The nonprofit organization Vumelana Advisory Fund has appealed to Community Property Associations (CPAs) across the country to provide their contact details before the launch of free support toolkits for CPAs. These toolkits are designed to strengthen CPA management practices, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the management of communal land.
This NGO, which assists beneficiaries of land reform in utilizing their land productively, is preparing to introduce eight such toolkits containing 69 practical resources. They aim to equip CPAs with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective management of their land assets.
According to the organization, CPAs that submit their information will receive updates on the start of the CPA support toolkits and instructions on how to access these resources.
This initiative comes against a backdrop of ongoing challenges in management and operational activities affecting CPAs nationwide. A report from the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development for the 2023/24 financial year found that 82% of the 1700 registered CPAs in the country did not comply with the CPA Act provisions.
Peter Setoeu, Executive Director of Vumelana Advisory Fund, noted that solving land reform issues requires collective effort. He emphasized that since its inception, the problems observed in CPAs at Vumelana have primarily been related to governance matters.
He acknowledged the need to shift focus, as beneficiaries require appropriate skills, tools, and resources to succeed after land transfer. Setoeu stated that post-transfer practical support remains vital in helping CPAs fulfill their duties and unlock the potential of transferred lands.
He said, 'Good governance plays a crucial role in helping CPAs attract investment and build partnerships that can create jobs, generate income, and unlock the economic potential of communal land.' He specifically highlighted that CPAs are encouraged to participate in the program because it is free and specifically designed to help them manage transferred land effectively after settlement.
Vumelana is also developing an online platform for distributing CPA tools, which will allow CPAs to find and download the resources they need. The platform is expected to include an AI-powered assistant to help users navigate available tools and guides.
Setoeu urged CPAs in all provinces, including those where the organization has not previously worked, to submit their names and contact details before the rollout of the toolkits. CPA representatives can send their names, the names of their CPAs, the names and titles of executive committee members, their province, email addresses, and mobile phone numbers to info@vumelana.org.za to receive launch updates and information on how to access the resources.
Setoeu added that the organization's goal is to help CPAs strengthen their governance and improve the management of transferred land, laying the foundation for more productive land use that can benefit CPA members and the country as a whole.