse team?

Firstly, promoting diversity in leadership is crucial. Actively recruiting, developing, and promoting the right female candidates into leadership positions ensures women’s perspectives are represented at the decision-making table. Secondly, reviewing and revising policies to ensure they are gender-neutral and promote equal opportunities for all employees is essential. Thirdly, providing equal access to training, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities, with a particular focus on supporting women, is key.

Additionally, creating a supportive work environment and nurturing a culture of inclusion where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported is paramount. Regularly monitoring and evaluating diversity metrics to track progress and identify areas for improvement is also important. Finally, embracing a culture of work meritocracy where individuals are recognised and rewarded based on their skills, contributions, and performance, rather than on gender, race, or other characteristics, completes the foundation of a diverse team.

In the context of this special period of the year, I urge organizations across Africa to recognize and harness the unique strengths women bring to the table, not only to promote gender equity, but to ensure these organizations will continue to have a place in the workspace of tomorrow.

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